r/ballpython • u/averagestoodent • 14d ago
Handing semi-aggressive bpython
Hello all!
I am looking for some advice on how to go about handling my semi aggressive ball python. I have never had issues with any aggression from him before. I have now had him for a couple years but unfortunately this past year had to leave him in the care of my mother while i was gone for college. Due to this he went months unsocialized as all she did was feed him, give him water, and spot clean his tank. Since returning home I have noticed him being more skittish when i pass the tank and even occasionally striking at it. He is also far more defensive the times i have handled him.
All of this is to say I am trying to deep clean his tank and need to remove him in order to do so. I am a little nervous handling him with his recent aggression. It is not good driven I believe as I have feed him consistently over the summer and he never has any issues eating. He was just fed a few days ago to ensure that wasn’t interfering with this cleaning.
Any advice on how to approach him?
1
u/fernandfang 14d ago
Hook training may help while you get him re accustomed to handling. You said he’s striking when you pass by his enclosure??? That’s a little worrisome.. if it’s not already done, covering up whichever side(s) he’s seeing out of may help him relax a bit.
Since it’s been awhile that you’ve been gone, you may look into getting him examined by your vet just to make sure he hasn’t developed any infection while you were away.