A little concerned

Ok, so here's the deal. I have a two year old Ball Python. All night I notice him stargazing and trying to get out of his tank, and whenever I go to reach in to let him out and roam he's jumpy. The slightest touch on him and he coils up and gets defensive. Defensive behavior is not normal for a Ball Python, I know this and I've never had a problem taking him out and handling him. But I haven't been able to get him out without a striking at me for a couple months now. Any suggestions on what's wrong?

For many males it's still breeding season. If his enclosure, temps, humidity, are all correct and accurate, he could be looking for a female or just wants more to eat.

Just cover his head gently with a small towel or something to take him out and be very calm and slow with him once he's out.

From Oct/Nov through spring, males can get cranky.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

For many males it's still breeding season. If his enclosure, temps, humidity, are all correct and accurate, he could be looking for a female or just wants more to eat.

Just cover his head gently with a small towel or something to take him out and be very calm and slow with him once he's out.

From Oct/Nov through spring, males can get cranky.

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Does this only apply if there are females nearby? Or is it just biological?

It's pure instinct.