definition of stress

[WingedWolfPsion]

Stress is a physiological response to stimuli. Stress comes in negative and positive forms, but either way, the result is a strain on an animal's biological system. That strain can cause problems if it is extreme--some of the problems that can result are reduced appetite, reduced immune function, exhaustion, and tension.

Examples of stressors in snakes, both postive and negative: Feeding, breeding, being handled or exposed to new stimuli, lacking a basic need (as in temperature, hiding places, water), and immune system challenges (such as parasites, bacteria, viruses).

We often think of stress as being purely negative, but there are many cases of 'positive stress' in our own lives--a really fun party is an example of a positive stress. One must recover from the party afterward--it's exhausting. But, the party is a temporary stress--once the party is over, we go back to a normal and more comfortable routine, and are able to recover. The party has other postive psychological effects and releases endorphins and such, but it still represents a noticeable temporary stress.

Temporary stresses are not particularly dangerous, so long as they aren't extreme. The real danger to an animal is long-term stress. When something is not right over a long period of time, the animal has no chance to recover--the stress continues to build, and its ill effects become more and more apparent. Generally, the animal will eventually become ill. This is why ball pythons will sometimes develop illnesses towards the end of the breeding season, and why snakes may seem fine for months, or even years in an adverse environment before they finally develop real problems.

Minimizing long-term stress for captive reptiles is a key part of keeping them healthy. It enables them to withstand short-term stresses such as being moved, and being handled. The more 'relaxing' their environment is, the better chance they have of staying healthy and behaving normally.

Signs of stress in ball pythons may include excessive cruising, particularly if it occurs during the daytime--excessive hiding, particularly if it does not emerge at night--disinterest in food, and defensive behavior. Since some of these signs may be subtle (it's hard to guess if a snake is hiding just a BIT more than it should), we have to go by the body of knowledge about ball python husbandry, and adjust it if we do detect anything noticeable to us.