Heavy breathing???

[TrussstInMeee1394]

So upon checking in on my youngest, Erebus, I lifted her hide and there she sat- coiled up all cute like and breathing...a bit heavy? I stood there for a moment and didn't touch or disturb her in any way -maybe it was just my fault from lifting her hide?
Anywho, I watched and listened for a good 5-6 minutes to see if she would produce any sounds of respiratory issues but none came. She is silent as always, stealthy little ninja that she is, but she just seemed to be breaking a little heavier than normal- like she just finished a few laps in her setup.
Any help/advice/suggestions? I attached a video link.

[rockonjp76]

Mine will do that once in awhile also. I don't know if I'm right or not, but I take it as they are grumpy and trying to like "puff" up and make themselves look bigger. Sometimes a faint hiss will follow. But yes, I'm interested in what this could actually be also.

[gaitedappy]

My younger bp does that, mostly when she's acting tough. My adult does it sometimes when I either startle him or he's ready to be put away. I think it's a defense thing sort of. Sometimes my male will make a deep sound too, not quite a hiss. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you see mucus, hear clicking, etc..


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[TrussstInMeee1394]

My younger bp does that, mostly when she's acting tough. My adult does it sometimes when I either startle him or he's ready to be put away. I think it's a defense thing sort of. Sometimes my male will make a deep sound too, not quite a hiss. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you see mucus, hear clicking, etc..


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That's what I figured. When I seen her doing the breathing, I went into observe and report mode for any other signs. I'll certainly be checking in on her later- just in case.

[rockonjp76]

My younger bp does that, mostly when she's acting tough. My adult does it sometimes when I either startle him or he's ready to be put away. I think it's a defense thing sort of. Sometimes my male will make a deep sound too, not quite a hiss. I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you see mucus, hear clicking, etc..


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Ya that's what I'm thinking. Some sort of defense mechanism.

[gaitedappy]

That's what I figured. When I seen her doing the breathing, I went into observe and report mode for any other signs. I'll certainly be checking in on her later- just in case.

It is always a good thing to practice caution, I know I freaked out when I first noticed it in the baby.

Ya that's what I'm thinking. Some sort of defense mechanism.

It makes sense, trying to look bigger, like a cat fluffing out its fur.



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[M.P.C]

Was probably asleep and you scared her... Before entering the tank give a little knock on the side to let her know your there instead of just reaching in and surprising them

[Albert Clark]

Ball pythons are very sensitive to barometric pressures, air pressures and simple air current. So, lifting a hide off the reptile suddenly will definitely startle the animal and that has to be one of the few times to trigger a defensive bite. The heavy breathing is a sign the python has been frightened.

[jasca]

My young one does this also, mostly for a maximum of 5 minutes, but then he usually starts exploring his setup like he always does.

I guess we aren't happy either if we get waken in the middle of the night when sleeping peacefully