Possible respiratory infection - help!

[blenderhead]

I just got my first ball python last Sunday, and now I'm concerned that he might have a RI. I've seen him yawning quite a bit (couple times a day) since I got him, and have witnessed him drinking on more a couple occasions. When I held his head up to my ear today, I could hear very faint clicking sounds. I really have to strain to hear them because they're so quiet.

Otherwise, he seems healthy, clear nostrils, clear eyes, sleeps during the day, is active starting from about 9pm.

Does this sound like an RI? The hot side of his tank is staying around 89 - 91 degrees and the cool side is about 81. The humidity in the tank is about 55%. I have him on newspaper. I'm really upset about this because I just got him, and it makes me think that I was sold an unhealthy animal. How much does a trip to an exotic animal vet usually cost? If it is an RI, how much should I expect to pay for meds?

Any information anyone could provide on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I'm already attached to him and would hate for him to be suffering.

Also, I haven't fed him since acquiring him. I bought some frozen fuzzies yesterday (he's two months old and about 15") and planned on trying to feed him today. Should I go ahead and do so?

[h00blah]

i dont have any exp with RIs, but when i took my first BP to get a vet checkup the dam thing was like $94... idk if all vets are like that.. i expected it to be expensive, but not THAT expensive -_-

try feeding him, see if he takes.. if it looks like hes having trouble, mention that to the vet. but either way, after 48 hours of feeding (if he feeds), i would vet him

[MsPrada]

I believe, and don't quote me on this, that sometimes when they are stressed they will make some noises. I think the biggest sign of an RI is the mucous and bubbles, so personally I wouldn't take him to the vet unless I saw these signs. But thats really your call.

[blenderhead]

I just opened his mouth using the end of a popsicle stick and didn't really see any bubbles or anything in it. I'm really conflicted about what I should do.

[Swingline0.0.1]

I think since you have recently acquired your new bp, you should take him to the vet for a checkup anyways, to make sure he is healthy. If you have any poo from him, they can do a fecal. Better safe than sorry with RI's, as we can't really b sure over the internet!

[MsPrada]

Yes, getting a fecal float is always something you should do when aquiring any new animal. I'm not sure how much it costs though. If you have any local vet schools around you then you should check their prices. Here, the vet school is less costly for simple things.

[quinten]

im new with bp but my male yawns alot and i have seen him drinking twice now,i have only had him 3 weeks,im not worried about ri in mine,seen no bubbles he seems to be healthy and he is very active at night.i watched a video on youtube on how to check for ri,again im inexperienced but im confident my guy is ok.if you could find a video that may help you to determine if yours has an issue.