RI Care

I just acquired a juvenile female who has a respiratory infection. She is also very underweight. The previous owner was feeding her only every 2.5 weeks and was really cagey about answering my questions regarding the husbandry, so all I know is she had a "tank setup". I'm assuming she had improper heating and/or humidity. She's not blowing bubbles but when she opens her mouth I can see the foamy looking mucous and she occasionally wheezes.

I have a vet appointment for her in a few days, but am wondering if anyone knows if there's anything I can do for her in the meantime. I've got her in quarantine and in a tub with hides, a water bowl, cypress bedding, and the proper hot spot/temp gradient. I soaked her for about 15 minutes this morning since she looked a little dehydrated and she'd gotten some coco fiber in her mouth before I switched to the cypress. Should I try feeding her? I would imagine she probably won't eat since she's sick, but since she is underweight I'm wondering if it's worth trying?

You want to limit stress so no more bathing and no feeding.

At the vet you will want to make sure that a culture is done, that the antibiotic treatment is injectable and for a duration of a month.

I wouldn't put her on natural substrate as she'll drool on it and then keep re-infecting herself over time. Paper is more sanitary, and when she makes a mess you can remove everything, clean and sanitize her enclosure and décor, and then put everything back.

No feeding.

I would keep her lower temp at 83-84*F and high at 92*F to help boost her immune system. Bump up the humidity also. Think about how you feel when you have clogged sinuses and get into a steamy shower - it helps clear you out and makes you feel better.

How would you keep her humidity levels up without using a natural substrate?

Multiple wide, shallow water bowls.

Use a proper reptile enclosure - not a fish tank - so heat and humidity stay in it. Heat source should be a UTH or RHP versus heat lamp or CHE.

Lightly mist the sides morning and evening; your snake should not be lying on wet paper.