Taming an AGGRESIVE snake???

[Dizzlen07]

Anyone have any tips on taming an aggressive snake???

I have a pastel ball python that is about 250 grams. He was tame as can be when I bought him lasting for about a month. Now recently he has become overly aggressive. I can handle getting bit a time or two but he is unmanagable. The minute I open his tub he comes straight up at me in striking position then begins to strike when my hand comes close. Even after picking him up he strikes over and over and over. He also does the whole puffing, hissing deal. I don't know what to do, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

[Kaorte]

Is he hungry?
Is he starting a shed cycle?

He might just be in a bad mood if those other two are not the case. I would just leave him alone for a week and then start small handling sessions. Don't put him away when he strikes or bites, keep him out until he calms down and then place him back in his tub.

Hope this helps!

[Dizzlen07]

No, he has been eating every 5 days with no problems.
And no he's not going through a shed.

I have already left him alone for about a week since he was last aggressive. And today I tried to handle him since I gave him some time alone and struck at me a good 10-12 times connecting half the time..lol. Its hard to not put him back without striking because he strikes the entire time. My hands are getting sore..haha.

[llovelace]

wow! I never had that happen although I have one girl who stays in the strike position always, and tenses up when I take her out of her tub, but she has never struck....yet.

I agree with Kaorte about the handling sessions.

[West Coast Jungle]

250 grams is still a baby. he should grow out of it. I bought a pastel once that the breeder didnt even want to take out of the bag because she was a striker, and she was about 300 grams. I named her Grace because of her attitude. Anyway she grew out of it. Like many of my other aggressive babies have. Like most children, he's probably going through a phase.

A small enclosure and some tight hides may make her feel more secure, sounds like defensive strikes which means he is probably nervous/scared.

Is he in a glass tank?

[Derteufel]

as mentioned babies can be tempermental. If its eating and not shedding, then id say it will pass or maybe you two just dont get along or its just its personality though ive never seen one so aggressive.

I know my baby never strikes at me and one other person. But there are people that hes really nervous around. Chemisrty?

[donkiez]

I have a female fire about the same size with the same problem. All my other snakes are more or less tame, although some are moody. Ive tried everything suggested and recently kind of gave up and figured out that must just be how she is, hoping she grows out of it. Ive even had to cover her tub or put her in the back so she cant see any movement through the plastic as she will strike at it.

[Denial]

I just got in a new burm the other week and he was a chainsaw when I got him. Now he deals with me. The key like everyone else has already said is not to let them down when the bite onto you. You need to show him that biting you is not going to get him his way. I have a snake now thats driving me nuts shes a 12 foot reticulated python and everytime I walk by the cage she slams the glass and that drives me crazy lol. Dont give up though. If your hands are sore you could get you some thin gloves but with baby balls there teeth really arnt that big so I would just take the bite. With gloves on you risk them getting caught in the glove and pulling there teeth out and such.