I am a new owner, just got my bp 2 weeks ago. My son got one a month before that, he is about 16 months and 480g. I was checking on his and noticed that he had pooped in his enclosure. He was in his hide on the opposite side and I gently slid it over an inch or 2 and then removed the paper towels on that side and replaced them. I wanted to make sure the other side of the cage was clean and I had been wanting to weigh him, so I picked up the hide and lifted him out (with attempts at confidence....I have never owned my own snake and I am nervous getting them out of the enclosure). He did not seem pleased with being held so I quickly weighed him and then put him back. Instead of jetting for his hide like I expected he turned around and reared up aggressively. I tried to put his other hide back on the side I had spot cleaned and he struck repeatedly at the hide, slamming into it 5 or 6 times. I had to block him with a paper towel roll so I could put his water dish back, and he even struck the side of the tank a few times after I closed it.

So clearly, I really pissed him off. I have reached into my snake's cage and done spot cleaning, replaced the water dish, etc with no issues. I did not expect that aggressive a response, he usually seems pretty mellow but my son only handles him about twice a week. Does this mean I should remove him for spot cleaning if it causes him so much stress? Should I not have gotten him out after doing cage maintenance? It was almost time for a feeding so I don't know if that makes them more defensive being hungry, definitely not a feeding strike. From what everyone says on here ball pythons are pretty docile and rarely strike. I am nervous about reaching in there now, and I had been really trying to get over my fears! Btw, we got him from a friend who is a breeder and he was handled regularly by him. Thanks for any thoughts/advice!