Ball Python Hissing

Among the popular snake pets in recent years, the ball python has become more and more popular among people because of its docile and calm nature and ease of care. Their owners are delighted to own them but when their ball python hisses, they become concerned.

The ball python typically hisses in response to threats, anger, irritability, or when handled roughly, as well as stress or other reasons. Sometimes excessive hissing is indicative of a respiratory problem in the snake.

There are times when ball pythons hiss as a sign of some expressing pain or injury in them, so pet owners must know why they hiss in order to be able to get rid of those problems on them. In this article, we will discuss all about ball python hissing so pet owners should read this article carefully to ensure their ball python does not have any problems with hissing.

How can a ball python produce the hissing sound?

This is done by the ball python taking a large amount of air, and then exhaling forcefully through its glottis and vocal cords in order to produce the hissing sound. The glottis is a part of the larynx that contains vocal cords and it is located at the beginning of the throat. The vocal cords are separated by a small amount of space, which then allows air to pass through them, and when the air is passed through them the cords wiggle and generate sound. The faster the vocal cords vibrate, the higher the sound will be emitted.

Why does my ball python hiss? Should I be worried?

When a ball python hisses it means that there are several reasons behind the hissing. In most cases, you will not need to worry about it as long as you understand the reason behind their hissing. And once you understand the reason you are able to solve that issue.

Listed below are some reasons your Ball Python is hissing.

When they are in the shedding period

The ball python may hiss excessively during shedding periods because they are experiencing intense pain and are feeling insecure during that time. Therefore, it is normal for your ball python to hiss excessively at this time. In order to help them during these periods, you can leave them alone, provide them with hiding places, and make the enclosure as humid as possible.

In order to define their territory

Additionally, ball pythons will hiss when they see someone trying to invade their territory in addition to hissing to define their territory. As soon as they feel another snake is trying to invade their territory, they will hiss to warn the snake. It is quite common for ball pythons to hiss in the same tank to warn that another snake is trying to harm them, or that the other one is trying to take over their place of hiding, so they hiss in order to fend them off.

In order to frighten or intimidate predators

In the wild, when a predator is trying to fight with the ball python, the ball python may hiss at them in order to tell them that they are not scared by them.

During their captivity, they may use hiss to try to scare away any potential threats, such as people who are not familiar with them, or other animals such as dogs or cats that they feel threaten them then they may use hiss in order to intimidate them.

Whenever they feel uncomfortable

When a ball python feels uncomfortable, then it will hiss. It may be because the tank needs to be set up correctly or because the ball python is new to your home and the environment is unfamiliar to them. It can take a few days for your ball python to adjust to his new habitat, but if your ball python continues hissing after such a long period, then it is due to stress and you need to take them to the vet.

Whenever they are sick or injured

In case your ball python is ill or injured, it may hiss a lot more than usual because they are experiencing discomfort and pain. If they are in that situation, they may display signs of stopping eating, being lethargic, and spending more time in hiding places. It is very important to take your ball python to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect that it is suffering from a serious health issue.

Additionally, there may be several reasons for hissing ball pythons to hiss, such as boredom, fear, hunger, and often aggression all of these can contribute to an outbreak of hissing.

Can you tell me why my Ball Python hisses at me?

If your Ball Python hisses at you, then it means that there is a strong reason behind that hiss or that you made some mistakes from your end, so you should identify that reason and correct it so that your Ball Python won't hiss at you again.

Below we provide some reasons ball pythons hiss at their owners.

• Your presence may scare them or make them feel unwell.
• Hissing may occur if you handle them too much.
• If you handle them or play with them while they are shedding.
• Whenever there is something wrong with their enclosure, they will hiss at you in order to let you know about it.
• It is common for ball pythons to hiss at you when they are new to your home.

Is there anything I can do to stop a ball python from hissing at me?

There are several things you can do to stop your ball python from hissing at you. Below you will find a few tips that you can follow to stop your ball python from hissing at you. Once you follow those steps, the hissing will stop.

• It is recommended that you give a new ball python time to adjust to the new environment if you buy one.
• It is best to leave your ball python alone during shedding and mating season.
• It's important to handle them gently and calmly and avoid overhandling them.
• They should always be fed in your presence.
• Keeping two or more ball pythons in the same cage is not advisable.
• Avoid sudden movements in front of them, as this will stress them out.
• Keep their habitat noise-free by avoiding loud music.
• In case, you do not understand why your ball python is hissing, then you need to take your ball python to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.