I think it is/was related to the shedding. It started squeaking again about 10 days before it's last shed.

I do have a few questions though...

1. I've noticed that the last inch of the tail seems kind of dried out and stiff. The snake doesn't act like it hurts if I touch the area. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this.

2. Is it bad that he strikes? Every time I reach in to get him out he strikes at my fingers. I actually like this and would like the behavior to continue, but I don't want to do anything that might hurt the snake - I guess I don't know what I could do about it anyway. While I'm on the subject his "strike aim" seems pretty bad - is that just because he is so young?

thanks for the help,

Jake