Very kind ball python now bite me every time I took him out of cage

[Bogertophis]

If you could post pics of your snake (especially his body) it might help- I'm thinking that this sounds more like hunger bites & it's possible that even with feeding him every week, he might also be underfed. You mention it's very hot there- & remember that a snake's metabolism is controlled by temperature- so if they're warmer, they're going to be hungrier & need more food.

Some snake bites are certainly associated with shedding & the snake just being defensive. But even if they have a "good reason", it's no fun for us to get bitten, so that has to get figured out. A hungry & "over-eager" snake may indeed try for us. Remember that we're "warm & wiggling" much like their prey would be, & so even if the scent doesn't match their prey, some may try anyway. Do you by any chance have other pets around? I'm wondering if he's picking up any animal scents on you that makes him think (hope) you're edible? Silly snakes...

IF this is the problem- hunger & hoping you're prey- then one way I'd approach him (when you need to handle) is with a light spray of cool water mist to his face. That's a safe & harmless way to change what he's thinking about, though some really determined snakes may take more than one spritz of water. OR, you can put something in front of him that clearly has your scent, like an empty garment sleeve. You can run your fingers thru your hair, or rub the object you're using in your hair to impart more of your scent- & some snakes will get the message with that & back off.

Scent plays a part in a snake's recognition of us, but it's only one part. Snakes recognize us by our touch also, but not visually. With some snakes we always have to be mindful of sending strong signals that it's us, not prey. Some people like to use "tap training" too, or instead. That's just what it sounds like- use anything that keeps your hand at a safe distance, & gently tap the snake a few times before you approach them to handle, as apparently your boyfriend instinctively did. The touch reminds them it's you, not food. Just one more way to signal the snake. Use any or all that you need.

It sounds like the snake is associating you with being fed, & if all you ever end up doing is feeding him, that just reinforces that you might be "prey". So it's important to find ways to safely keep handling this snake, so he doesn't get in the habit of bad behavior. And if you'd feel better using gloves for a while, that's just fine.

You mention soaking him in "hot water" to help him shed? I HOPE you're taking the temperature of the water to ensure it's not over 90* or you can cause harm, or at least a very unhappy snake! Remember that we're 98.6* so 90* feels "cool" to us, but not to a cold-blooded snake.

I hope you do better with the humidity- maybe providing a humid hide would help?