Defensive and hungry

[zina10]

I agree with Calm, the rodents are way to cold. They should feel pretty toasty through and through.

If you use water to warm them up use HOT water. Not boiling hot, mind you, not hand burning hot either, but hot. (after they have been defrosted) You can also blast them with a hair dryer real quick, but make sure they are warm through and through, not just the skin, they cool rapidly.

How big is the snake, what does he weigh ??

Seems to me he has been underfed somewhat.

And yes, sounds like he has gotten defensive, maybe even a tad aggressive. He has probably figured out that in the past, that got "that thing" to leave him alone.

He is still young, though, and they are a species that give that bluster up pretty quickly if dealt with it correctly. Very rarely do you have a truly aggressive Ball Python that just never fully gives up being a turd!!

There are a couple good youtube video that explain a certain method. Before I link to them I want to point out that before you try these methods, get that boy a couple good meals by heating up the rodents better. I would also like to point out that these methods are not to be looked at as "discipline" or punishing the snake for the behavior. Its more of a "snap out of this mode" thing. Its done gently but very deliberately. Your movements have to be deliberate.

When I get a defensive Ball Python (like angry or scared hatchlings) out of the enclosure I always come from straight above. I gently use my flat hand to push them down slightly. That right there snaps them out of the behavior. Then I pick them up. If they S up again, hiss or act snappy, I once again gently cup them, use my other hand to push that angry little head down, put slight pressure on the body and then release. Usually right then they are like "ok, I'm done" and start exploring. I know I keep repeating myself but it has to be clear that this is not a punishing or disciplinary movement. It has to be gentle, BUT definitely deliberate. No unsure or jerky movements. Always come from above, not in front of them, they cannot strike straight up.

Here is one video that shows this. Granted, it is easier to do with hatchlings rather then a full grown snake, but yours is still very young and probably not very big either..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk&t=46s


Good luck with that little stinker and let us know how it goes