Help! I need suggestions on taking my BP out!

[200xth]

So my and my boyfriend have a ball python. We've had him for about 3-4 years now. He's very healthy, eats every 1-2 weeks (live rats) and sheds/poops regularly. I've never been scared to take him out of his tank until just recently. My boyfriend is away so I've been taking care of the snake on my own and every time I try and take him out of his tank im petrified! He's been extremely curious lately. I always see him moving around the tank and whenever I attempt to take him out he comes close as if he wants to strike. We've always fed him in a separate tank so I don't know why he's being extra curious and treating me as a "threat" as of lately. I even just bought a snake hook to prevent my hand from going inside. Any suggestions or comments as to why his behavior is changing?

Also, I notice that he star-gazes...a lot. I know its normal for snakes to do but now im curious because he will sit with his neck up for a good 15 minutes straight in one position and I feel like thats not normal! The temperature in his tank is fine so I'm not sure what the issue is.

HELP!

Two thoughts.

1. Are you feeding him enough? You said 1 to 2 weeks...not sure how big the rats are, but there's a chance it's not enough especially if it's something that's too small and it's every 2 weeks. Just doublecheck that.

2. Star gazing. Is he possibly sick? Star gazing is one of the signs of respiratory infections. Check for the other signs (mucus around the mouth, clicking or wheezing when breathing).

Could be something else, but that's what came to my mind when I read your post.