I purchased my first snake about 10 days ago and he seems to be very defensive. Elvis is a fairly young, 23" ball python. He strikes at my hand every time i reach into his cage (although i don't really know if it is in fact a "he"). This being my first snake, i am hoping to get some good advice. I have read to leave them alone for 2 weeks so I am not handling him at all. I am just filling his water bowl every few days. I did try to feed him thinking maybe he was striking because of hunger, but he wouldn't eat. The pet store told me the day I got him, he was due to eat the next day, so he is overdue for a meal. I noticed yesterday, he was soaking in his water bowl and his eyes have began to get cloudy so he could be going into shed, but does that make them agitated? He has been angry since I have had him. My main concern is that i have a mean snake and don't know why. Please help...