Agitated snake please help!

[topshots]

Just curious but, so ok the setup isnt ideal and yes there are things to address but........logically....its been 5 years with the same setup, but shes been acting up for a month.....i would say look at what has changed in the last month. i am no expert. but if its been ok all along just look into whats different.

[Badger711]

Snake's personalities can change like a light switch. Husbandry being the #1 cause of said changes. And the temperatures may have changed recently, due to wear on the bulbs, but you couldn't tell because of the dead thermometer batteries.

[CaitJaye]

I try to handle my girl almost every day(except for the day after feeding), even if its just for a few minutes. The only time shes ever struck has been when her eyecaps were on and she was shedding, and even then shes never struck AT me (yet).

[twogurusindrag]

9. The hide is awfully large. Like stated before they live in rodent burrows and like a snug fit. These are the hides I use and so do many other snake keepers. http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

Are these hides heavy enough for him to get under it without carrying it like a shell? The hide I have now gives him a pretty snug fit I think, but I obviously need to add a second.

I read initially that the water bowl should be large enough for him to submerge in it. I've never seen him do this, even when shedding, so I could reduce the size to make room for a second hide. I've been searching for a longer tank, but have not been able to locate one I can afford.

I have made it a point to put my hands near the glass or the top of the tank several times a day and he has not struck. I have also fed him in the cage. I need to do a cleaning this week, so I'll see what happens when I put my hand inside (gloved).

I appreciate any and all advice from persons more knowledgeable than myself. I read a couple of books before I bought him and apparently there were some errors or misunderstandings.Thank you all.

[alexr]

could always go to a 41qt tub. cheap and almost exactly what a BP likes. short and tight space. just another option.