Moody BP

[ballphysicist]

Lately my ball has been not so friendly. She is about a year and a half old (give or take) and I've had her since a little before Xmas 2007. She has not tried to bite me but hisses whenever I try to pick her up. I ignore it when it's time to feed her, because, well she's gotta eat. Otherwise I'm kind of nervous to handle her. I never handle her a lot, as in I don't hold her every day but I generally reach my hand in there and at least stroke down her back for a period every day. It's the first ball I've had, so admit I don't know everything... but I did some reading before I got her and I thought for the most part I've been doing things right. Does anyone have any advice? I love her to death and want to make sure she's happy and healthy.

[amanda_rose07]

My snake hissed at me when I first got her. I just picked her up, and handled her anyways. I pretended she didnt scare me. She got over it real quick. Dont be nervous. She can tell. If she bites it wont hurt so just show her whos boss. lol Ive had my little girl just over a year and she is just now completely comfortable with me. (ie I can touch her head/kiss her and hold her neck)
As far as the health part goes, I dont know. There could be something hurting/bothering her that is making her act that way. Could be hungry, could have parasites, etc. Im sure other members will have more information about this!

[ballphysicist]

Thank you!

[sjsexotics]

you will be scard till you get bit lol I was scard til the first time I got bit then I was like that did not hurt what was I so scard of .... I really does not hurt much I have been vit by my 1000 g male and my little ones and I would have to say the little ones bleed more lol

[slither9192]

Like everyone else said if you do get bit it won't hurt. She is most likely afraid of you and that is why she hisses, so just dont be nervous pick her up and hold her a couple times a week (even if she hisses) and in no time she will be fine with handling. One of my ball pythons hissed and struck at me every time I handled her. Then after handling for a month or so she is completely fine.

[Spaniard]

My pastel male used to be a hissing machine, as he got older it happened less and less but he still lets out a couples hisses everytime before I pick him up. After I'm holding him he's fine, just that initial getting him out of the tub is a problem.

[ballphysicist]

The only thing is that she was fine when I first got her. She would shy away a little but then got use to it. This has just started happening in the last few weeks.

[amanda_rose07]

Temp/Humidity high enough? Has she eaten? Any parasites?

[ballphysicist]

She eats with no problem, and I don't see any mites. she also shed a few weeks ago (3maybe). Temp and humidity are fine. It could be that I'm just worrying over nothing but I at least wanted to get other people's opinions.