So I just got my first ball python at Repticon about 3 days ago and I already made a mistake. I was handling him a bit on the first day I got him which Ik I shouldn’t have done but he seemed very calm and comfortable. He was slithering around me and my bed sniffing things and wasn’t showing any signs of be scared or defensive. Since I put him in his new enclosure though he’s been very defensive and if I even put my hand in there (which I’ve only done to give him new water and add a few things) he snaps at me every time. He doesn’t seem like he’s trying to bite me but rather just scare me away. I’m not sure what to do, did I ■■■■ up big time?
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Lets start with some basics.
How old is your Ball Python? Can you share a photo of them? Younger individuals may not be as receptive to handling and human contact. There is also the possibility that you reaching into their enclosure is terrifying them, you are a giant in their perspective and they may be seeing you as a predator.
That comes to the second thing, what does their enclosure look like? Can you share photos of that? How large is the enclosure?
Its unfortunate but there is a chance this Ball Python has not been handled enough.
Since this BP is brand new to your home I’d reccomend handling them as little as possible until you can get a meal in them, and you should give them at least a week before offering their meal so they can adjust to their home.
After you can successfully get them to eat its best to give them a day or 2 to digest before handling attempts are made. But once they are ready you need to go in and confidently, but gently, pick them up from the thickest part of their body. Handle them until they calm down and keep handling them for at least 15 minutes afterward. Do this at least once a day and you will see a gradual improvement.
One more thing you will need to do is accept getting bit, in efforts of socializing it will happen eventually. Its best to do this when they are young so their bites won’t hurt or cause any damage.
I honestly do not think this issue stems from you handling them a little bit after getting home so don’t beat yourself up over it. As a new owner you will come across obstacles, mistakes will be made. Its good you are reaching out for help though and you are always welcome to here 
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Hey, thank you for your help. The breeder told me he was only a few months old.
I don’t have a great picture to show his size but I’ll attach one. His enclosure is 40 gallon which im under the impression is good for juveniles before upgrading to a 4x2x2.
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Oh he’s nice looking!
I’d say he might just need some time to settle and be socialized. He’s been through a lot having gone through traveling and now being in a new home. I’m sure with time he will settle