BP Freak Out = Owner Freak Out

[Icatsme]

I think when it comes to unusual behaviour while it's smart to pay attention and see if it's a reaction to something specific, it's also best to step back and watch for a pattern forming. Sometimes animals, especially highly instinctual ones like snakes, just do things for no reason apparent to a human being. I'm not saying to ignore this but I wouldn't freak out too much. Just closely monitor the snake, make sure everything really is okay in his world, go about your business and see if this re-occurs or anything else manifests itself.

If you have any concern, however, that this is a health related issue, please consult with your herp vet as you see fit.

Good point. The main reason I was alarmed is because it's so uncharacteristic of him. I checked on him this morning and I can touch him without him thrashing but he goes into strike position.

He's been aggressive once before when he had a slight burn on his head years ago (newbie keeper error), which makes me think that maybe something hurts or he's not feeling well.

I'll keep an eye on him, thanks all for the ideas and advice.

[littleindiangirl]

Was he asleep when you checked on him? If he was, I can see that hair trigger snapping when you open the tub, then you pick him up to grab him and the stress just builds and lets loose because he thinks he's in extreme danger.

We have to remember, always, that they are not domestic animals, and to approach them with caution. It's always a good idea to wake them up before we handle them. Either by tapping on the cage, stroking their back with an inanimate object or the like.

If this isn't the case, and he continues to show aggression, you may have to consider some sort of injury or enviromental cue.

I personally would leave him be except for any needed reason to pick him up. Give him a week to unwind, and start from there.

I hope the best for you

[Spaniard]

I have 2 girls that are really skiddish when being put back into their tubs. They don't really like to be handled but aren't bad when I do need to move them around. They're tame and aside from being a little restless they're not too bad when held.

I always try to make taking them out of the tubs and putting them back in a slow easy process with the two of them, but no matter how gentle I try to be they go bananas once they're in the tub. They pretty much dart to the corners or to the nearest hide.

I really think they feel I'm going to eat them

[Morphie]

You mentioned breeding - sounds a lot like what my pissy dominant males do when they feel challenged around the females. I have one who will try really hard to bring himself to eye-level with you and he always looks like he's on the verge of a strike but never does.

I actually find it rather entertaining, but i wish i knew how to calm him down. Instead, all i can do is leave him alone and let him get it out of his system.

If he's not showing signs of injury or illness, and everything's okay with his environment, it's probably some extra sensory stuff going on (scent you can't detect, etc.) and you'll just have to come back later. I'm betting he is fine.

[cheryls]

Interesting thread...mine was a bit testy yesterday too! But not quite as scary. He had just shed and it was feeding day, so I went ahead with the feed. You'd think he hadn't had a bite to eat in the last three months or something. Struck at the enclosure as I scented the room - I put the prey in and closed the top and he struck at the top! I just figured he worked up an appetite with all that shedding.

[FatBoy]

Breeding...I have seen it make a sweet snake mean and a mean snake sweet. I have a 1900g female that you can't touch with a 10ft pole during the off season. While she is involved with breedings she is an angel. Some get more aggressive during breeding season. Bottom line is it sounds like you know your snake pretty well and I think you will pin-point the problem.

[extensive]

i also have a 7 year old male that i take to presentations and trust. he is very docile. i am cycling for breeding this year and he is a different snake. one time i had him out and he started doing exactly what you are describing. he is just trying to "combat" me. its normal behavior, tis the breeding season.

[Icatsme]

i also have a 7 year old male that i take to presentations and trust. he is very docile. i am cycling for breeding this year and he is a different snake. one time i had him out and he started doing exactly what you are describing. he is just trying to "combat" me. its normal behavior, tis the breeding season.

Wow. This has turned out to be quite the informative thread. Thanks all for all the replies.

I left him alone for a while. I checked him out today, and he was a little twitchy but nothing like he was before.

I watched a male "combat" video, just to see what that behavior is like. The posturing Stippey exhibited, raising his head high, etc. was very similar. Interesting. I'm curious if he'll behave like that again.

Now I'm no longer alarmed, but certainly intrigued!

[Snakeman]

maybe he wasnt in the mood to be handled?

[Icatsme]

As an update to this thread I thought I'd give a status report. All those souls that suggested his behavior was because of breeding...I think you may have been right.

I took him out the other night and placed him next to a big normal girl for some comparison shots. After about ten minutes, I picked him up to put him back in his enclosure and he started his thrashing. It wasn't to the level it was the night of my initial post, but darn tootin it was the same deal.

I'd taken him out several times to check on him periodically since my initial post and he was fine. Although after sitting in the tub with a female for a while it appears he wasn't keen on going home alone.

Thanks for all your input everyone, quite helpful in figuring this one out.