I agree with bcr229...that's probably not a "hiss", nor is it voluntary...it's just the noise made when air is forced out of her large lung, as the snake's long body is
"folded" when trying to hang onto you. My late BCI used to do the same thing now & then, but never when just breathing on a flat surface or in her cage.
And it's totally up to you, but 5 minutes is more apt to stress a snake than a longer handling session; they're most ill at ease when we approach them & when we
first pick them up...she doesn't have a chance to learn to relax with you. That's another reason she may be 'heavy-breathing' when you hold her.
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