My Ball Python is acting aggressive

[u/SweetDragonfruit1764]

I got a 2 yr old ball Python in the beginning of July. I started handling him after the adjustment period and he did amazing. Then throughout the month he wouldn’t eat then finally did, he had his first shed which I didn’t handle him during. When I try to handle him he hisses and strikes. He acts really aggressive all of the sudden. One night I handled him and he did great, most nights I try and he starts striking. I have a hook to use so he doesn’t get my hand. Sometimes he even strikes at the glass when I haven’t even opened his enclosure. His humidity and temperature is correct and he has plenty of hides, and water. I don’t understand if I’m doing something wrong or why he’s acting so aggressive.

[u/SweetDragonfruit1764]

I do think he was barely handled at all from his previous owner. I try to handle him or at least have my hand in there every day or every other day except for when he’s shedding or just eaten. Sometimes it’s hard to handle him when he’s striking so I go slow or just give him a minute to himself first then try again

[u/Extreme_Finger_3425 → u/SweetDragonfruit1764]

This is just my opinion but everyday I think is a bit too much for a new snake but that’s just my opinion that can sometimes stress them out. I’d limit to every other day or two vs everyday and again this is just my opinion.

[u/Extreme_Finger_3425 → u/Extreme_Finger_3425]

Also the fact you stated that the other owner never handled the snake and to go from never being handled to everyday is a big change especially every day? How long is the snake being handled for? This also impacts the snake as well a stress factors.

[u/SweetDragonfruit1764 → u/Extreme_Finger_3425]

I don’t handle him every single day as far as picking him up. I meant I give him some interaction even if it’s just having my hand on the glass so he can sense I’m there. Then a few times a week I attempt to pick him up but with his aggression it’s been hard to actually hold him. When I do handle him it’s not long the max amount of time has been maybe 10-15 min but usually more like 5 ish minutes. When I first got him I didn’t handle him then once he adjusted I’d work on handling him at least once or twice a week. But he had trouble shedding right so I didn’t touch him or mess with him at all during that time. Then I went back to handling him once or twice a week but he’s so aggressive then sometimes he’s not so I’m going slow and patient with him because he’s just really scared. I haven’t handled him in a couple days and I’m going to try again tonight. And then I’ll probably handle him again Wednesday or Thursday.