Yawning?

[Scotteeo]

Ok, quick question, I just got my bp today, and I've got his tank all set up and he's just cruising around, but every now and then he opens his mouth REAL WIDE and closes it, just like a yawn. Is that what he is doing?

[rabernet]

How frequently? And was he shipped to you?

[Scotteeo]

Pretty often. And no, I bought him from a local place. Is that bad?

[StormSerpent]

Hmm, my guy did that when I first brought him home as well; but I recall reading somewhere that they sometimes do this while exploring.

If you notice any mucous or wheezing; it could be Respiratory Infection, just be sure to watch over him to see if anything develops.

[rabernet]

Pretty often. And no, I bought him from a local place. Is that bad?

No - not necessarily bad - unless they weren't keeping him properly. I would leave him alone and let him get settled in - make sure he has a good warm spot (a UTH with a thermostat controlling the heat) and just watch him. If he continues this for another day or two - it's time to get him to a vet to get tested for a Respiratory Infection.

[Scotteeo]

Ok, cool. I also read he could have substrate in his mouth too. His tounge seems to be hitting the subtrate a lot so that might be it too because he was fine at the store I got him at.

[Quickone4u]

I've seen mine doing this a total of 3 times since I got him this past saturday and was wondering the same thing. Just noticed it at night while he was out cruising around and thought it was ok. Is it bad if they continue to do this? Each time, I took as good a look as I could (because it was fairly quick) and didn't notice any mucous or wheezing. My temps are good also.

[bella]

I don't know that this helps any, but I also have a relatively new pyton, and have witnessed him yawning 3 times. Twice while in a feeding bin TOTALLY ignorning his dinner, and once while he was exploring his enclosure right after that.

Like the others said, so long as he's breathing normal, and no mucus, I think it's probably fine. Just keep an eye on him.

[Crazy4Herps]

Snakes will yawn recently after they've eaten, to "relocate" their jaw. (Which is an incorrect way of putting it, as their jaws aren't "located" in the first place.) Perfectly normal.

Another explaination is that they have an RI and have difficulties breathing through their nose. Other signs of an RI include mucous in the mouth, or around the mouth, nose, and eyes, wheezing, and whistling. RIs are easy to treat if caught early, but can become advanced quickly if not treated. If you think your snake has an RI, seek vet care. There are some simple antibiotics that are readily available. Personally, I don't feel entirely comfortable giving my snakes meds, so I had my BP's RI treated via injections every 2 weeks.

"Stargazing" may be confused with yawning, but I don't believe that is the case with your snake. Stargazing is the term for when a snake tilts its head back and opens its mouth. Stargazing (which is often confused with open-mouth breathing; these two are not the same) is a sign of IBD, inclusive body disease, which occurs in boids and is untreatable and highly contageous (not for people; IBD is feared among those with large collections and is the main reason why newly acquired snakes are quarantined for a few months). It doesn't sound like your snake is stargazing, so I wouldn't worry if I were you.

The following is my personal hypothesis, based on what I know about cats and snakes and what I have observed. Snakes, like many animals such as cats, have an organ on the top of their mouths called the Jacobsons organ, which works the same way our nose does but is much more sensitive. This is why they "smell" with their tongues. They touch things (or air, if they are smelling the air) with their tongues, then retract their tongues and put them to the roof of their mouth; thus, the Jacobson's organ "smells" what particles have been picked up by the snake's tongue. On to cats. When cats hunt, they open their mouths slightly to get a better smell of their surroundings. I think this may be what you are noticing with your snake (mine has done the same thing). I think he is exploring his new home and is opening his mouth to take in scents directly to the Jacobson's organ, rather than picking up scents with his tongue.

Just my two cents. Unless you see mucous or something, I wouldn't be concerned.

[Scotteeo]

Yeah, nothing is bubbling or looks infected. What you said makes the most sense because his surroundings have COMPLETELY changed from aspen to jungle, different hides and all that jazz. I will keep an eye on him though. I noticed no reddness in his mouth either when he did that. Btw, what are other signs of star gazing? Just curious so I can be on the look out.