Insecurity vs aggression/temperment

[Michelle1221]

So how do you gauge insecurity over aggression or cranky temperment in a young ball python?

Do they grow out of it?

I get striking at me from within the tub might be a baby thing or insecurity with being a new arrival but what about someone else holding her and she is trying to strike at me-not once but multiple times?
or when you are holding them and they just strike. I had warning because she was in that pose but she just kinda stays that way and then picks her moment. I tried cover her with my other hand to get her to ball back up but she goes right back into her strike mode pose my daughter calls it.

[Mike41793]

My pastel thinks the 32qt tub makes her look fat. I assure that she looks fine though. I would gauge that to be insecurity.

[Michelle1221]

My pastel thinks the 32qt tub makes her look fat. I assure that she looks fine though. I would gauge that to be insecurity.

so maybe I phrased it wrong? Or it's a stupid question?

Im just looking for opinions and ideas on if its possible young ball python behavior or points to possible signs of aggressive temperament.

[RoseyReps]

so maybe I phrased it wrong? Or it's a stupid question?

Im just looking for opinions and ideas on if its possible young ball python behavior or points to possible signs of aggressive temperament.

Don't mind him. He's the local comedic relief

In my opinion, it's probably just an age thing. Are there cranky adults? Sure, of course! But I wouldn't toss a young'in in that category until it's a good bit older and you've tried to tame it to the best of your abilities. He's new, little, and probably thinks you're going to eat him. Assuming he is still eating properly, keep on doing 5min sessions with him a few times a week. Keep practicing the covering maneuver, and most importantly, don't be afraid of him! He's just a little squirt, and even when he's a big squirt he's not going to do much damage. Just keep working with him a little at a time, don't over do it, but don't ignore him completely.

This is my take on it, I have 2 little dudes that are cranky as all get out. One of them strikes the tank if he's out and I am near, the other just hisses like crazy. The hisser is getting better now that he's almost 300g, the striker is new so I haven't started the chill-out training yet. But I have no doubt that with proper husbandry, time, weight, and patience, he'll come around