Very Concerned

[Atticus]

My 4 yr.old ball has me very concerned. He has always been very gentle and docile I have even described him as loving, and always very easy to feed and not head shy at all.Until the last month or so, He hasnt eaten in 8 weeks he has never gone more than 4 before. and he is acting very aggressively. He throws himself around his cage tearing everything up hitting his head on the side and he moves away from my touch very quickly. When he used to be eager for me to touch him. IS he acting this way because he is hungry?? I have offered many times a very nice live rat which he refuses to eat. I am at a loss as what to do. I am getting afraid to touch him. He is about 4 feet long and very very girthy I do not want to get bit. I would appreciate any advice some one could give. Thanks

[Shelby]

Wow, I haven't heard of a BP being so violent before! You'd think if he was that hungry, he'd eat. You may consider taking him to a reptile vet to see if there is anything wrong with him that is causing this.

Also to intice him to eat, you may try a gerbil. I don't know really... I hope you figure out what's wrong.

[Kara]

I'd be willing to bet it wants to breed. Are you 100% it's a male?

K

[Cody]

I'm with K. When I read your post, the first thing I thought was "hmm, breeding season?". I'm sure he'll be back to his normal self in the months to come. If you can, though, a vet check-up wouldn't hurt.

[SCSnakeman]

I haven't heard of a Ball Python acting like yours as far as the banging around the cage goes but I have one that is 54 inches long and she stops eating this time of the year and often doesn't eat a thing until March. I think it has something to do with the lenght of the day. I have a south facing window in my snake room that lets the sunlight in very well. BUt, mine just stays in her hide during the day and comes out after dark. Good luck

[Marla]

My first thought was, "I'll bet he's looking for a girlfriend." I don't suppose you have a friend with a female you could pair him up with? At any rate, now probably isn't the best time to be handling him, but he should calm down by the time breeding season is over if that is what's causing it.

[Atticus]

Thank you everybody for your feedback. Him wanting to breed crossed my mind as well he is acting very territorial. He even struck at me last night so I wont be doing any touching. I think he was throwing himself around the tank because he was upset. I had had my hands in there changing his water and stuff. I dont have a female but I might ask around to see if I can find him one cuz he acts like he needs some loving very bad. Does anyone know how long his behavour will last? And again thank you oh yah I only think he is a male cuz that is waht the Vet said but I dont think he checked.Could My male really be a female wanting to lay eggs?

[sk8er4life]

yep definately breeding time!

and I cant help you on answering your questions, klg will probably know

[Shelby]

Well, you learn something new every day. I didn't know that wanting to breed can make a snake agressive as well.. good to know I suppose.