Ball pythons are considered of the most docile pet snakes, so many people choose them as their pet snake. But even a ball python might be aggressive, due to different reasons. It’s important to rule out why a ball python is acting aggressive and try to fix this behavior. In this post, you will find reasons why a ball python is acting aggressive, possibly suddenly aggressive, and what to do in this case.
Few of the main reasons why your ball python is aggressive are hunger, stress, being introduced into a new environment. Other causes of aggression are feeling threatened, lack of hides and more.
Always check your ball python’s setup to see if living conditions are ideal, watch its behaviors to rule out any problems. And, take to a vet if you suspect any issues. If a ball python is healthy but new, be patient and work on taming/handling.
Reason #1: Hunger
If your ball python is being aggressive, especially if becoming suddenly aggressive, it could be hungry. Does your ball python also roam around more than usual and is it too active? Hungry ball pythons also come out at night and observe things around the cage, as if hunting.
Make sure you are offering right sized prey and feeding enough. If you have just got your ball python recently, it could be that you are still learning about feeding your new ball python. Feed your younger ball python every 5-7 days, then decrease to once in 10-14 days (1-3 years old), and then once in 2-2.5 weeks once it turns 3 years old and over.
Even a hatchling/baby ball python should not be fed anything smaller than mice hoppers (mice pinkies or fuzzies are way too small). Underfeeding your ball python could make it aggressive. It could also be that your ball python is a good eater.
#2: Being introduced into a new environment
Ball pythons are shy creatures and get stressed when being moved around or being introduced into a new environment. If you have recently got your ball python, it might feel threatened and insecure.
Make sure not to handle your ball python (can do briefly only for cleaning etc.) until it has eaten at least 2-4 times in your new home. Have at least 2 hides in a cage on both sides of the tank. Hides for a ball python must be tight, but fit your ball python completely.
What is more, make sure to monitor all the temperatures and humidity in the cage. If temperatures and humidity are not ideal, your ball python will start feeling stressed and might refuse to eat etc. Monitor temperatures with digital thermometers (better with probes), and a handheld infrared thermometer like this. Connect devices to a thermostat.
Ball pythons can get stressed in a large open cage. You can house your ball python in a large cage. However, you must make sure to add enough clutter and hides to make your ball python feel secure. If its cage is made of glass, cover the back and even sides with a cover or similar.
Place the cage in a low traffic room (too many vibrations from music/TV, people/pets passing can seriously stress your ball python out). Be patient with your new ball python, and you can start handling and working with it only it gets acclimated in your home.
You can find how to tame and handle an aggressive ball python here (new tab).
#3: Handling too soon or too frequently
As mentioned in the previous point, ball pythons are generally shy. While they can tolerate handling with time, they much better prefer being left alone. So, you should limit handling when possible. Don’t handle your ball python after feeding, and don’t move it to another container to feed.
Don’t start handling your new ball python for at least first 2-4 feeding. Then, taming and initial handling will often include handling for 5-10 minutes a day until it becomes docile and used to handling. After that, handling up to few times a week for short periods of time should be enough.
You can find how to tame and handle an aggressive ball python here (new tab).
#4: Stress
Stress can be caused by various different factors. It can make your ball python aggressive and compromise its health, too.
Stress factors include feeling unsafe in a cage (no hides etc.), too much noise or handling, feeding wrong prey sizes/types. For example, feeding live rodents is stressful for a ball python. You must always try to switch to frozen/thawed or pre-killed as soon as possible if previous owner/breeder was offering live.
Other stress factors are wrong caging and temperatures, humidity. Watch your ball python’s behavior and see if you can notice any signs of discomfort. Is it burying itself, sitting on one side all the time, being too active etc.?
Read more about ball python behaviors and meanings in this post (new tab).
#5: Age
Quite often, younger ball pythons tend to be much nippier and more aggressive than older ball pythons. That of course depends on if an adult ball python, for example, has been handled in captivity as well.
In general, young ball pythons that are nippy become docile and tame out with time and handling. Most ball pythons (with work from owners) become tame by the age of 12-18 months or so.
#6: Shedding
Shedding is a rather stressful time for your ball python. During this time, your ball python won’t like to be approached or touched.
It will be in a defensive mode because it’s vision and sense of smell are reduced significantly. It is also very likely to stop eating. Some ball pythons poop right after shed, too.
Signs of shedding include film over eyes, dull coloration, pink belly and more. The best thing is to leave your ball python alone during shedding. Make sure humidity is at 60-80%. You can read about ball python shedding stages and signs here (new tab).
#7: Health issues
Believe it or not, if your ball python is suffering from a condition or is in pain, it will be more defensive/aggressive. Has your ball python shown any symptoms of an illness? Is it lethargic?
Examine your ball python for any discoloration, spots, discharge for nose or mouth etc. Could your ball python fall or hit itself (broken jaw etc.)? Watch your ball python’s behaviors, and if you notice something unusual, please take to a vet for an examination.
Thanks for reading this post on dealing with a ball python aggression! If you would like to learn more about ball python care, see this resource page.