Help! Emergency with new ball python!

i just received my albino female (170g) about 2 weeks ago and she's seemed fine until just yesterday. when i had her out on my bed for about 20 mins, i could hear her breathing like she had a cold or something like a stuffy nose. and now, within the past hour she's made these random hissing noises, kind of like when you open a soda can or something like that, over 10 times within the hour. like a "chhhhh" kind of noise. she was in her hide all day like normal today, seemed fine, but now that she's moving around she's making that weird noise. should i be worried?! possible RI?? any tips would be great :(

additional info:
20 gal tank
hot spot temp : 90-92
cool side: 80-84

I'm a new owner too, but from what I read it could be possible RI...should probably make an appt with a vet to see if she needs anti-biotics.

Is she raising her head up a lot? You don't see any sticky stuff coming out of her mouth, do you?

What's your humidity at?

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Originally Posted by Greekinese

I'm a new owner too, but from what I read it could be possible RI...should probably make an appt with a vet to see if she needs anti-biotics.

Is she raising her head up a lot? You don't see any sticky stuff coming out of her mouth, do you?

What's your humidity at?

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not really, shes stretching her body and tapping the top of the tank, but she;s always done that since i got her. and no sticky stuff

humidity is at 46%

could this behavior be possibly due to her shedding pretty soon? im pretty sure shes due to shed soon because of her pink belly, her red eyes also a little bit hazed over on top

It could be from the shed process.

If the sounds just started you should be able to see if the nostrils get mucus build up and the snake will start making more strange noise soon. You might see your snake with its head pointed up, which is another sign where the snake is trying to breath easier. Or yawning you might see stringy saliva in is mouth.

I was concerned my recently acquired youngster (270g) had an RI. I noticed what seemed to be wheezing/sneezing noise along with a little glass rubbing here or there, but I did also notice what appeared to be some stuck shed on her nose.
I have had her for over a month now, she has eaten a few times for me, and has shed a complete shed. There is no more wheezing/sneezing sounds.

Has he/she eaten for you? Usually a sick snake wont eat. I have never dealt with an RI, but from what I have heard they get worse pretty quickly (mucus in the nose/mouth, and rubbing their nose on the tank...you will see mucus on the tank).

Keep your eye on it. It could just be the shed process. Increase the humidity to at least 60%...aim for the "perfect" shed (all in one piece). If he/she is still making weird noises (and will probably be mucus-y by then) get it to a vet.

Best of luck!

I may take her to the vet just for a routine check up anyway.

Honestly? It just sounds like she's just stressed, especially if she's going into shed. They often make a huffing sound when they're stressed or are in a situation they're not very fond of. I would back off handling her until she finishes shedding. Could take 1-2 weeks.

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Originally Posted by anwhit

Honestly? It just sounds like she's just stressed, especially if she's going into shed. They often make a huffing sound when they're stressed or are in a situation they're not very fond of. I would back off handling her until she finishes shedding. Could take 1-2 weeks.

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turns out i missed spot cleaning a piece of poop lol. does that have anything to do with it?

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Originally Posted by tomjones456

turns out i missed spot cleaning a piece of poop lol. does that have anything to do with it?

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98% no

I just got back from 9 days away and there was some new poop thats been there for who knows how long and my girl was just fine....thank god she likes to poop away from her hides and bowl