How to recognize stress

[craigafrechette]

BPs should move in a slow, calculated manner. Erratic movements and darting around are an indication the animal is stressed.

Also, watch their tongue flicks, they should be slow and deliberate. Flicking in and out rapidly could be a sign of stress.

Lastly, you can actually watch to see their lungs expand and contract. Big, quick breaths could be a sign of stress.

Since your snake seems willing to just sit and chill with you that's a good sign.

[Mrr]

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

BPs should move in a slow, calculated manner. Erratic movements and darting around are an indication the animal is stressed.

Also, watch their tongue flicks, they should be slow and deliberate. Flicking in and out rapidly could be a sign of stress.

Lastly, you can actually watch to see their lungs expand and contract. Big, quick breaths could be a sign of stress.

Since your snake seems willing to just sit and chill with you that's a good sign.

Also, does rapid tongue flicking mean stress for every species? My brown African house snake is always flicking his tongue in and out. I just assumed it was he was curious ��*

[craigafrechette]

Originally Posted by Mrr

Also, does rapid tongue flicking mean stress for every species? My brown African house snake is always flicking his tongue in and out. I just assumed it was he was curious ��*

It certainly may be typical of that species. I'm not familiar enough with them to say for sure though. As long as it's consistent I wouldn't worry about it.