Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry if my questions sound repetitive to the more experienced "herp" posters, but I have two questions.
1. How often should the mulch be changed in my tank?
2. I know they hiss as a warning sign or do they just hiss because they are moody...lol?
I find that after the theatrics, I can pick my ball up, it will then start flicking it's tongue on my hands, arms, face, and then wrap around my arm, neck whatever is warm and comfortable and be real mellow. I talk to it everyday, and always let it get my scent to let it know I won't hurt it.
Does this make sense or am I overdoing it?
I take it out about once a week, 10-15 minutes, not to stress it out since it's fairly young.
Love this site....more informative than the people trying to make a sale at the local pet store.
Thanx.

"How often should the mulch be changed in my tank?"

Someone else will have to answer this one. I use newspaper in all my racks. I did try bark chips and aspen but they were too messy for my liking and switched back to newspaper after a few weeks.

"I know they hiss as a warning sign or do they just hiss because they are moody...lol?'

Maybe a little of both. Those of mine that do hiss generally do so after striking (go figure!). I think it is most likely a scare tactic because their bite really doesn't hurt and they would rather flee than fight.

"I talk to it everyday..."

You can talk to it until you are blue in the face, but it won't do you any good. Snakes are deaf. As long as you are careful with him and take care of him, with regular handling he should calm down nicely. He will hiss on occasion when disturbed but don't worry about it. It sounds like you are off to a good start with him.

Oh, I almost forgot, don't worry about your questions sounding dumb. People generally get ticked off when someone doesn't search the forum before asking a question (some questions are asked nearly weekly. i.e. "What line of pastel is the best?" "My snake won't eat.", etc.) Otherwise, unless you are doing something just plain stupid most people won't jump on you about it. If they do, just let it ride.
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Sometimes, things are exactly as they appear...sometimes.

really hard because you asked a question. It is probably because back when they started out they made lots of mistakes and maybe they feel responsible for the death of a snake or two and they are still angry at themselves about it.
Besides if you repeat a question that was already answered it may help others remember usefull information since the repetition helps people remember it.
Then again maybe socializing with another herper wouldn't kill them either.
I notice each forum is different from the next.
On the beardie forum everyone is all sociable and easygoing.
On the chameleon forum they all want to be highest man on the branch and show off their colors.
On this forum everyone sits alone quietly in the dark till a mouse wanders on the scene. Then all hell breaks loose!
The mice are usually anyone new to ball pythons. LOL
Don't worry they will only constrict you only till a new mouse wanders in. Unless you stop breathing first.

O_o
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Charles Glaspie