Signs Of A Stressed Ball

[Emma]

Hi

My Ball Python is not stressed but what are the signs of stress so I know in case I ever need to know in the near future.

Thanks

[JLC]

Possible signs of stress:

Balling up tightly when handled and refusing to unball.
Frantically trying to escape while being handled.
Striking when no food or food-scents are present.
Refusal to eat (rule out shedding or breeding-cycle fasts)
Constant motion within its enclosure.
Always trying to escape its enclosure.
Striking at food and/or killing it but not eating.

Those are several that spring to mind.

[Emma]

Thanks

[Thor26]

would the trying to escape enclosure thing apply to my gopher snake because she always cruising around but i think that may be a colubrid thing?

[Tosha_Mc]

If the ball is "hiding" in an unusual spot like the water dish, tree or the cool side of the cage for an extended period.

Pooping on you (usually as they are trying to flee)

Regurgitation

General unusual behavior - this is why it's important to learn how to read your ball.

[missi182]

I've been pooped on and my ball was quite relaxed I must say! haha

[panthercz]

Some signs of stress I always look for in my ball pythons are:

Always squeezing one of those stress dolls where the head looks like it's going to pop.
A lot of pacing and muttering to him/herself.
Becomes quite irate when dinner isn't done on time.
Always worried they're going to lose the big contract at work and won't make partner.
Breathing heavily in and out of a paper bag.
Resorting to alcohol or recreational drug use.

[Lowen]

Lol! Yeah, that sounds like a stressed out snake to me!

If your snake balls up tightly and hisses or "puffs" at you every time you reach for it.
If you are struck at often.
If he slithers constantly around his enclosure "testing" possible areas of escape (not to be confused with resting against the glass to warm up).

You will probably know when he's not happy.