my ball python wont eat

[bjfoste1]

What do I do ?????? Its been like 2.5 months and no this is getting kind of serious. He is about 7 months old ....and keeps squeking like he is about to die or something. For a while he was eating small frozen rats then he just stopped. He is in a 20 gallon tank 2 hide spots bowl in the middle. Heating pad set to 90 degrees....! Im getting a little worried now. Any techniques? Im about to take him to the vet.

[Enser54]

squeaking? Respiratory infection perhaps?

[RichsBallPythons]

Most snakes making noises are not good at all.

If in fact its a RI the snakes usually will not eat. if i were you take snake in to get checked out and then move over to a 16qt tub or even 28qt tub till the snake begins eating.

[Crazy4Herps]

I agree. Up to 6mo without feeding (especially this time of year) is no major concern for BPs, but noises suggest that something may be wrong.

Is there any mucous around his mouth, nose, or eyes?

A vet checkup is a good idea. An RI is easy to treat if it is caught early; if not, it can become very serious and may result in death.

[blackcrystal22]

I have two suggestions.

1. Take the snake to the vet to check for an RI.

2. Try downgrading the size of the enclosure or putting him in a 15q tub.

[grim reaper in NY]

I dunno, but I'm of the firm belief that if you have the slightest worry your snake might be sick, a trip to the vet is definitely in order. You know your pet and how he behaves. But, as has been said here, ANY nose a snake makes when he's breathing is NOT a good omen. By waiting to seek medical care, you are only making the situation worse. Your snake may indded want to eat, but his health my be prohibiting from him to do so.
Just some food for thought, so to speak.

[littleindiangirl]

Take that snake to a reptile vet ASAP. Here are links to find vets in your area. I have to drive over an hour to get to mine. Most vets will work on payment plans as well.

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/#vetlist

http://www.arav.org

I hope this helps

[Crazy4Herps]

I dunno, but I'm of the firm belief that if you have the slightest worry your snake might be sick, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.

I totally agree. It can't hurt to take him in, and if the vet says nothing is wrong, then at least you're sure, and it isn't a waste of money either. Checkups and fecal tests once or twice a year are a great idea, even if your snake isn't sick at all.