i need help with a 7.5ft female python

I was givin a 7-7.5ft female python. I have always likeliked snakes but know nothing. They gave her to me with a really nasty aquarium. She was in a box so i stopped by the pet shop got all new bedding water solutions and two medium rats. Changed all her things and fed her. I have had her for a week now and have had her out twice with no problems. Now she is hissing at me and acting like she might strike. Idk how ppl have been to this snake in the past i just want her to love me so i can love her. Any suggestions?

Well, first of all, we need to know what species she is. If you don't know, we need a picture. Also, you may want to know that snakes don't love their owners, and the most you can expect is for her to tolerate you.

This site will not let me upload a pic but she looks like the snake pin top of website.

Agreed, species or a picture will be worth a lot here, since nearly 8 feet doesn't sound like a ball but could be several other kinds of python (Are you sure it's a python and not a boa?). Also I have no idea what size aquarium would be big enough for a snake that size, so pictures of the current setup would also be very helpful. For basic advice I would say avoid handling for the immediate future, since moving into a new environment can be really stressful for a snake, even if it is a huge step up from their previous home. Give her at least a week if not more to just settle in, or make sure she eats for you before you start handling. Otherwise, some species are known for having attitudes and it may just be something wired into the snake that you'll need to overcome.

A website like http://imgur.com/ will allow you to upload pictures and post links. If your snake is 7 feet long there is no way it's a bp, which don't grow bigger than 4 feet or so.

Hit the ground running; that is a lot to handle.
Is there a local Herp club you could contact?
Having an experienced keeper of the larger snakes to come over to your home initially might be a big help.

On the chance that you have a local reptile pet store with employees who are friendly, one of them might be able to give some direct assistance.

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Originally Posted by distaff

That is a lot to handle.
Is there a local Herp club you could contact?
Having an experienced keeper of the larger snakes to come over to your home initially might be a big help.

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This. Where are you located?

And we definitely need a picture to ID the snake.

Upload your picture on Photobucket (it's free) and copy the IMG code in this thread.

I should have been more clear about pet store employees. The closest pet store to us is very small and independently owned. Several of the snakes there are not for sale ("NSF...ever!") - they are pets of the owner: at least two Burms, and a couple of Boas. He has been VERY helpful with us. That is the kind of "employee" I had in mind, not your average 19 year old.

YeYes!! I found the bread. She is a Columbian red tail boa

I'm really sorry to post these in here but I can't find anywhere where to make a forum. Hope someone could help me out.