I have had my ball python, Lenny, for 12 years. He has always been very laid back, and easy to handle. However, about 2 years ago, he bit me during feeding time. At the time, I figured it was because he is blind in one eye, and mistook my hand for the rat. The bite was more traumatic than one would expect, because he hit a vein in my hand and constricted around my wrist, so it took a good five minutes to release him, and blood was squirting out every time my heart pumped. I am not squeamish, and I have been bitten by snakes before, but this was much worse than the others. Lenny seemed pretty freaked out, too.

For about a week or two, I was too nervous to handle him again, but got over it and things went back to normal. Until a month later, when he struck at me as soon as I opened his cage. After that, he started striking at the glass any time someone went to open the cage. I have been bitten several times by him, and now, there is simply no handling him. Which makes me sad. I feel like he's not the same snake anymore. Feeding time and cleaning his cage are stressful and unpleasant, and I am embarrassed to admit that find myself resenting Lenny sometimes.

Some people have told me that when snakes get older, they can become skittish and senile, and they aren't interested in being handled anymore. He was a little skittish after he lost his vision in one eye, because he couldn't get a good look at anything. But now, he is downright aggressive.

Can anyone relate? Do you have an older snake?

Also, could someone please recommend some good snake gloves? I would prefer not to spend a ridiculous amount of money on them. The only ones I have found online are $40 on the low end and $250 on the high end. Surely there is a cheaper option?

Thanks for reading.