causes for sudden stress?

[poomwah]

George (white sided rat) is usually pretty laid back. My daughter had him out earlier tonight and told me that he struck at her. She swears she wasn't doing anything differently than normal. No sudden movements, she was holding him and he suddenly hissed and struck toward her face.
That is VERY unlike him. That was about 8 hours ago.
I just went to get him out and he shot out of my hands to the opposite end of the enclosure. He sat there watching me intently, breathing heavily, and "rattlesnaking" his tail. He is incredibly stressed.
What could cause such sudden stress? Temps are same as usual. There hasn't been any more activity in the room than usual. I can't think of any sources of smells that would trigger any type of fear or stress. But the poor guy is scared to death. Tomorrow is feeding day for him, but I'm not sure I want to mess with him if he's that scared.
Like I said, its just so unlike him.
Obviously he needs to be left alone for a while, but is there anything I should check ? anything I should be looking for?
Thanks everyone.
George is male, 20 months old, fed FT, eyes are clear

[Sharlynn93]

I was wondering if weather changes are having something to do with their attitudes. Our JCP was real jittery and struck at me while I changed her water tonight, and iris has been cranky as well...my corns have been kind of jumpy the last few days, but not mean...

[poomwah]

I'm hoping its something that simple.
Thanks for the input Shar

[SSSSnakes]

Snakes really don't like to be handled, they tolerate it. They have bad days just like people. Everything he is doing, is telling you he wants to be left alone. I think you should still feed him, just because he does not want to be handle, does not mean he is not hungry.

[Primal Rage]

Poomwah,
I would try to handle him as little as possible for the next couple months. He is probably just hormonal. Breeding season will make a lot of snakes more defensive and or flighty. Hopefully he returns to his mellow self soon!

[sharthun]

Poomwah,
I would try to handle him as little as possible for the next couple months. He is probably just hormonal. Breeding season will make a lot of snakes more defensive and or flighty. Hopefully he returns to his mellow self soon!

Yep, I think Primal has it nailed down. Hormones and breeding season. Mine are acting differently as well.

[poomwah]

thanks guys, I had actually started wondering if it was something like that.

[Terranaut]

I will put my money on him shedding soon. Handling while in blue is never a good plan but the snake can become uncomfortable before you can see the eyes cloud over. A couple of mine get ornery or won't eat right before going blue. If I am right you will know in a day or two.
If it is this then handling should return to normal after.

[poomwah]

Thanks terranaut. That makes sense. Good thing is that he still has his appetite. He ate today. I'll keep an eye on him without actually bothering him and see if his eyes cloud up soon.

[MCB]

My retic is very similar, I can tell just by his demeanour if he's up for coming out or not. I'm sure he'll be fine.

[poomwah]

thanks MCB

[poomwah]

great call Terranaut
went to get him out for cleaning today
http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt126/poomwah/20140401_163020_zps96762769.jpg (http://s604.photobucket.com/user/poomwah/media/20140401_163020_zps96762769.jpg.html)

[poomwah]

Terranaut, not only were you right about him getting ready to shed. But you were also right about his behavior returning to normal.
He shed this morning and when handled he's acting the way he used to!!