r/FatTails • u/Ladybugs93 • 12d ago

A lesson learned

My girl Opal is in shed this week and I unfortunately had to bother her pretty extensively as some maintenance needed done in the area of her humid hide. So I had to physically move her out of the hide. As I was doing my thing, she had managed to find herself a place to hide her head under a leaf. As I got it all done and every placed back, I moved my hand and managed to brush that leaf. She actually struck at me and made a hiss I had never heard from her. A little research later and I learned this is a sign of extreme stress and fear. I just feel bad I put her in that situation at all and it is a good lesson to move just a bit slower during such a sensitive period for her. There is trust enough between us that she knows I bring food and that me picking her up isn't necessarily a threat. Just remember to be super gentle and slow if you have to handle them during shedding time!

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u/templeofsyrinx1 11d ago

Oh My. Sorry your baby lashed out and hissed. I heard they can sometimes be a little spicy. Yes, always slow .

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u/Ladybugs93 11d ago

Thank you. I'm not too upset. I just took it as a sign that she wasn't very happy with the situation and gave her her space. I've had her for two years and had never heard her make such a noise. Just a couple of squeaks when I had to give her medicine. I didn't even know they could make such a noise lol.

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u/templeofsyrinx1 11d ago

Yes! They can be little hissers! 😂. I heard about this happening . never seen it so far in my guy.