My Ball python is a squeaker???

[grovyle111]

Hi, new here to the thread, and was hoping to get a hand in figuring out an issue my Ball is going through, it's been about a month now an I've noticed that she has been doing a bit of a squeak when breathing, moving around while I have her held. Have done a bit of research and have come to the conclusion that it is either loose shedding in her nose, or early RI which I hope it isnt.. the tank temp runs about a constant 80 and up to 85 from time to time, I do mist once every other day, other than that, she eats fine, hides in her rock all day.. unsure what it is, possible clearficiation needed.. Thanks!!

[bcr229]

Temps of 80-85*F are a bit too cool. What are you using for heat (under-tank heater, light, CHE...) and how is it regulated (thermostat, rheostat)?

What kind of thermometer(s) and hygrometer are you using?

Is your snake in a tank or a tub? If a tank is there a cover to help retain heat and humidity?

[grovyle111]

I'm using a heat light, a standard thermometer from Petco, and she is in a tank and no cover.

[bcr229]

First, those round stick-on analog thermometers are very inaccurate. WalMart sells a digital Accurite thermometer/hygrometer for $10-15 that works well.

Second, a heat lamp on an open top tank will create a desert environment for your snake, which at best will give her bad sheds and at worst will make her very sick. Short term you can wrap the top with foil, just leave the area under the heat lamp uncovered.

Third I would get an under-tank heater along with a thermostat to create a basking spot.

When your snake outgrows the 20-gal do not buy another tank, get a reptile enclosure. Alternatively if you are handy with tools you can build your own PVC enclosure very economically.

[Willowy]

No top at all on the tank? If that's what you meant, get a top soon. . .sakes can definitely lift themselves high enough to get out of a tank, so once she feels comfortable enough to explore you're gonna end up with a missing snake! If you mean you have a screen top or something like that, yeah, cover it with foil. That helps a lot.

[butterballpython]

If you do have a top to the tank, please don't forget to use really sturdy clamps!

[chrid16371]

This is the care sheet. It's a must read. Make proper adjustments.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[grovyle111]

Alrighty. Thanks for all your info, I'm also new to having a ball python as well since my previous reptiles had bad experiences unfortunately, but I digress on that, and yes I have a 30 gal tank with a top lol, should've mentioned that, but alrighty I shall foil the top of the aquarium top as well as a better thermometer. Any other tips that you could all provide? And yes I have a desert theme going, but I don't have sand, I have a woodshavings. Again, thanks for your info.