Hissing and heating

Crackster69 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2002, 07:57 PM

I have done alot of reading on Ball Pythons and I have 2 male & Female. If I'm not mistaken Ball Pythons are not able to hiss..... Well when I go to feed my Male python he starts to hiss, And he hissis as loud as a Savana Monitor, which is very loud. Is this normal or could this be a sign of a problem...... Do Pythons hiss? Why is my Python hissing?

My Other question is about heating, I build my own cages, and use oak wood. So when heating a cage 2 heat sources are recomended. I use a nocturnal heatlamp at night and a day heat lamp during the day. I have been told that under the tank heaters are one of the best ways to provide heat for the snake, but my cage floor is very thick about 2- 2 1/2 inches thick, would a under the tank heater provide enough heat through the wood to heat my snakes cage? What other type of heat source could I use with a wood cage.....?
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eddie · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2002, 08:50 PM

Balls not hiss, thats a new one for me!
If he only does this at feeding time, don't worry!
If he does it all the time, then could be start of an RI.

Now for your heating, just click here,for a heating pad that should work nicely in your set-up.
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Reticu-Lady · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2002, 10:40 PM

I do believe all snakes can hiss. Some sound like air leaking from a small puncture in a bike tire, my bci sounds a lot like my hairdryer on the low setting and from what I understand, some cobras actually sound like dogs growling. I am not sure how you got the idea that Royal pythons don't hiss. The hissing sound comes from a forceful expulsion of air through the trachea and nostrils or mouth. I don't guess too many CB royals do hiss as docile as they are, but they are certainly capable of it.
Check out eddie's link, he is full of good info.

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Crackster69 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2002, 01:47 AM

Is the hissing a sign that the snake is upset? (Mostly happens when I am feeding him, sometimes when I open his cage up..)
I have never been bitten by him or never has he threatend to bite me, he is a very calm & Docile snake; even though he was Farmed( and most likely imported, & I aquired him as a yearling in early October. And got him eatting in late January, and is now eatting great. I have had problems with ticks(which are now solved).

Another problem that I am having is Shedding. Both my ball pythons have had trouble shedding. My Female Ball has trouble shedding her neck, (She has lots of cage accessorys to brush up against and the humidity is 75-80 % the temp is 75-80 and a hot spot of 95-100 Both cages are the same temp and hum).

I have to give both my snakes baths everyday for 1/2 and hour when they are shedding, and I was told to use BNP Ointment everyday on there eyes to help shed their eye caps. What could be the problem...should I incresse the humidity in their cages? If their is little chunks of left over skin on her should I remove them by wetting them up and gently pulling them off or should I just wait, and continue to bath them.. I have started using a mixture of pedyalite and water which seem to work better than water. But I still would like to find out why they are having trouble shedding their neck...? anyone have any ideas or sugestions cuz I have no clue..?

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Jezabel · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2002, 02:31 AM

My female hiss alot. I think mine do this because she don't like been disturb. She hiss even more when she's in shed.

And for your shedding problem, I don't know if it mather but the only thing I'ld change in your setup in the hot spot. I'ld lower it to 90-95 max. Ever try a himidity box full of wet shagnum moss? Or try to put wet towel on the tank. Also, don't keep the humidity that hight all the time. When they're not sheding, 50-60 max is fine.
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