Ball Ptyhon Hissing

[MyLittleViper]

Okay, so everyone has told me not to handle while he is shedding, so at the beginning when he was just pink I handled him everyday. But when his eyes went blue I didn't handle him as regularly. So last time I handled him for a full session (25-30 minutes) was November 2nd. Since then I've only taken him out twice but only for a minute or two (the 4th and second) now his eyes are less blue and he's turned a darker color (morning of the 9th) but when I tried to pick him up he hissed at me. Should I leave him until his shed is completely finished or should I attempt to pick him up even while he's hissing? I'm afraid I might get bit but more afraid he's not hand trained anymore.

[Crazymonkee]

I would leave him alone til shed is over. Honestly you're over handling a bit. I handle mine about twice per week and they are absolutely fine.
He is most likely hissing due to being in shed, leave him be til it's over.
If everyone has told you not to handle during shed why are you so adamant about handling?

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[Physician&Snakes]

You're overreacting, I have a feeling you approach your snake from above, to the snake, that's a bird of prey bud. Reach down and pick him up from under his belly, he might still nip you a time or two but it is nothing in the grand scheme of things. I personally do not handle my snakes when they go into she simply because the shed cycle is an uncomfortable time for the animal.

[200xth]

When they start their shed cycle I only handle them when needed (if something needs to be cleaned for example).

Once they go blue, I leave them alone entirely until they are done shedding. They get water, but I don't need to move them for that.

[NH93]

Hmmm...

A hiss is better than a bite!
I think Physician&Snake is right about the part about your snake being scared (you aren't overreacting, in my opinion. You are just concerned).

Have your snake ever struck or bit you? I feel like this is an uncommon thing for BPs to do, based on what I've read. If not, it may not actually happen, so try not to be nervous if you can help it.

I wouldn't worry about the hissing; if you change up your approach it will (probably) stop. Try scooping from the sides with both hands, like a blob of spagetti This works for my (previously) aggressive corn snake, who did bite me MANY times, and draw blood.

I personally just go about the normal "routine" while my snakes are in shed. If they get flighty, I leave them be. Athough they tend to be a bit more relaxed, probably because they can't see
I think every snake will be different though. Some may only tolerate coming out while not in shed, some it doesn't matter. Some can only be out for a few minutes once or twice a week, some could care less how often they come out. Personally I just take them out until they get restless, which can be anywhere from 15 minutes to one or 2 hours, a few times a week.

Good luck!

[MyLittleViper]

I don't want to do 4 separate responses, but I tried to pick him up like I normally would, I've had him for about 3 weeks with no problem in the way he is picked up, he's not aggressive at all usually. And the reason I wanted to make sue I picked him up is someone had said if you don't handle them for over a week they might not be used to being handled and I didn't want that to happen. I was worried because it's been a week. But I'm certain he's fine. He seems to be acting normal now.

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I don't want to do 4 separate responses, but I tried to pick him up like I normally would, I've had him for about 3 weeks with no problem in the way he is picked up, he's not aggressive at all usually. And the reason I wanted to make sue I picked him up is someone had said if you don't handle them for over a week they might not be used to being handled and I didn't want that to happen. I was worried because it's been a week. But I'm certain he's fine. He seems to be acting normal now.

[Crazymonkee]

That is not true... do not worry so much about not handling him while in shed. It is a very uncomfortable time for them and if your snake doesn't want to be played with during that time you should respect that.
Has he eaten for you?

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[Physician&Snakes]

I don't want to do 4 separate responses, but I tried to pick him up like I normally would, I've had him for about 3 weeks with no problem in the way he is picked up, he's not aggressive at all usually. And the reason I wanted to make sue I picked him up is someone had said if you don't handle them for over a week they might not be used to being handled and I didn't want that to happen. I was worried because it's been a week. But I'm certain he's fine. He seems to be acting normal now.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't want to do 4 separate responses, but I tried to pick him up like I normally would, I've had him for about 3 weeks with no problem in the way he is picked up, he's not aggressive at all usually. And the reason I wanted to make sue I picked him up is someone had said if you don't handle them for over a week they might not be used to being handled and I didn't want that to happen. I was worried because it's been a week. But I'm certain he's fine. He seems to be acting normal now.

In my experience, it takes at least 1-3 months for a snake's established habit(s) to be completely altered after they are well conditioned. For example, if I only open the cages to feed for the next 1.5 months, then more than likely a few of my specimens are going to begin to only expect food when the cage is opened. The "scooping spaghetti" method mentioned by a previous poster is very effective for almost any small animal in my experience.

[Mr. Misha]

Like most people here already said, you shouldn't handle your BP while he's shedding unless you absolutely have to. In this stage most BPs are irritable and don't act like they usually do. I say most, because my Albino doesn't care about being handled during shed but my normal definitely had mood swings. So it really depends on the snake. The hissing is your BP being "thoughtful" and letting you know he's not happy right now.

On the handling part, you don't need to handle BPs much in order for them to be used to it. My advice is that you should actually limit yourself to handling your BP to a couple of times a week because excessive handling might be stressful to the little guy.

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1.0 Abino, 0.1 Normal, 0.1 Pastave Het Pied

[satomi325]

Your snake has limited vision right now due to being in shed. It can't see to you as well. Your movement is probably a shadowed blur, so it doesn't know what you are. That's why it's hissing.
Just wait to handle your snake when it's done shedding.

Even if your snake was a regular hisser, it's really nothing to worry about. Some are just more 'talkative' than others.
None of my adults hiss, but some of them hissed a boat load when they were youngsters. It's normal for babies to hiss. They're vulnerable at that age.

And I rarely handle my snakes regularly. The only time I really handle them is to clean their enclosures. Never had to worry about them becoming not 'hand trained' because they don't really need the 'training' to begin with. They're a very tame docile species in general from the get go. (aside from the very rare exception)

Not to mention that bites from ball pythons do not hurt. They are surprising, yes. But a paper cut hurts worse, in my opinion.I've been bitten a few times and I really didn't know I was hit until I saw the blood. Didn't feel a thing.

And a ball python usually only bites out of fear or insecurity. Hardly ever from true aggression. So as long as it feels safe and you don't smell like a feeder, there is a very slim chance of you actually getting bitten.