Is this normal?

I just fed my BP for the second time since i got him. He ate much faster this time, but he seems to be wheezing and opening his mouth every now and then since he finished the rat. This is only about 3 mins since the rat has been eaten, So i am just making sure this dosent have anything to do with Respiratory infection.

Im not sure what the wheezing could be..


However usually when they eat they dislocate their jaw in order to feed. When they open their mouth after eating they are most likely just locking their jaw back in place. Looks exactly like a yawn. Thats just my guess on what your ball python is doing while hes opening his mouth. But like I said I have no idea what the wheezing could be...?..

I'm not too sure on RI's, you would have to take to a vet if you're not sure, others here will help you out but yawning after a meal is normal. BTW they don't dislocate their jaw, it's more elastic, so they stretch their mouth (ligaments) open, any one please correct me if i'm wrong.

no your right the jaw is not hooked to another bone.....it is connected to the muscles......At least that is what I have read.

Is your snake still weezing?? I would think if it happened while eating that it is just eating....and the opening the mouth is just realining. But if it is still doing it them a trip to the vet is warranted.

Wheezing could also be caused by loose shed in the nostrils which happens sometimes during a shed cycle. I personally don't think wheezing/whistling alone is enough to diagnose a snake with an RI. I would definitely keep a close eye on the snake. Make sure you have a hot spot of 90*-92* and your ambient temperatures are in the low 80's. If you notice any other symptoms, drooling, open mouth breathing, face rubbing etc. Then make a vet appointment.

What does face rubbing mean? I mean why does the snake do it?

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Originally Posted by the93z

What does face rubbing mean? I mean why does the snake do it?

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If they have mucous coming out of their mouth or nose, they will rub their face trying to get it off.

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Originally Posted by the93z

What does face rubbing mean? I mean why does the snake do it?

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When they're right about to shed, they will rub their noses on a rough object to break the skin to start the shed. I've seen my corns yawn to accomplish the same thing.