Grats Jenn on your JCP. They are awesome snakes. He may have just been stressed out and thats why he was making those noises. Mine now only does it when he doesn't feel secure when I'm holding him or when he starts to struggle with wanting to explore. So I take it as when mine feels the need to stess out, he does it. You have the right idea, just keep an eye on him for any bubbles, yawning, snot.