So my fiance and I have been enjoying our new ball python, Jolly, for the last month. He's always been very sweet, curious and easy going about being handled. We recently moved to a new apartment, however, and since he's been acting weird. He wasn't out of his environment for more than an hour. We timed the move around his regular feeding schedule so not to disturb his digesting. I thought we did everything right. Since he's been scared of everything, behaving like he can't see almost. He missed his last meal at least six times trying to strike it and typically he eats two mice, this last time he only ate one. (Although worrisome, I didn't have my blow-dryer since it was lost in boxes but do have it now so when we feed him again in a few days we'll see if the warmth helps.) Our concern comes from his behavior when held. He's super jumpy and twitchy, retracting at every little noise or action.

For example, I went to change his water and he was nestled nearby. Normally he doesn't care, is even curious, but this time he just recoiled and snapped back. He didn't move until I was done and then he just retreated into his hide, very defensive. I feel bad because I assumed I scared him but it's been every little thing. Spraying the tank, changing bedding, checking temps, going to hold him... anything. We held him last night and his breathing was very erratic, anxious almost and it took him a long time to calm down. We did have to get him a new hide because the old one was far too small and he kept getting stuck.

We've had him about four weeks and he hasn't shed. Not sure when his last one was with the other owner but don't notice any signs.