Hissing ball python

[JW360]

My BP has started hissing at me the last couple times i have gone in to handle him. Not worried about getting bit i just don't really want to. I did take him to a local reptile show and the hissing started after that day, I'm wondering if all that excitement might have stressed him out and now just doesn't want to be messed with at all. Any input or advise would be appreciated.

Also before people start asking temps are 88-90 warm side and 72 cool side. Humidity ranges from 50-60% unless he is in shed which i bump that up a bit.

[Eric Alan]

Three quick things:

1. Your cool side is too cold - raise it up a few degrees if you can so it doesn't drop below 76 (78 preferred).
2. Not a good idea to bring your snake to a reptile show - too many possibilities for a healthy snake to end up unhealthy from its interactions at the show.
3. Snakes hiss - it's kind of their thing. No need to worry at all. Think of it like you would think of a person sighing - they're not thrilled about something, but they're not upset enough to do anything about it.

Hope these help!

[bcr229]

He might be feeling a bit stressed still from the show.

I would also check for mites.

[JW360]

Thanks ill bring up the temp some how not sure how to do that without putting another UTH in.

Yeah the only reason i brought him was to get him sexed. Im not very comfortable doing it yet and one of the local breeders i talked to there was very informative and helpful, he asked if i wanted to bring him up to get him sexed. Which i guess was a bad decision.

Ill leave him alone for a day or two maybe he calms down or he is just sighing. 😀

[blk02ssmonte]

Cool side temp is relative to ambient temp. Bring room temp up to 80 if possible. I keep mine in a rack and room temp stays at 80-85 and heat tape for hot side at 90-92