my snake keeps hissing... it scares me

[crystal]

Thanks for all your advice guys.
Sorry if i sound like a scared little girl about this whole hissing thing. im usually not this bad its just Nathan Scott Phillips (thats the snake) is alot larger than what were used to here. All of our snakes are just babies except for our one kenyan.
Thanks again... you guys are spectacular.

[Skiploder]

Thanks for all your advice guys.
Sorry if i sound like a scared little girl about this whole hissing thing. im usually not this bad its just Nathan Scott Phillips (thats the snake) is alot larger than what were used to here. All of our snakes are just babies except for our one kenyan.
Thanks again... you guys are spectacular.

It is very common for snakes to do this and it usually has nothing to do with aggression.

It has everything to do with the fact that the act of reaching in and picking them up is very similar to being predated on. Predators will dig to get at them, or reach into burrows - your arm reaching in to pick them up is markedly similar and will provoke a defensive reaction.

Add into the mix that he's in new surrounds and that exacerbates the condition.

The good news is that most animals get acclimated and soon learn that your hand is not the same thing as a predator. The other bit of good news is that most snakes will immediately cease this behavior once they have been picked up. Using a hook is a great way to insure that you don't get bit in the process.

It is important that if he hisses or strikes, that you do not let this behavior stop the handling session. He needs to learn that being handled is part of the routine and that his aggressive behavior will not be rewarded.

[frankykeno]

Thanks for all your advice guys.
Sorry if i sound like a scared little girl about this whole hissing thing. im usually not this bad its just Nathan Scott Phillips (thats the snake) is alot larger than what were used to here. All of our snakes are just babies except for our one kenyan.
Thanks again... you guys are spectacular.

Crystal, don't worry about thinking you sound "like a scared little girl". You had a concern so you posted about it and from what I see you got some really solid, common sense advice on how to deal with it. That's what BPNet is here for and I'm really pleased that you've now got some more information to help you and your boyfriend manage this snake.

The nice thing is down the road, when you've got even more experience, there will come a new keeper here with a hissy new snake and you'll be able to use this experience you've had to help them become a calm, confident handler.

[Jakob]

crystal, i have not picked up a snake by the neck that enjoyed it or was comfortable with it. i bet you notice when you do that, that he is constantly pulling his neck away to get free (depending on how close you are to his head).

i pick my snakes up from the middle of the body. anytime i start to control the neck close to the head...this isnt good. i dont know if they need to feel like they have the ability to strike if necessary; so its like saying "please dont tie my hands." especially with a new snake for you, head and neck shy is completely common. some snakes never grow out of that either.

[Jenn]

Another great point by Jakob, and I believe Darkangel touched on it too. Most snakes hate it when you try to control their head/neck area. It's almost as if they need to know they can strike you, should they want to. Breeders reach into dozens of tubs every day and pull out snake after snake as if they were picking up produce at the local grocery store!!! But always by the middle body area, never the neck or head.

[crystal]

good news!! he doesnt hiss anymore. now when we open his tank he pops his head out and climbs right up to us. its awesome. thanks for all your advice!

[starmom]

This is GREAT news!!!! All that hissing is usually just a bluff anyway
Congrats!!!!

[Agmcmurphy]

Im having the same problem with my blood. A few times he comes out no problem, but not often.

[John1982]

This thread is over 5 years old.. Since you went ahead and did some digging I'll offer my 2 cents. Confidence as a handler often plays a role in how snakes behave during handling sessions. Many times I've reached into an enclosure and brought out a "terribly aggressive" snake without so much as a squeak of protest. Then again, I've met snakes that just seem to enjoy ripping me a new one no matter what - take it as you will.

[Pyrate81]

My BP and one of my rat snakes get hissy sometimes. Both are my most gentle snakes and neither have bit anyone. Sometimes they have a 'bad scale day" and might not want to be handled so they puff up and get hissy. It can also happen if you startle them.


W/o having read through the thread, I assume this advice has been given: keep handling the snake starting with short sessions then progressively lengthen them. When you to get the snake from its enclosure, grip it lightly around the mid section or lower in its body if you do not have hooks. Use gloves if you are worried about a bite. You could also just have a hissy snake which happens from time to time.