RCReptiles.com

[moonbeam]

My brother-in-law passed away so I inherited his ball. I have no experience with this lady (so I'm told), and am a bit leary about her. Whenever I, or my son, have tried to handle her she emited a whistle as soon as we touched her. She doesn't even make it into our hands. Our fingers touch her and she whistles. Of course, since she's new to us, and twice the size of our own ball, we are quite concerned. I've watched for all other signs of a respiratory problem and there are none. I know I need to give her time to acclimate to change, but I also know that I want to be able to manage her. I was told that she was always held and never bit or struck out. I want to keep her that way! Any idea as to whether or not this whistling is a defense mechanism, or is it a health problem yet to rear it's ugly head

[deborahbroadus]

Moonbeam, I am sorry to hear about your brother-in-law passing, but welcome to RCforums. Kick back relax..make a few friends. We are here to help.

Personally, I haven't yet read, or learned that whistling is a BP's defense mechanism. I do know they HISS...if you are sure it's not a hiss, it could be water (perhaps she had a drink before you reached for her?)

If the whistling is regular, I would have her checked by a Vet. A research of the forum for R.I may bring up some very helpful information. Check it out and keep us updated.

[MikeandSlick]

I've never heard a hiss, but my guy used to puff up as a defense mechanism. I'll bet that the whistle is the sudden and quick intake of air when she puffs up, and you wouldn't hear it under normal breathing. It could be RI at it's very earliest of stages, and a few more degrees of heat would help.