Making strange noise?

I just had my ball python out and was very surprised when it started making a strange noise. It sounded kinda like the snake was coughing and I could feel it go through her whole body. I can’t tell if she was just hissing or if this is a sign of an infection but I have noticed lately she hasn’t been as active and refusing food so I am starting to get worried. Any information is much appreciated

Snakes cannot actually cough, & if she hasn't eaten in a while, maybe it was coming from her GI tract (as in "going to take a dump")? They also pass gas now &
then...you wouldn't be the first to be startled by it. ;) Does she by any chance look "backed up" (is the area above her cloaca bulging a little? -aka "sausage-butt"

Come to think of it, that is what it sounded like and she hasn’t pooped in a while but the sound was happening consistently over the time I was handling her. But it did feel like it was something inside her as I could feel it. I’ll keep an eye on her over the next few days and see if it progresses. Thanks for your reply.

Handling a snake that is a little "backed up" tends to help them defecate. Just so you're not "caught off-guard" ;) -it's not a good time for you to let her crawl
around in your shirt either. :O Been there (accidentally)...LOL That would also explain her lack of appetite. Snakes don't usually get constipated, but they can.

Many times when handling my snakes I feel gastric activity going on, especially with the Boas. Usually it feels like a stomach growling, but no telling what’s going on inside. If they do it a lot I always look to the vent to see which way it is pointing. But I haven’t had an accident yet, thankfully.

Ok after monitoring her the past few days, I’m pretty sure it’s not constipation as she is now making a whistling sound. Now I am starting to get worried, called the local reptile store and they told me to bump heat and humidity so I’ be done that. Any further advice would be appreciated, thanks guys.

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Originally Posted by Roko800

Ok after monitoring her the past few days, I’m pretty sure it’s not constipation as she is now making a whistling sound. Now I am starting to get worried, called the local reptile store and they told me to bump heat and humidity so I’ be done that. Any further advice would be appreciated, thanks guys.

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No, not necessarily "constipation"...sometimes you just hear normal gastric "sloshing" when you handle a snake (esp. when too soon after a meal for handling).
I agree with what the store told you...keep monitoring. "Whistling" could be an R.I. or could just be some water or old shed skin that's partly blocking the nostrils.
Time to "play detective"...:cool: & it's probably still too soon to panic.

Well she just pooped today and the sound is happening much more frequently. I checked her mouth and it’s full of mucus. I’m pretty’s sure that it’s an ri so if there’s anything I can do to help her please let me know because I can’t afford to bring her to the vet but I will if you think I need to

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Originally Posted by Roko800

Well she just pooped today and the sound is happening much more frequently. I checked her mouth and it’s full of mucus. I’m pretty’s sure that it’s an ri so if there’s anything I can do to help her please let me know because I can’t afford to bring her to the vet but I will if you think I need to

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Yikes, glad she defecated & so sorry it's not a "GI" issue.

Yes, mucus in mouth (RI) is SERIOUS...you do need to get her to the vet ASAP, because snakes cannot cough, & she will choke to death at some point...this IS URGENT.