Snake Attitude Change

[Amelia]

I have a lovely patternless sand boa female. I have had her for about a year now, and she has always been a docile dear. Very laid back, not spooky or flighty(my male is extremely shy and flighty) and not the slightest bit defensive. Just out of the blue, she has become very bitey and defensive. I am pretty sure I am going about things as I always have and I am just trying to figure it out. It is not a feeding response, it is leave me alone! Don't touch me!

Other than a move to a new enclosure, I was wondering what else could be stressing her out to cause this type of attitude change. I am and was not over handling. I would get her out to feed and clean the enclosure, and occasionally(rarely) to show her to someone. She has heat, water, food, substrate and hides. The new enclosure does have much less light. Maybe she needs to be fed more, or the temperature is wrong.

I am still pretty new to snakes. My experience with their behaviors is limited to observing my little collection. (my BF has been keeping snakes pretty much his entire life, so I am not trekking through the dark in learning snake care. I am doing pretty well considering I was scared of them two years ago).

I was hoping someone could tell me some things I could check to make sure I am not inadvertently stressing her out. Could it just be a change without cause?

Thanks a lot for putting up with a newb!

 

[Aviara]

A change in temperature or in the amount of hides in the environment can make her uncomfortable. I also had an experience where a bad parasitic mite infestation caused aggression in an otherwise docile snake. If you determine there is no environmental issue causing the behaviour, a trip to a specialty veterinarian may be in order.

 

[Najakeeper]

I have seen similar behavior with female venomous snakes. The snakes I could deal with easily became absolute monsters after reaching a certain age. It may be due to many factors but I think one significant factor is reaching a certain age and going through hormonal changes.

 

[The Snark]

Aviara and Bajakeeper are exactly right. If you want a serious low down and extensive info and guidelines, contact the San Diego zoo. They keep logs of the animals, trends, and even issues such animal disposition at certain times of the day or night. You will probably have to do some research as individual keepers often have their own sets of paperwork.

But as mentioned, changes in environment will first and foremost cause this, and then the age of the animal.

 

[Amelia]

Great, thanks! I really don't care if she is bitey. If that is how she is, then that is how she is. She is still pretty young. I wonder, if it is an age thing, could it be something she could grow out of? Like a stage?

It kind of sucks because she was my starter when teaching my snake fearing family members. My female Bull is a little intimidating by her size to start with but she is always a doll. I have such a great group.

 

[desertanimal]

Maybe she's gearing up for a shed.

 

[Amelia]

If she is she is not right on it. Their pre-shed color change is very clear. I will keep an eye on it though, thanks!

I will try and keep my eye on a few things over the next few weeks, and see if anything changes. I just don't want to get bit. Lol.

Here she is. My male is a bit darker. I actually like his color a bit more, but she is gorgeous nonetheless.

 

[desertanimal]

Maybe ovulating, then?