Puffing from BP? [Not hiss]

[CCBaer]

Hello (really hope this is right place to post)

One of my BPs is making a soft puff/squeak noise when I handle him (it's a really cute noise, but I know he doesn't mean it that way) I barely hear it, only when he's near my face do I hear it. It's so soft I thought I was imagining it at first.

Everything is fine with his home and he is the drama queen of the BPs I own. He's temperamental. But is this normal? is he just vocalizing his diva attitude or is there something potentially wrong with him?

I looked at forums for help but none of them really describe what he's doing...

It's not a continuous puff/squeak, nor is it loud. It literally reminds me of when my dog is "talking" to me, wanting a treat and whining in a low pitch, doing it only periodically... but it's a snake that's doing it... And I swear it is not a hiss. He did that to me when I first bought him home and I know what that sounds like.

Also he doesn't display defensive positioning or breathes hard. He's actually just slowly slithering on me, poking his tongue out every once in a while and then doing the puff-squeak-beg sometimes. His mouth is closed. To note, he does always hates me picking him up but then does a 180 and is a total babe after a minute.
Please someone tell me it's nothing and he's just worrying me because he's an *ss.
(He's a little over a year old if that means anything)

Thanks!

[bcr229]

Yes they do that, it's quiet because he's small. My retics do that too but it's noticeable because they are bigger snakes.

[Moose84]

Hello (really hope this is right place to post)

One of my BPs is making a soft puff/squeak noise when I handle him (it's a really cute noise, but I know he doesn't mean it that way) I barely hear it, only when he's near my face do I hear it. It's so soft I thought I was imagining it at first.

Everything is fine with his home and he is the drama queen of the BPs I own. He's temperamental. But is this normal? is he just vocalizing his diva attitude or is there something potentially wrong with him?

I looked at forums for help but none of them really describe what he's doing...

It's not a continuous puff/squeak, nor is it loud. It literally reminds me of when my dog is "talking" to me, wanting a treat and whining in a low pitch, doing it only periodically... but it's a snake that's doing it... And I swear it is not a hiss. He did that to me when I first bought him home and I know what that sounds like.

Also he doesn't display defensive positioning or breathes hard. He's actually just slowly slithering on me, poking his tongue out every once in a while and then doing the puff-squeak-beg sometimes. His mouth is closed. To note, he does always hates me picking him up but then does a 180 and is a total babe after a minute.
Please someone tell me it's nothing and he's just worrying me because he's an *ss.
(He's a little over a year old if that means anything)

Thanks!

i have had ball pythons for a long time. None of my snakes have ever made noise outside of hissing at me. They are not “affectionate” beings despite what some might say. They are NOT like dogs whining/begging for attention or food. I would check his conditions and be on the lookout for RI. I get a little frustrated hearing these animals compared to domesticated animals like dogs or cats. They will only suffer the consequences of people treating them as such.

To answer your question I don’t think anyone should tell you a ball python making consistent noises you can hear is a normal thing. I’m not saying he is sick but he’s clearly making a noise for a reason. They don’t make noises like that under ideal conditions. I have a female that hisses and postures like a champ until she is up and handled. After that there is no huffing and puffing. If she continued I would put her down.

Good Luck!

[Moose84]

Yes they do that, it's quiet because he's small. My retics do that too but it's noticeable because they are bigger snakes.

That snake is a year old. Long ways from “small” in my opinion. It’s not a hatchling.

[Bogertophis]

...
One of my BPs is making a soft puff/squeak noise when I handle him (it's a really cute noise, but I know he doesn't mean it that way) I barely hear it, only when he's near my face do I hear it. It's so soft I thought I was imagining it at first....

It's not a continuous puff/squeak, nor is it loud. It literally reminds me of when my dog is "talking" to me, wanting a treat and whining in a low pitch, doing it only periodically... but it's a snake that's doing it... And I swear it is not a hiss. He did that to me when I first bought him home and I know what that sounds like...

Keep in mind that our snakes mostly have one functioning lung that is rather long, so when we handle them, sometimes that forces a little exhale, just like if someone
pushes on your stomach. I cannot tell you that this is definitely "not" the beginning of a respiratory infection, because that's a possibility. If it is, it will increase & you'll
likely have a snake breathing with his mouth open, also may see mucus & bubbles in his mouth. But it's probably nothing at all to worry about...some snakes do make a
little noise when they breath (especially when we handle them! Does he do it when he's just laying in his cage?) & it can also be due to a bit of old shed skin stuck in his
nostril(s) (yes, the shed the outer lining of their nostrils) OR a bit of water in his nose from drinking recently.

So hope for the best, & stay watchful...ok? If you don't know where the nearest qualified reptile vet is located, this is a good time to find out, just in case.

As already noted, noises like this are in no way intentional communication from your snake...he is NOT "talking to you", trust me on that.

[Bogertophis]

Suggestion: Lay your BP on your bed or other flat surface, so that he is calm & you aren't holding him at all. When he is quiet (not moving), lean over & listen
near his head to see if you still hear the faint whistle in his breathing. Try to listen for a minute or two, at least. This helps to find out if he has any congestion
when there is no pressure on his internal organs (from being handled).

As bcr229 mentioned, this sort of noise can be much louder in a large snake; when my late BCI was about 7' or so, I was handling her for a couple guys who were
curious but fearful, & they heard it & thought she was hissing at them. She wasn't. It's just that she was wrapped over my shoulder, which meant that internally
her lung was folded over too, & this made for a "forced exhale".

[bcr229]

That snake is a year old. Long ways from “small” in my opinion. It’s not a hatchling.

I meant physically small, not young. The only reason I notice my ball pythons doing it now is because my retics do, and even then the ball pythons - whether hatchlings or big breeder females - don't do it consistently.

[Moose84]

I meant physically small, not young. The only reason I notice my ball pythons doing it now is because my retics do, and even then the ball pythons - whether hatchlings or big breeder females - don't do it consistently.

Understood. But ball pythons and reticulated pythons have vast differences. Once again, I’m not saying that the animal is sick, but ball pythons very rarely, if ever make noise while handled unless they are either stressed or sick.

Happy 4th!


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[SVT Wylde]

I have a 900 gram male and he occasionally makes the puffing sound you described when he is climbing on me. It’s almost like a sigh. I’ve had him for a year and he has done it since the day I got him. He might do it once in a handling session or several times, it just depends on how much he is exerting himself at the time.

[CCBaer]

I have a 900 gram male and he occasionally makes the puffing sound you described when he is climbing on me. It’s almost like a sigh. I’ve had him for a year and he has done it since the day I got him. He might do it once in a handling session or several times, it just depends on how much he is exerting himself at the time.

This is what I think it is - or hope it is. Plus, like I said his tank is fine. He doesn't make noise on his own when he's just laying down, chilling, only when he's climbing around, exerting himself. I hear it every once in a while when he's moving/climbing on my shoulder/neck.

Knowing that other snakes do this makes me feel better, thank you!