Is a wheeze in a ball python ever normal?
I have been doing absolutely everything possible to keep my ball pythons healthy--the main problem is temperature, and humidity.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, 2 snakes (one ball python, one corn snake) stay at my boyfriend's parents house, which we visit about 2-3 times weekly. 3 snakes (2 ball pythons, one corn snake) stay at my parent's apartment where we spend most of our time.
I cannot put all 5 snakes in one place right now.
I have been doing EVERYTHING to keep them warm--heat lamps for the ambient temp, and a heat pad connected to a thermostat for the hotspot.
Under the light, the temp in Nergal's tank is about 80 degrees. In his hide, with the UTH, it's about the same. His tank is a 40 gallon breeder. I think what's happening is the entire length of the tank is not getting heated by the lamp like I intended it to.
Regardless, Nergal now has a wheeze that resembles a quieter version of a doggie squeak toy. I can only think of an RI causing this, but what else can I possibly do? I'm trying so hard, and I have money to spend if need be on a new setup. I just need help. I don't know what else to do. Everything is going wrong, and I'm trying so hard to make it right, but now one of my babies is sick, and I cannot figure out how to prevent it in the future.
Vet appointment--I will be calling first thing Monday. All the vets are closed for the night. I'll see if some clinics are open on Saturday, but it's a small chance.
What can I do? I can't turn on the main heater in the room, as it is broken, and my boyfriend's mother says a space heater is too dangerous for the room, as it is cluttered up being used for storage as well as the home of the snakes.
I need help. Please, any advice you have....I need it. I'll do anything to keep him healthy.
Nergal is about 2 years old now and weighs around ~1230 grams. He eats every week, and has been shedding once a month or so. He eats a small rat every week....including 2 days ago.
Thanks,
Shellie