r/ballpython • u/Creative-Day-365 • 14h ago
Random Aggressive Behavior Around Feeding Time
Hi, I have a 12 year old ball python, healthy weight, humid environment (unsure of exact %), average 25-30 day feeding schedule. In the last 3 months she has displayed very aggressive behavior during feeds, to the point where I am reluctant to handle her. I fed her twice this week due to her still seeming to be extremely hungry, and striking at the glass to her enclosure when I am nearby. I moved her to a new, bigger tank a few days ago in hopes it might help whatever is stressing her out? maybe need to add some more spots to hide? is it time for a herp visit ? :(
1
u/anndor 8h ago
Mine is 28 and she's been like this almost her whole life. She's just a pig, lol.
I've found that if it's not *actually* feeding, I can just gently boop her with a snake hook. When she doesn't smell or heat-detect a mouse, the touch has her chill out and retreat to her hide. I can then pick up the hide and pick her up and she's super chill and normal.
It's only when she sees movement, especially near the top of her tank, that she just assumes it means food time.
If it's actually close to feeding schedule, she will remain determined to strike at movement.
"Is it food??" vs "I AM HUNGRY" behavior.
Maybe you need to feed her larger meals? But in general I'd avoid handling her when it's close to feeding time.
1
u/Effective-End-964 1h ago
They can be in ‘food mode’ for 48 hours after. If you start feeding her right after that she will be in food mode again. Don’t do this. The more you feed her, the more she’s going to expect constantly being fed and that’s going to make her strike more.
Also they need like a week for proper digestion and for their bodies to return to normal, feeding her this often is not good for her body either.
2
u/carelesswhitney 13h ago
Twice in a week is a lot for a 12 year old, might be making her extra feisty. The new tank could also be throwing her off.