Aggresive Ball Python

[darren0311]

Hello,

so we got our first BP about a month ago, we named her Jasmin, we did alot of research before we got her, we have her in a 20gallon tank with a light, under tank heater, temp controller, hides etc.. well over the last couple of days she has been really aggressive, i took her out to feed, put her in her feeding bin, we have been trying to feed her Frozen/thawed but she is just not interested in it at all, But as soon as we put live in there "BAMMM" she has it all coiled up. so getting back to my point, she hasnt been all balled up lately, she has been on what looks like is alert mode, her head and part of her body is in an "S" position. everytime we walk by her tank her head is halfway out of her hide looking at our every move, well i went to turn the light off last night and she struck at the screen at the top of her tank. I am just lost right now of what could be causing this aggressive behavior! she was so docile a week ago and when we got her now her whole dameaner has changed. one thing that we did change, my GF bought her a new hide, which is like a fake rock but it has a bigger opening than the old one did, could this have something to do with it??

any help would be great.

thanks
darren

[Peoples]

Hello,

so we got our first BP about a month ago, we named her Jasmin, we did alot of research before we got her, we have her in a 20gallon tank with a light, under tank heater, temp controller, hides etc.. well over the last couple of days she has been really aggressive, i took her out to feed, put her in her feeding bin, we have been trying to feed her Frozen/thawed but she is just not interested in it at all, But as soon as we put live in there "BAMMM" she has it all coiled up. so getting back to my point, she hasnt been all balled up lately, she has been on what looks like is alert mode, her head and part of her body is in an "S" position. everytime we walk by her tank her head is halfway out of her hide looking at our every move, well i went to turn the light off last night and she struck at the screen at the top of her tank. I am just lost right now of what could be causing this aggressive behavior! she was so docile a week ago and when we got her now her whole dameaner has changed. one thing that we did change, my GF bought her a new hide, which is like a fake rock but it has a bigger opening than the old one did, could this have something to do with it??

any help would be great.

thanks
darren

Check you temps and humidity are good, also I found out how to cure the (LLMS) lid lunging monster syndrome, when ever I feed I drop the prey in without holding my hand over the tank until she strikes, therefore my hand isn't associated with food. She's maybe just in a pissy mood.

Try dropping a rag or t-shirt over her head then pick her up, she'll calm right down, this also works for snapping them out of feeding mode if you need to pick her up after she's eaten, I also suggest feeding in enclosure, as to avoid handling being associated with feeding.

(0.1 Normal Bp 9yrs old and never bitten or struck and anyone.)

[Skittles1101]

I have a horribly mean ball python. My male ghost is just satan. Like the other person said make sure you check your temps and other husbandry. Once that's checked, try feeding in her enclosure instead of a separate bin. That tends to stress them out more than anything. How often/what size are you feeding her?

I always have to tap my male OG ball with a hook (I know, ridiculous to use a hook on a ball) before I even think about taking him out. Once he's out, I literally have to just sit with him and slowly "pet" him to get him to calm down. He's bit me, my boyfriend, but is slowly calming down. Try those things, along with regular handling. You may have to take a few bites but it's not impossible.

[darren0311]

the temp of the UTH is at 98 deg and the humidity is 50, she just seems really pissy latley, i am not affraid of being bit but like anyone else i want to avoid it. SO i should start feeding her in her tank?? that way she doesnt associate me going in there to get her as feeding time and she snaps into feeing mode right???

[Skittles1101]

WOW 98 degrees is way too hot! the hottest point in the tank should be between 88-92 degrees!

They won't associate your hand with a rat, unless you smell like a rat.

[darren0311]

we are feeding her 2 mice a week, should i switch to something else? she is about 2 feet long and maybe 2inchs thick at the thickest part of her body

[darren0311]

k, i will get the temp down

[Skittles1101]

Try switching to rats, IMO they keep them fuller longer, she may just be cranky because she's hungry.

[darren0311]

should it be a rat or rat pup?? she is like 2 inches at the thickest part of her body, she is about 600grams

[Skittles1101]

Wow, easily a weaned rat, or a small rat. My 600 gram male is eating a small-medium sized rat every week....