Everyone I need help!!!!!

[Meyer]

I have a three and a half foot ball python named Rowdy that I received about 8 months ago from my brother. Rowdy was a great snake and very docile up until a week ago when he bit me and now he seems pissed off all the time. I feed him 4 mice a week and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I have a 7 year old daughter who loves to play with him but now I'm afraid he will bite her too. Any suggestions?????

[JoshSloane]

There are many variables that can cause a bite. Any changes in husbandry, weather, seasons and foreign scents can all have an effect.

At risk of anthropomorphising them too much, snakes can get moody here and there. It's normal, and happens to all of us. My most docile boa one time out of nowhere struck at me, and hasn't done it again since.

Make sure that your hands are free of rodent scents before handling. One thing to consider is possibly switching to rats, and upping the food size. He might be needing a diet increase. How big is he? Can you post a pic?

[Meyer]

I'm not sure how to post pics but I will as soon as I figure it out by

[Aercadia]

How to post pictures, the short version.

How to post pictures, the in-depth version.

Hope these help! :)

[Hypancistrus]

I agree with all points.

1. Always, always wash hands before handling your snakes. Even something as obscure as your own lunch scent can smell "off" and trigger bites.

2. Make sure he is feeding on appropriate sized prey and at an appropriate frequency.

3. Check the temps and other aspects of the habitat. I have heard that "too hot" temps can cause moodiness or extra aggression.

4. Sometimes snakes bite. It's usually not a big deal, although I'd avoid letting the 7 year old get bitten simply to keep her interested in snakes and not afraid.

[JoshSloane]

I agree with all points.

1. Always, always wash hands before handling your snakes. Even something as obscure as your own lunch scent can smell "off" and trigger bites.

2. Make sure he is feeding on appropriate sized prey and at an appropriate frequency.

3. Check the temps and other aspects of the habitat. I have heard that "too hot" temps can cause moodiness or extra aggression.

4. Sometimes snakes bite. It's usually not a big deal, although I'd avoid letting the 7 year old get bitten simply to keep her interested in snakes and not afraid.

Regarding point 4 here..This is part of reptile ownership. It is incredibly important to monitor all interactions between children and reptiles by a responsible adult. Yet, bites can still happen even during supervision. However, I think that getting bitten as a kid is part of developing respect and understanding for these animals. Sometimes kids don't fully appreciate how exotic reptiles are until they suffer a mild bite. I distinctly remember being bitten by my first snake as a kid, and the profound impact it had on me. Not only did I develop a much deeper respect for the animal after being bitten, but also made me even more interested in owning reptiles. My point is, if a child is bitten, I would use it as a golden learning opportunity to teach reverence for reptiles. Shielding them from ever being bitten doesn't allow them these real world growth opportunities.