Early signs of an RI or just a loud breather?

So I've had my baby Red Tail for a few weeks now. I've noticed when I handle him, the underside of his mouth puffs up and he makes slight hissing/popping noises. I've read on different accounts that boas tend to be loud breathers, although I'm not necessarily believing it. My gut along with what I have read about RI's tell me this is actually a sign of an RI. I have checked his mouth, and there isn't any excessive mucus/bubbling. I have never had a first hand experience with an RI from my other snakes, so I wanted to see what you guys think. Thank you!:please:

I haven't ever personally seen or had an RI, so I don't know for sure. However, I have two boas and have never heard either one of them breath. You might keep an eye out for a few days and see how it goes.

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If your gut is telling you RI then get it checked by a vet a get a culture done. Most of the time the vet will put them on some kind of antibiotics while the culture is being done.

Is it a hissing noise or a popping noise? Hissing could be normal, popping means the air is getting caught in mucous, which isn't normal.

I'd saying more along the lines of popping. I'm making a vet appointment just to be safe. Thank you guys.

Not sure about boas but balls will sometimes make a hissing and popping noise when they are getting close to shedding.

I made the appointment for Monday. He shed today, and guess what? No more popping! I'm super excited to see that. Maybe just some microscopic stuck shed on the nostrils? Or maybe what Wes said? I don't know, but I'm happy it's gone :)

Like most snakes, boas can make a popping/hissing sound when shed begins to loosen in their nostrils. If the sound is completely gone now that yours has shed, I'd attribute it to that. Just moniter him carefully for a few days to make sure that sound truly is gone. :gj: