Popping

[Lucifer]

I was handling my three month old BP today and when i straightened him out there was some slight popping in his back. Normal?

[tigerlily]

Ok, this wasn't exactly what I thought it was going to be about.

I've never had any of my bps pop, per se. Can you describe it a bit better? Did you feel a pop or was it a sound you heard? Was there much pressure exerted by you?

[monkeywrench133]

when was the last time you fed her? I've had some grinding/popping noises out of my boa when handling her 3-4 days after feeding. I was told its the bones of the prey item that haven't digested yet crunching around in there.

[SethsDad]

I too have had this popping with my BP and there was no force on my part i was just straitening him out to get a good measure...didnt have a cloth measurer and he started popping. it sounded like his back was popping like human do when they stretch. I didnt know if it was good or bad so i decided not the straiten him out any more i just entice him to do it on his own.

[Lucifer]

I too have had this popping with my BP and there was no force on my part i was just straitening him out to get a good measure...didnt have a cloth measurer and he started popping. it sounded like his back was popping like human do when they stretch. I didnt know if it was good or bad so i decided not the straiten him out any more i just entice him to do it on his own.

Yea this is what i meant.

[The Cannibal Monkey]

Same deal here, it just sounds and feels like I'm popping his back for him....hopefully it's nothing to worry about?

[tigerlily]

It sounds like it's not too abnormal, but the next time you are at the vets maybe bring that up. Never hurts to ask....

[Chad Schwinn]

I have experienced this a few times myself, in a few different BP's in my collection. I don't necessarily think it is anything to be worried about, but with that you have to be very observant with reptiles in general. Many reptiles, especially snakes do not offer many obvious signs that they are in pain, or discomfort. Since I have experienced this "popping" when gently handling my animals, I have thought of it as cracking my neck, or my shoulder. Both of which crack regularly when I shift, or move, or carry something heavier than normal. I know, I'll have arthritis when I'm old, and I don't do it on purpose, but joints do crack and snakes are "all joints".

Also, when I was a Reptile Keeper that the Baltimore Zoo, we had a huge, geriatric Blood Python named Dave. Dave passed away at over 20 years old (if I remember correctly). A Necropsy was performed, as with all animals that died. And in the report it was stated, "severe arthritis in the neck and spine". I can tell you Dave covered every square inch of his habitat, including two climbing braches every day that he was not in shed. We would regularly take him outside in the summer for some sun and exercise and he was always eager to "roam around" and never fought us when it was time to go back in.

So, this is a lot more than you were asking, I would keep a watchful eye, but your snake is probably just "cracking his neck" when the popping occurs. BTW GOOD QUESTION!

Take Care,