Stressed BP :(

[JUNKyardHOE]

so as some of you may know I got a rescue BP about 2 weeks ago and he seemed to have settled into his new cage (stays in his hides during the day and comes out to roam at night) so I have been handling once a day for the last 5 days or so for about 5 minutes at a time... but today I went to pick him up and it sounded like he hissed at me (which I don't think they do correct me if I am wrong) so I think it's just a super deep fast exhale... am I doing something wrong? should I continue to try and hold him and just let him tell me when he doesn't feel like it by "hissing"? or should I leave him alone for another week? or should I do a combination of that and add crumpled newspaper in his cage as I have read that a few times on the forum for stressed snakes?

oh and I have the humidity at 60% and the cold side is around 80-85 and the hot side is around 90-95

[JoshR324]

You may have startled him awake and that caused him to hiss. That actually happened to me today. I went in to remove the snake and he was not too happy that I startled him. He didn't bite, but he hissed a couple of times. I'd say just be a little more cautious when trying to pick them up. Since they don't have eyelids you can never really tell if they're awake or asleep.

[JUNKyardHOE]

he hasn't bit me and I hope he never does... he is a big boy and it may be difficult to remove him

[Elise.m]

Yep, sounds like you just startled him. Hissing doesn't mean a BP is stressed. You can give him another week to settle in if you want. If you start handling him again and he tries to hiss at you, don't pay attention to it and just keep handling him. If you start to "go away" every time he hisses, it'll show to him that it works.

[BPelizabeth]

I am still a newbie but I have read so so many post trying to learn everything that I can! So here is my 2 cents....which is really what it is probably worth...

First of all they do hiss! Secondly when you put your hand in to get him make some noise to let him know you are there prior to picking him up. Slow movements. We try to rustle around a little and talk to them prior to picking them up. (think what if a big giant grabbed you while you were sleeping)
I agree with the other ppl that replied, he was probably sleeping and you startled him.
Also if it continues you might want to go ahead and try the newspaper thing as it worked wonders for another person on this site.

Not sure if you know about his background....if he was mishandled or not. He could just take time to trust you.

Good luck and I am sure it will all work out!

[Kaorte]

Yeah, probably just woke him up unexpectedly!

I have a snake that hisses everytime I open the tub! It is pretty hilarious because he is so small and not terrifying at all.