Snake attitude? (Bad one)

[gwynhwyfar]

Some of you might remember me -- November 2007, I acquired a young garter snake who decided that coming inside into the warm was a way better idea than finding a hole in the ground and hibernating for the winter.

I still have her, but we have a recent problem -- her attitude. She used to be very calm and easy to handle. She'd curl around my wrist and in my hand and just hang out. Now she actively tries to bite me for the littlest reason. Feeding her has turned into a nightmare involving gloves to get her out because otherwise she DOES bite me and I have learned that I have a fun allergic reaction to her saliva. Lucky me.

What in the world could lead to this attitude problem and is there a way to adjust it back? I'm not enjoying this.

[Snake lover 3-25]

omg so sorry that really sucks.... um idk....... maybe something's wrong that made her change her attitude?

[guidofatherof5]

Good question. Have you identified what she is, radix, sirlalis, etc. Has anything changed with her encloser? Have you checked her for any injuries? Is she still eating the same amount? Does or did she ever just get out and cruise her enclosure? Has that changed? How's the heat? Does the attitude get better the longer you hold her?
Sorry for all the questions.
I've never had one change attitudes from docial to mean. Plenty the other way.

[gwynhwyfar]

Nothing's changed as far as her environment -- same temp, same sub, same basking rock, same dish for water. She's still eating (she's eating more, but I figure that goes along with getting bigger).

Oh, and she's sirtalis. Common eastern gartersnake.

[guidofatherof5]

Oh, and she's sirtalis. Common eastern gartersnake.

I deal only with radix. Can't make to many comments with regards to keeping sirtalis. I'm sure someone else will be able to give you some other ideas more tailored to them.
Does the attitude change the longer you hold her? Sounds to me like she doesn't want to be touched. Doubt if it's mental sound more physical. Like being held hurts. Just an observation.
Wish I could help more.

[drache]

spring fever?

[mtolypetsupply]

Did you brumate her?

[infernalis]

Cannot comment on why, I have seen this, and seen it reverse as well.

Our Puget acts like that when he's hungry.

[adamanteus]

Some of you might remember me -- .

I remember you.... didn't I accidentally ban you?

[gwynhwyfar]

I tried to brumate her but she refused to cooperate with this plan. After awhile, I decided that if I didn't feed her, she'd starve, since she wasn't cooperating with my plans.

She acts especially nutso and homicidal around feeding time, but even a day after she's devoured a ton and a half of fish, she still wants to bite me. And has bitten me.

And, yes, Adamenteus, you did accidentally ban me! Just because I have a weird name. Harumph.