I could use a hand, folks..

My unsexed '08 hatchling has recently become extremely unpredictable. Even though he is a small snake, I consider him too aggressive to be handled. Aggressive is certainly not a good term for it. He is clearly exhibiting fear before he strikes, but he never used to be this way. He was my baby "cuddleworm". Now, also, HE NEEDS TO EAT. And he will not, because he is clearly under stress. I just cannot determine what is stressing him out. Do I need to change his blankets back to moss instead? Is it the weather? I'm running out of ideas. Sophia had twelve babies a night or two ago, and I figured she had too many to care for in the first place, so I took a small pile of three and set them down for Patchy to eat. He did not eat. He was flicking his tongue, but his eyes were on me only. The pinkies were alive and squirming around all over. Patchy was striking at me repeatedly, even from a distance of several feet away.

Is it possible that my little brother was messing with him while I was away? I certainly wouldn't think that something of that nature would have such a strong effect on a snake so docile and loving, but it would explain his rapid change in behavior. It occurred quite literally overnight. One day he was sweet as can be; crawling all over me and enjoying my presence to the fullest, and he loved being touched behind his "ears". The next evening, he was striking at me like a velocaraptor on steroids. Did someone switch my snakey sweety with a cobra?! What's the deal?!

Can anyone shed some light on this odd behavior for me? I am very concerned.

Thanks!