Quote Originally Posted by bsumpter View Post
Well, as far as husbandry goes:

aspen substrate
warm side temp 93
cool side temp 81
40 gallon long tank
2 hides (one each temp zone) both are clay flower pots with holes cut out for him
no loud noises or foot traffic, just dark and quiet

I just can't understand why he's hissing so much. There's nothing around him to cause him to feel threatened. He doesn't look like he's due for a shed. Honestly, it's only been about 4 or 5 weeks since his last shed. I've only had him for a month so I'm not sure how often they shed, but it shouldn't be this soon, should it? I've read so much info on ball pythons that I'm just not sure what to believe because so many sites offer contradictory info. I really do appreciate everyones' help in this matter.

Also, I've heard that handling is the best way to get them used to being handled and I do at least once a day for a half hour or so until these last couple days. Quite frankly, I'm afraid to put my hands in the cage unless he's sleeping in his hide (to change his water and take temp readings with the ir temp gun) I don't know... maybe once I've been bit once it won't be so scary after. I still have that whole fear of the unknown thing going on. lol Thanks again.
I would leave him alone for about a week and see if he calms down. Ball pythons are not problem handlers most of the time, and a week won't hurt anything.
How old is this ball python? He may be stressed out because of the amount of open space provided by the 40 gallon cage, especially if he is less than 2 years old.

You might want to get used to the idea that you own a snake, your probably going to get bitten once or twice. It's not painful, and it shouldn't really scare you that much.
Another idea if you can't reduce tank size, cover all but the front sides of the cage with black construction paper or something dark. Make sure to stuff his enclosure with fake plants and lots of decorations to make him feel more secure.

Just some ideas.

Also, you say he is hissing at nothing. This is probably not true, but rather he feels threatened that your standing in front of his cage, and that is what he's hissing at. He probably feels overexposed.