My 9 year old son bought his python in Feb. 2005. Up untill yesterday he/she was gentle and never cranky. We tried to feed it today and it struck at my son. We just fed it Sunday, I don't know if it is hungry again but it sure acts like it. My son is now afraid to try again to pick it up. Do we just need to handle it more or let it "cool" off for a day? I need some tips on how to reassure him that it is ok. Our BP is about 2 1/2 feet. I have never held it...TOO SCARED. That probably doesn't help. What do I do. I don't want to get bit and neither does he. Thank you.