I have a ball python that is almost 8 years old and has always been very sweet and never aggressive. We moved in the last six-seven months and during that time she has gone through a change. However, we didn't see the change until the last month. Her feedings haven't been exactly scheduled but they have been off in the past as well. She was moved into an area where there is more traffic which I am wondering if it is causing more stress for her (we also have two cats and a dog which never seemed to bother her). We thought her irritation could have been caused from skin mites so she was treated with Ivermectin injections twice two weeks apart which seemed to help some but didn't decrease her aggression. If she sees anyone near her cage she gets in the strike position and nobody can get into her cage with out getting bit. I have personally been bit twice by her. She is now in a different location where there isn't as much traffic and getting fed once a week. Unfortunately I can not take her out of her cage right now to feed her without anyone getting bit.
I am feeling awful for Zuri because she was a very loving snake that just wanted to come out and socialize. Children were come over and hold her. Now she tries to get out of her enclosure and when I think she is starting to become friendly and I try to handle her, she snaps at me. I am hoping anyone has some idea of what might be happening. No Vet or anyone at a pet store (which I am not surprised) has any idea. So any thought would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry this is so long, I am just trying to figure out what is going on with my stressed out little girl.
Thanks.
