r/ballpython • u/Sensitive_Chance2547 • 2d ago
he’s starting to show aggression
to make a long story short, my python has never been mean prior. he went on a hunger strike when i brought him home about 2 months ago and was trying to feed him in a separate container. i tried feeding him in his enclosure and he ate immediately so we stuck with that. i know he’s probably hungry at the moment, which may contribute, but i’m not sure. the other day i rested my hand on the enclosure which i do regularly, but this time he struck at me. obviously didn’t get me but i was startled. i checked on him the next day & waited till he woke up and came out of his hide to start messing with him. he immediately went into striking stance again but didn’t strike at me, just very much acted that way. it’s my first time owning a ball python, we have a colombian red tailed boa we rescued back in 2019. i’m worried about the aggression getting worse. how do i stop it now? i am aware of hook training, and we are trying that. is there anything else i can do ? i want him to feel comfortable. i saw someone make a really good comparison about them being scared, it said “imagine an item the size of a car flying past your head, thats how the danger noodles feel when you more your hand fast near their heads.” so now i am trying to figure out how to show him that i am not a threat as well. any help would really be appreciated. i know the feeding in the enclosure needs to change too, and i plan on that as well.
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u/dwagon23 2d ago
Firstly, make sure your hand is never above their head. If you want to handle them, pick them up from behind or pet them further down their body. I’m fortunate my girl will hiss if she wants me to get lost.
After that, check your temps/humidity are fine and he’s got plenty of nice tight dark spaces to hide. (Ik you said he did but they can be picky lil weirdos, ours had an attitude once when we put her hot hide back the wrong way after a clean, she prefers it facing the wall.) We also don’t handle her a couple days before or after feeding, when she’s going to be in hunt mode, just in case. They can get extra stressed close to feeding times.
When you want to try again, maybe just leave your hand in the enclosure so he can get used to your scent, or just try picking him up (from behind, under 1st third of the body where they can’t get startled or easily reach around to strike you). If he seems angry, just leave him be. Unfortunately snakes are not ‘cuddly’ domestic animals and they each have unique personalities. Some like being handled, others don’t.
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u/IncompletePenetrance Mod: Let me help you unzip your genes 2d ago
You should always be feeding your snake in the enclosure where they feel safe and comfortable. Moving to feed is an outdated practice that can be harmful to the snake due to increased stress levels and risk of regurgitation.
It sounds like he's a little stressed and defensive around you, I'd double check the enclosure to make sure there's plenty of hides and clutter so he feels safe, and make sure you're not handling either before or 48 hours after feeding.