My Ball Python used to be my best buddy, now he bites all the time!?

Question

My brother was in town and brought his three big dogs. I know my brother was playing with my snake when he was drunk, but my snake has always been super laid back and he's used to all kinds of hectic situations, but he's never really been close to dogs before. A day after everyone left he got out of his cage and when my Dad went to retrieve him he bit him! Then when I cruised up he struck at me too, since then it's been 11 days and I can't even handle him. I fed him and he has a large cage with a good water source and plenty of heat. He's got a pretty nice setup, but everytime I even put my hand in there to change his water or clean up after him, he strikes at me or at the glass. I'm totally freaked out and bummed because I can't really hang out with him anymore. I know this is long, but I'm very concerned. Will he get over this biting thing and mellow out? Should I decrease the heat or feed him more or less? I'm at a loss and I need some help....

Answer 1

Hello-

Reptiles do not have feelings like mammals do. They are wired completely differently. So he wouldn't be feeling angry etc...

Ball-pythons are generally a laid back snake, with great temperaments.

When was the last time he was fed? Perhaps he is hungry?

Did your brother handle him after perhaps you had recently fed him? The snake could be digesting it's food and be feeling vulnerable.

Give your snake some more time to himself. He is probably trying to settle down after a disruption to his schedule with all the commotion of the dogs and your brother!!

I'll bet he will go back to his old self soon. I wouldn't be worried about him biting- it's probably because he is defensive from all the commotion like I said earlier.

Good luck ;)

Answer 2

stress/shed problems maby?

Answer 3

Let him out into your room and watch him crawl (or slither) around for a while and then slowly get closer and closer to him and eventually touch him gently and see how he reacts if he ignores you then pick him up if not then wait a bit and do it again. This should work and if not just sit near him and wait till he gets used to you.

Answer 4

hes just very stressed out. a condition that can in fact kill a reptile. leave him be for a week(dont offer food or anything in that time or even open the Viv) then slowly start the taming from scratch again. and next time dont let your fool of a brother anywhere near him. remember your snake looks to YOU for protection. this time you let him down badly,dont do that next time.

Answer 5

I think Ben has said it best... thats exactly what i would do after letting him in his viv for a few days to settle down!!!!

Answer 6

By anychance have you bothered him?

Maybe you did or its trying to digest its food...I'm not an expert of snakes,but I think you should ask your vet for some help...Or else I would pick up that phone and call animal control!!!!

Answer 7

I'd just leave him be for a week or two and then start handling him on a regular basis regardless of if he strikes at you or not. With a little time and patience he'll PROBABLY acclimate to you again.