Ball Python Mouth Rot?

Hi, guys - ive kept a Ball for just under a year now and I keep reading about mouth rot and respitary Illnessess and what not, but to be honest I'm none the wiser for what to look out for - I have included some piccys to help you guys help me out. If you want me to take more I would be glad to.
Im pretty anxious to find out whether she has anything wrong with her. http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8049/picture224i.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4394/picture271u.jpg
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4787/picture249f.jpg

Thanks guys - just needing some expert advice ;)

Hey! I'm no pro on this, but is there a reason you think something is wrong with her? Or are you just wanting to make sure? I guess Im saying is she showing any symptoms of anything?

u need pics inside her mouth not outside her mouth

Not really - She eats every mouse i give her - she climbs all the time and she goes to the toilet quite regularly.
What is the easiest way to hold her mouth open - just slightly anxious about doing that

doesnt look like there is anything wrong with that snake but those pics are pretty bad to tell anything. i wouldnt worry.

you taught your snake to use the toilet?

Climbing all the time is not normal BP behaviour. Make sure you have at least two identical tight fitting hides. Do not allow her to climb high enough to hurt herself if she falls.

Otherwise from the pictures she looks fine. No need to force her mouth open and stress her out if there seems to be nothing wrong with her. If you see any liquid coming from her mouth and/or she is making wheezing sounds, then there may be a problem.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by extensive

you taught your snake to use the toilet?

---

are you retarded?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TylerxToxic

are you retarded?

---

I am pretty sure he was just joking..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TylerxToxic

are you retarded?

---

no but im guessing you are?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by extensive

no but im guessing you are?

---

There was no need for that. :(

To the OP, I would not worry about her. If you start seeing things that are not normal for her, then I would take her to the vet for a check. A ball python that climbs all the time is not normal behavior and I would make sure her temperature and humidity are correct. If both of those are fine, then take a look at her enclosure and make sure she has two identical hides, one on either side, and an appropriately sized water dish.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jay_Bunny

There was no need for that. :(

---

meaning there was a need for him to call me one?

I left a message for him as well. I think there is a better way to go about things than name calling. :P

of course there is... but its the internet!

lol - Ive got her trained to attack any intruders:P

there is a bit of dead wood branch which is a Y shape she climbs over that at night but in the day time she just sleeps in her hide - theres 2 hides in her setup and she uses both.
The only thing I can think of that is worrying me is the heat temp . it varys if its a good night - 73f + very seldom it hits 70f. I have a large heat mat under the tank but I live in scotland it its always cold lol. the humidity is always around 60% sometimes I have it higher. Her shedding comes off easily in one if not two big strands.
Is there any efficient way to make it hotter, as its coming up to winter here - im a little worried.
cheers guys

P.S she doesnt foam from mouth she never opens her mouth to breathe or makes any strange noises.

Hi,

There are definately ways to keep the temp up in sconny botland. :D

What are you using to measure the temperatures and where are you reading them?

Can you take some pictures of your enclosure? - it should help us give specific ideas.


dr del

her hot side temp is ~73 F?

heres some pics of her enclosure - http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5792/picture283.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2568/picture302a.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4959/1010407g.jpg

Hi,

Ok first things first. :)

You want to use the probe of the digital thermometer to read the temps inside the hot and cool end hides both under and on top of the substrate.

You can ignore the dial things - they are hardly ever accurate and there is little to be gained by knowing the temps and humidity half way up the wall anyway. :)

What I would do next is get some aquarium background picture stuff from the pet shop and cover the back and two sides (well the sides at any rate ) with it. This will keep everything looking good after the next step.

The next step being putting some kid of insulating material on the back and sides to help keep the heat in - there are a few things you can use for this but polystyrene sheeting will probably be the cheapest.

You should also do the same with at least 3 of the roof panels as that will also help keep the heat and the humidity in.

The reason I say 3 not 4 is you may need to use a heatlamp in one of them if your ambient temps are too low on the cool side. If you use a lightbulb for this remember to make it a red or blue one so as not to disturb the animals day night cycle - this means you can use it to regulate temps 24/7.

You can also use another heatmat on the cool side - connect it to the same thermostat as the warm end one but put a dimmer in line with it first so you can dial it down lower.

But get reliable temps where the snake lies first so you know what you need to change. :gj:


dr del

Hey thanks mate - and ure in edinburgh too lol.
Right ive gave you a pm asking a few more questions.
Thanks guys