new ball python is hissing any help or tips please

[Mexecutioner]

Hi I've recently got my first ball python he is 3 month old and I've had him for 8 days he has been left alone with no handling to let him settle into his new home apart from when he had his first meal which was a success with no problems it's been 3 days since he ate. Now I think it's time to start handling him but when I'm going to pick him up he's hissing at me. Before I bought him he was fine when I was handling him in the shop but now he's hissing and has tried striking at me any ideas or tips to help me try tame him down please.

[cletus]

Some more info on your setup would be helpful. He's probably just stressed.

[Mexecutioner]

That's what I think it is as he was fine in the shop I have a 3ft wooden vivarium with a glass front I'm using a ceramic heat bulb with the hot side between 85/90 and the cold side is always around 78 the humidity is at 55 and he has two hides one on each side a big water bowl and has plants and vines that he climbs across when he's out is there anymore info that you need and thanks for your reply

[cletus]

I would put him in something smaller. That sounds way too big for a 3 month old. You can fill it up with stuff but that only goes so far. I would go way smaller with 2 hides and a water bowl. I think it's best to start them out as simple as possible until they are well adjusted.

[Mexecutioner]

Right ok I was told that it should be fine as that's what size he was in in the shop but he was with 4 females so obviously not as crowded now suppose I could put a partition in the tank to make it smaller instead of buying a smaller vivarium do you think I should go for 2ft instead of 3ft

[Stewart_Reptiles]

It can be a few thing from stress to just a more than usual vocal animal, it happens over the years I have had 2 or 3 individuals that just like to be heard even as adults.

Bottom line it's a snake and snake hiss, just like dogs bark

Chances are your snake will grow out of it you only had him for 8 days out of the 30+ years you are about to spend with him, just give it time.

[Mexecutioner]

Yeh from what I've read it can take a few week for him to settle like I said he was fine in the shop think I will give him another week and if no improvement I'll try shortening hus vivarium thanks for your advice I'm trying to upload some images onto my profile now see what you think

[Sallos]

My little guy was pretty anxious when I first attempted to handle him.

It'll sound silly, but what worked for me is instead of reaching in with a warm scary hand, I first used a small snake hook (a wire coat hanger should work too). The snake didn't see the hook as a threat, and I was able to gently lift him out of the tub and onto my flat hand. Then I just let him sit there perfectly still until he decided it was safe to start exploring. After four or five of these sessions over a 2-3 week period, he was relaxed enough to let me pick him up barehanded. He hasn't had any issues since, and I've not taken a bite.

[cletus]

I have one that is somewhat nervous when I first reach into his tub. He doesn't hiss or strike but he usually balls right up and buries his head. I just try not to make any sudden moves and don't touch his head. I stoke him a bit and he starts to relax. Once I pick him up he is ok. He gets better from week to week. He will get there eventually. He is eating, shedding and pooping so I'm happy.

[Mexecutioner]

Thanks for all the input guys I will just persevere with him and hopefully will see a change in him over next week or two o will keep you all updated