Why would a Rat Snake turn vicious? (which is not normal)?

Question

Very defensive lives with another Corn Snake they get on well

Answer 1

It is probably because he is over-stressed. Snakes are solitary animals and should always be housed separately. Having 2 snakes together can cause stress to the point of aggressiveness and even refusal to eat.

You should get each of them their own cage and things should get better.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Snakes become agressive for a couple of different reasons. Please remember that snakes are wild animals with wild instincts. Snakes in genral cannot see well and rely on thier sense of smell to guide them to their food., This may sound crass but check your calendar and see if the snake attacks correspond to you or your cousins menstral cycles, The hormones your body produces during this period , especially if you are not washing your hands before handleing thier food. can drive a snake insane. If this is the problem bathing before handling will help but abstaining from handling the snake during this time frame is the best bet. Another problem may well be that your snake has developed a respitory problem, or some other illness and just doesn't feel like being handled, check a "my snake is sick" page and see if your pet is going through an illness and how you can help. Last but not least, Shedding can make a snake temermental but if you have had him for 3 years you would have noticed this much sooner than now. The saying once bitten twice shy may be comming into play as well. Snakes sense fear, and the problem that caused her to strike the first time may have long since past, but your fear of the snake could be what is causing subsequent bites, that smell thing again. Try wearing protective clothing and for Goodness sake get rid of the snake stick before you accidentially hurt her. Wear the clothing to ease your fears and to show her you are not affraid of her as time goes on and you begin to feel more confident around your pet again begin to remove small areas of the clothing. One final after thought you have not recently bred her or had her with a male snake right? if you have pregnacy could also be a cause of agressive behavior.

Answer 3

Rat snakes are normally really mean and vicious snakes. It is not uncommon for it to bite alot and try to get away from you.

Answer 4

Off the top of my head, Id have to say: Their territorial and wants to be alone. Its frightened, whether its the other snake or just being there overall, or if you start having standard feeding times and you starve him.

Answer 5

probably if it is stressed or angry.