How to open a BPs mouth

Ive read about ppl having to open their BP's mouth to clear out substrate, etc. In the event that I ever need to, does anyone have a recommendation for a good youtube video or other source that will show me how to do that without hurting him?

use a sterile credit card or similar slim plastic card.

gently use the corner of the card to pull the bottom jaw down and gently ease the card in.

use a rubber spatula like this:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...L._SL1500_.jpg

I'd go with the rubber spatula, personally. Credit cards may be too sharp-edged & cause injury (cuts).

I have rubber catheters on hand from the snakes I've tube-fed over the years, and they work well too, though I doubt most will run out & buy one just for this. ;)

You'd NEVER want to use just rubber tubing, as the cut ends will injure (cut) the snake too: catheters have rounded (closed) ends, so using the tip, I can force a
snake to open it's mouth by using the tip to put pressure either at the side or the front of the snake's mouth. That's how I open the snake's mouth to tube-feed,
but at that point you could also turn the catheter sideways in the snake's mouth while you examine.

An advantage to a rubber catheter (over a rubber spatula) is that it's much easier to see around (into the snake's mouth), & since any self-respecting snake is
going to be fighting you on this, you need to use whatever makes it easier and faster. I think some vets actually use wood tongue depressors, but there's another gadget they have now too, specific for snakes. (what did I do with my link for that???)

I use the cotton ear bud sticks works fine for me


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Originally Posted by callumdegg

I use the cotton ear bud sticks works fine for me


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Just pull the cotton off. I've heard stories of the cotton getting stuck in their mouths.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Just pull the cotton off. I've heard stories of the cotton getting stuck in their mouths.

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For sure! cotton swabs catch on snake teeth very "well" & you don't want to be pulling their teeth out with it.

I personally like to use a quality business card, lol. I do.

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Originally Posted by Craiga 01453

Just pull the cotton off. I've heard stories of the cotton getting stuck in their mouths.

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That's why I said cotton ear bud "sticks" but I probley should of specified take the cotton of I didn't think someone would be that dumb to leave it on

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Originally Posted by callumdegg

That's why I said cotton ear bud "sticks" but I probley should of specified take the cotton of I didn't think someone would be that dumb to leave it on

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Never underestimate the mistakes people can make. I've seen some serious head-scratchers through the years. Hahaha