Do breeding females get irritable?

[Ball Clan]

I was checking on Iris last night because she had a pretty good glow going on, and I wanted to see if we had an ovulation yet. But she seemed really stressed out and jumpy and kept trying to get away from me, which is really out of character for her. She has been very tolerant to handling up until now.

My other female, Kay, is pretty laid back and didn't seem to mind handling when she was in the pre-ovulation stage. In fact, in previous years before I knew you shouldn't handle them while they are in their final month, she even tolerated handling then as well.

So is Iris unusually irritable or is Kay unusually laid back? Should I worry about Iris or is this fairly normal?

[don15681]

one of my females laid yesterday. I knew she was do. I've been checking on her a few days just before her laying. I was just looking in on her and not even getting close and she was striking. I knew she was close to having her eggs. yes they will have behavior changes. but never try to figure a female out!!!! it will never happen

[MarkS]

Anything that will make them feel uncomfortable can make them irritable. It'll depend largely on the personality of the individual snake, but yes a lot of mine get a little more touchy during their breeding season.

[Ball Clan]

one of my females laid yesterday. I knew she was do. I've been checking on her a few days just before her laying. I was just looking in on her and not even getting close and she was striking. I knew she was close to having her eggs. yes they will have behavior changes. but never try to figure a female out!!!! it will never happen

LOL. Well I seem to have Kay figured out pretty well, but then I've had her for 7 years.

This is the female I'm watching. And I'm still wondering if there is anything genetic going on with her. Her pattern is just strange for just a normal, but only time will tell I guess.

[Ball Clan]

She also can't seem to make up her mind whether she wants to be warm or cool, but Kay does this as well, so I assume that is normal.