Corn snakes, like all snake species, usually make weird sounds, whether in captivity or the wild. One of the common noises that your corn snake can make is hissing. As a responsible corn snake owner, understanding why your snake hiss can make it easier to make timely adjustments and care for your snake in captivity.
Generally, corn snakes can make a hissing sound as a warning sign and to back off. Corn snakes make a hissing sound when they feel threatened or to intimidate a predator. They also hiss when it is stressed by the presence of their owner and will prefer that you leave it alone.
This article will help answer some of the reasons for corn snake hissing and the other common sounds that your corn snake can make.
Do Corn Snakes Hiss?
Yes. Corn snakes can hiss. Corn snakes usually hiss as a warning sign to tell you to go away. The corn snake is likely to hiss when caught by surprise or cornered, and it is warning you before striking.
It is also more common for baby corn snakes to hiss than adult snakes as they are getting used to handling.
How Do Corn Snakes Hiss?
Snakes possess a glottis located under their tongue and part of their trachea. Generally, the snake glottis is usually closed, forming a vertical slit that will open when a snake breathes. A snake can then make a hissing sound if it is forcibly exhale as it makes the slit in the glottis vibrate.
What Does It Mean When a Snake Hisses At You?
Although hissing is not common for pet snakes, your corn snake can hiss for several reasons. Some of the reasons for a corn snake to hiss at you are stated below.
Annoyed Sign
This is the most common reason for a corn snake to hiss at you. You may notice that your snake hisses at you to tell you it needs a break from handling. When you notice this, you can leave your snake alone before you even decide to handle it again.
You can also annoy your corn snake if you try to handle it after consuming a meal. It is advised that you leave your snake alone until you know that it has finished digestion before you try to handle it.
Your corn snake can also be annoyed during pre-shed, making it hiss. Snakes are usually nervous during shedding as their vision may get obstructed when shedding. Therefore, you should avoid handling your snake during this period so you don’t further upset your snake.
Pre-Warning Before Striking
Corn snakes can also hiss before they strike. Snakes usually go into a tight S-shaped and make a loud hiss if they spot an incoming predator or threat from afar. They do this to warn the predator to stay away from them.
Furthermore, making a loud hiss can also startle the incoming predators providing a space for them to escape.
Afraid Rather Than Anger
Your pet corn snake can also hiss when it is afraid. For instance, your pet snake may hiss if it does not realize that you are about to pick it up for handling. Therefore, it is best that you always use slow hand movements that can easily indicate to the snake that you want to touch it to avoid startling it.
Furthermore, it is common for baby snakes to hiss more than adult snakes as they are still getting used to handling by humans.
What to Do if Your Snake Is Hissing
As you can see, the snake makes a hissing sound as a form of communication. When you snake hiss at you, then it indicates that it is afraid or annoyed. The best thing to do when your corn snake hisses at you during a handling session is to leave it alone.
However, there are situations where your snake may be hissing due to different reasons. You can then try to determine the cause of the hissing so you can remove what is annoying or stressing your snake to make it feel happy and comfortable.
Other Sounds That Corn Snakes Make
Apart from hissing, corn snakes can make several other noises that you can be on the lookout for. Some common sounds a corn snake can make are stated below.
Corn Snake Squeaks
Squeaking is one of the most common sounds that a corn snake can make. Generally, squeaking in corn snakes is harmless, and it is normal. Many people believe corn snakes make a squeaking sound when communicating with other snakes, while some believe they do this to find food or mate.
Corn Snake Whistling
Generally, corn snakes do not whistle intentionally and prefer to hiss and growl. Corn snakes make whistling sounds during the start of their shedding cycle if there is a loose layer of skin in their nostrils. Your corn snake will stop the whistling sound after the shedding process completes.
Corn snakes also whistle after swallowing their prey as they try to breathe more heavily. Your corn snake will whistle once or twice after swallowing prey.
It is also possible for a corn snake to make a whistling sound if it has a respiratory infection.
Corn Snakes Rattle
You will be surprised to hear that corn snakes make a rattling sound even though they don’t have rattles. Corn snakes make rattling sounds using their tails to hit rocks or tall grass. Your corn snake can make this noise when it feels threatened.
Fun Fact
- Corn snakes don’t hiss at other snakes.
- The frequency of snake hissing is so high that snakes cannot hear each other hissing.
- Snakes only hiss at potential non-snake predators.
FAQs
Do corn snakes make noises?
Yes, your corn snakes can make a wide range of noises. You can hear your corn snakes make noises like wheezing, whistling, squeaking, hissing, etc.
Do snakes hiss at each other?
No, snakes don’t hiss at each other to communicate. This only occurs in movies, and it is completely fictional. In real life, snakes are solitary creatures, and you will only find them interacting with other snakes during breeding.
How can I determine that my snake is stressed?
Like most pets, snakes cannot talk with their owner when stressed but can give off several signs. Some ways you can determine that your snake is stressed are stated below.
snakes hiss at each other?
No, snakes don’t hiss at each other to communicate. This only occurs in movies, and it is completely fictional. In real life, snakes are solitary creatures, and you will only find them interacting with other snakes during breeding.
How can I determine that my snake is stressed?
Like most pets, snakes cannot talk with their owner when stressed but can give off several signs. Some ways you can determine that your snake is stressed are stated below.
– Loss of appetite
– Loss of weight
– Striking
– Attempting to escape from its enclosure
– The snake is rubbing its nose against the objects in the tank.
– Hissing.
– The snake is rattling its tail.
– Your snake defecates and urinates on you.
– Breathing heavily for prolonged periods.
– Your snake is regurgitating its food.
– It hides for a prolonged period.
How do I know if my corn snake is happy?
There are several signs that indicate that your corn snake is happy and comfortable. Some of the signs are stated below.
– Your snake eats and drinks normally.
– It moves slowly when picked up.
– Your snake flicks its tongues casually.
– It has clear eyes
– Has gentle grip
– It is passing waste regularly
– Does not make a hissing sound
– It sheds its skin with ease
– Maintains regular habits
Final Sentences
Corn snakes usually hiss when threatened or annoyed to tell the potential threat to back off. Now that you know why your snake hisses, we hope this article provides you with everything you need to deal with the situation.
You can message us in the comment section if you have other questions or concerns on corn snake hissing.
