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Thread: hissing?

  1. #1
    Registered User bobb's Avatar
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    hissing?

    i just bought my new bp today and her age is around 1 year old..i wondering why my bp always hissing when i touch her?
    0.1 normal ball python (Rita)

  2. #2
    BPnet Veteran TJ_Burton's Avatar
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    Because she is less than agreeable when being handled. Snakes are temperamental creatures, they have no capacity for emotion; it isn't that she doesn't like you. You just happened to get a snake that is not comfortable with being handled.


    Older snakes that are uncomfortable with handling tend to stay that way. I have a handful in my collection that will hiss, strike, you name it, whenever I try to handle them. Others I have couldn't care less about what I do.

    Also,
    When you get a new snake, it is best to leave them alone as much as possible for the first couple/few weeks that they are in your care. It gives them a chance to transition into their new surroundings. She could also just be cranky from the move.
    Last edited by TJ_Burton; 10-18-2012 at 09:32 AM.
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    BPnet Royalty DooLittle's Avatar
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    Well, if you just got her today, she needs some time alone to settle in. Typically we recommend leaving them be for a week or so, to adjust to their new home before handling. Your bp is probably stressed, and trying to tell you to leave it alone. Give it some settle in time, a few meals in its belly at the new place, then gradually start handling. Short 5 minute sessions at a time, read your snake how much they can handle.

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    Registered User bobb's Avatar
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    Re: hissing?

    is it possible that she will bite me if i still touch her while her hissing?
    0.1 normal ball python (Rita)

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    BPnet Veteran ewaldrep's Avatar
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    Of course its possible, it is also possible that you can get bit when she is not hissing. I would leave her alone and only go into her cage to feed, spot clean, and change water for about 2 weeks. You will have years to handle her and allowing her to acclimate to her new surroundings may go a long way for you. Hope it works out and congrats on the new pet!
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    Re: hissing?

    Give her some time to relax. Hissing can sometimes just be a way to ward off unwanted or unfriendly stimuli. Just be patient and most BPs will generally chill out and be fine.

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    Re: hissing?

    Quote Originally Posted by bobb View Post
    is it possible that she will bite me if i still touch her while her hissing?
    Possible? Yes indeed!

    Don't worry about it. Ball python bites are a regular joke around here because they are very mild. Show no fear! She is clearly much more afraid of you than you should be of her

    She will get used to you eventually. The little babies are always a little jumpy.
    ~Steffe

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    Re: hissing?

    Congrats on the purchase. Don't worry about it too much, it's not a venoumous snake. Hissing doesn't always mean It's 2 seconds away from striking. Stress can be part of it. I had a baby at one time that was so stressed he struck at anything that moved. I had him in way too big of a tank. I moved him to a shoebox rack and his whole mood was night & day different.
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    BPnet Veteran Knytemare's Avatar
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    When i had my baby pastel, i would try to pick him up and he would just puff up and hiss, i gave him about a week or 2 and he never hissed again.
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    Registered User bobb's Avatar
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    Re: hissing?

    thanks guys..i really appreciate your advice
    0.1 normal ball python (Rita)

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