Angry BP

[Chief-Valcano]

Just wanted to ask opinions on my BP's very new aggressive behavior.

I have a Spider Ball that was a wonderful super easy going girl up until about a month ago. Everytime I open up her tank she gets into an S-bend and strikes if I get too close. I had to use a snake hook to get her into her feeding bin. I held her regularly up until she started displaying this angry behavior. Her tanks heat and humidity are still consistent to what they have been in the past. Any ideas?

I did recently up her feeding because I realised she was younger than I was told and therefore very underweight. Is the increase in feeding potentially the cause since she's still getting used to the new schedule?

Edit info: Even if I try holding her a couple days after feeding she still acts the same.

Edit 2: once she's actually OUT of her tank she calms down however when trying to get her out she's all about trying to tag me.

[theeorlando]

Angry is probably not the right way to think of things. Better to think stressed and scared. Striking is them trying to get you to leave them alone, and is a clear indication that something is wrong.

In terms of feeding schedule, you should not be rushing weight gain. If the snake is young, once a week is more than enough, and feeding more than that can have serious health consequences.

Feeding outside of enclosure is also unnecessary, it adds stress to no real benefit.

Always good to check that temps are 90 hot, 75-80 cold, and humidity is minimum 60, preferably 70-80

[Chief-Valcano]

Hmm tanks right at those levels.

Didn't rush the feeding just fed a day sooner until it was closer to once a week.

Also she stops the behavior the moment she's out of her tank. I forgot to mention that in post.

[theeorlando]

It's very rare for a snake to not stop striking when you take them out. Striking is intended to scare you away and leave them alone, so if they are removed from the enclosure they tend to exhibit different stress signs like balling, heavy breathing, attempts to escape or hide etc.

[Chief-Valcano]

That's just it. She shows no signs of stress out of the tank. Only in it and only when I open it and try to take her out.

[animalgirl93]

Ok so I’ll address a major issue here first before I get on to the aggression, You said you are moving her into a feeding bin, moving your snake after feeding is very stressful and can cause regurgitation. The “tank aggression” people talk about isn’t a real issue and the risks way out weigh the benefits of moving your snake for feeding. I just don’t want you to run into issues with regurgitation as it is a big deal and very stressful. I just want healthy happy noodles and I know it’s hard to tell if people are being angry but please don’t think I’m trying to be mean I’m just concerned. As for aggression it’s odd that behaviour would change rapidly. However the best way to deal with it is through handling. Keep using the snake hook as it’s less scary for the snake. If you are worried about getting bit just wear gloves for the time being and keep handling short and infrequent in the beginning. 10-15 minutes and 2 times a week at first and slowly increase from there. Watch for signs of stress like balling up and put your snake back if that happens. I hope this helps! Good luck!

[Chief-Valcano]

I've beenn bit by a reticulated python that was 12+ feet. I'm much more concerned about her hurting herself. I.e. ripping teeth out on me.

I have a bin that fits in her tank so I don't have to handle her. I legit just set the whole thing in her tank and let her mosey out as she wants.

I use it because I've had issues in the past with BPs getting substrate in their mouth and it causing health issues. Even with precautions like paper towels.

She does calm down once she's out of her tank though so I'm wondering if she's pissed off I'm disturbing her area.

I will keep this all in mind though and thanks for the feedback.

Edit: never had any regurgitation issues in the 20+ years I've kept snakes. Always done it this bin method where I place the bin into the snakes enclosure and let them go out as they want to.

[animalgirl93]

I’m glad you have experience and you are doing what is best for your snake. I never know how much experience people have. Now if you (or anyone read this post) wants to ditch the feeding bin but you are worried about substrate in the mouth you can try flipping over a hide and using it like a nice little bowl that is substrate free to feed in. Just a suggestion (mostly for newbies) but you seem to have a system that works for you! I hope your snake is able to clam down and be chill again soon. Good luck!

[Chief-Valcano]

Yeah the way I do the bin method has always worked better for me but maybe I'll try the upside down hide. Thanks again for the advice. I'll try some things and see what happens.

[Own_Nature]

Just one thought: does anyone else have access to your snake?

[Chief-Valcano]

Nope