Changing attitude with maturity

[HerpIsAhobby]

One of my most friendly females is getting to breeding weight pretty quickly. During her cage cleaning yesterday she acted as if I was trying to kill her. Squirming and trying her best to get away. Just wanted to see if others ever had a female who was reaching sexual maturity start acting this way. This is a complete 180 for her. I would say prior to this that she was a big old sweetheart and would like to sit on my arm while I cleaned her tub.

[kitedemon]

I usually find they calm down as they age. I have a question, are you handling her regularly not just cleaning but other times? I found that not handling for a period of time like when i am really busy they seem to forget that it is ok and fall back on instinct.

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Fear is natural calm and engaging is not it is learned.

[HerpIsAhobby]

With my collection I tend to only really bother them for cage cleanings for the most part. The animals that show me a level of comfort usually wrap around my wrist as I clean other than that I keep handling to a minimum. Up until yesterday this girl had always been nice and relaxed. I've never seen this type of behavior before but I was assuming some kind of hormonal change taking place. Maybe I smelled like something she didn't like idk.

[Anatopism]

Very well could've smelled unfamiliar to her. I haven't noticed a change in females specifically, but have noticed that some snakes will go from shy, to curious, to cranky, to frightened, and back, in no particular order. Most level out right at the apathetic-to-curious range, but sometimes they just have bad days, or are caught off guard for whatever reason. I just learned that the big blood python we just picked up is terrified of the dog. My carpet python is the only other snake that even acknowledges the dog or cats' existences, and she stretches out to be able to sniff them and look them over. Because everyone else doesn't seem to notice the other pets when I have them out, I didn't think much of having the dog nearby when holding the blood, and he backpedaled so fast trying to hide behind me.

Maybe you just startled her, or smelled like something unfamiliar?

[Vypyrz]

I have noticed that some of my snakes will act a little unsure if I use a different soap to wash my hands with, or take a shower with. I have also noticed it when I use a laundry detergent with a strong scent. I try to always use the same hand soap, sanitizer, and not wear cologne when handling my snakes.

[Andybill]

I have an adult lady who is pretty much back and forth. Many times she will hiss and strike at me and then there are other occasions where she seems pretty indifferent and then she can be super calm but then she will go back to being a total B word... I dont know what her problem is. She is my favorite normal tho. Shes super light! I like her despite her typically bad attitude!

[Crazy4Herps]

I doubt the change in behavior is a result of reaching maturity. There are many things that can set a snake off. Instinctive defensiveness is to be expected; after all, snakes are by no stretch of the imagination domesticated. And when - for whatever reason - they get spooked, we as keepers of wild animals should respect them and let them be. Even my most docile snakes will have what I like to call 'bad days' (for lack of a better term), wherein their behavior reverses in reaction to an unknown stimulus. In other words, I don't think you should be concerned.