Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a question. Is this defensive or???
Yearling Easterns make a noise. I believe it is some sort of defensive tactic but not sure. It is not a wheeze or a cough but sorting sound. I only hear this during interaction i.e. cleaning the cage, feeding, or when I check them in there hides. I have had many different snakes and have never heard anything like this noise. Both the male and female make the same noise. I have never heard my Cribo’s make this noise. Sounds like blowing air or snorting. The male makes a very pronounced noise. Thanks for any feedback if someone can advise...Dann

Does it sound like a quick, "sssh sssh sssh sssh" with just a bit of a whistle to it? Indigo snakes do this when nervous or excited. Wild indigos will do it when first captured, and all mine do this when they think food is coming.

Don't worry unless your snake has mucous around the nose or mouth. To be on the safe side, you may want to gently pry his mouth open and make sure there is no obvious flem or infection (which would be a white cheesy substance)

But...what you are describing sounds normal.

That’s it, that’s the noise exactly. I checked both as you suggested for flem and infection, both cleared.

This noise at first scared me (thought I had health problems) but as I watched them it seemed to only be used in conjunction with their defensive tactic while I cleaned, feed, or pulled them out to check them.

These are truly amazing snakes with characteristic unique to there species. (So I’am finding out)..Dann

Thanks Dean

Sounds like an Eastern. The huff usually proceeds violent tail shaking. The next time you hear this look at their tail and see if it is shaking. Mine always does this when I am in his cage, as soon as I pick him up the tail shaking and huffing stops and he calms down pretty quickly.

Have fun with them,

Greg

Every indigo I have ever owned has done this... I concur with the other posts in this thread.

Spousal unit and I have noticed this behavior/noise from our Tex, we call it "chuffing". Interestingly enough I also have observed a Y/T doing the head arching/neck inflation thing with extremely long/loud hissing (some of you have posted this being associated with Easterns and Tex's defensive behavior) which may link back to the "Are ...Y/T's really Drymarchon?" thread. I can quickly link to the "Drymarchon Bite" thread following that display from the Y/T as well. LOL.

Regards,
J.

i guess cribos don't 'chuff' because i have never heard it or of it before this thread. you would think they would though. hmmm.....what do you think it signifies? that they are getting excited? i would love to hear it!

Dunno Dan,

I've only heard it from the Tex. Guess it depends how far you extrapolate the Dry's especially since I've seen behavior attributed to Easterns and Tex's exhibited in a Y/T. An interesting puzzle to try to work out. Would be interested in hearing the experiences of others as well, Seems to be more than meets the eye here....

Regards,
J.

Dan F.

I only have BT's other than my Yearlings in the Dry family. I have never heard any noises from them. I do know that when you open the Male Black Tail's enclosure it is Game ON!!! tell you get him out....Dann

Dann,

Curious...when you say "game on" do you mean aggressive behavior from the B/T? Does it bite or just move a lot? Only reason I ask is sometimes when I disturb the Dry's I have they have an aggressive response 'til they recognize what's going on. Then they seem to settle down...kinda like "been here done that". Smart animals.

Regards,
Jeff

Jeff

No, he has never bitten me. Both male and female are CB B.Tails. I should have been more specific. They are smart, I think he knows at cleaning time he is coming out. We play a chase game for a bit. (Still amazed how fast they are). If I’m lucky enough to catch him before he bolts out of the enclosure I can get some cleaning done.
He does not show aggression just speed and awareness. Makes no sounds, throat display or tail rattling. Female is much calmer. Here is a picture of Fast ED!
Dann

the Pituophis hiss?...Mine do it...I'm not quite sure if it's defensive or offensive...I think that maybe it is more of a "What's going on?" expression...Altho I have had them do it while watching TV on the kids laps...

Could it be why people in the "old days" called them "Blue Bullsnakes"? Not nearly as impressive a nice big bull or pine display...

On occasion it has been followed by a quick "strike and release" maneuver...Usually when they are startled by an unexpected opening of the cage door...So I tap on the door now to "ring the bell" so to speak, before opening to get them out...or feed...CG
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Carl W Gossett
Garage Door Herps
Monument,Colorado...northern territory of the Great Republic of Texas