Oh no; RI

The humidity is usually at 50%, sometimes 65%. I just changed cages today with him so I'll list the old and new cage items. Old: Aspen bedding, water bowl, two hides (snug half logs), spot cleaned daily, feeds once every 5-7 days in 5 minutes or less prey item appropriately sized, 90 degrees on 1/3-1/2 cage/75-80 degrees on other part of cage. New: Cypress mulch, water bowl, two hides (one bonsai tree, one log), 90 degrees on 1/3 cage/75-80 degrees on other part of cage. Tonight I've heard him wheezing/whistling almost through his mouth several times. Vet time?

Well if your for certain its a RI take it to the VET asap.

in the mean time how are you measuring your temps. Are you using digital thermometer or the stick on;s. If the stick on's then your readings are completely off the wall inaccurate.

while fighting RIs you need to increase the temps about 2-4 degrees each side than normal to help the meds work faster. And DO NOT FEED during medications even if the vet says so. Its too much stress for them to digest while on meds.

Also keep the humidity in the high60s to low 70s during the treatments.

also DITCH the log hides and get you some hides that are similar to bowls or caves. you want them DARK and only one way in and out.

Pictures will help as well so we can fix the setup.

I'm measuring them with a temp gun like thing.

Thank you so much!

How do you post pics?

sign up for photobucket account and then upload the pictures. Once uploaded copy and paste the [img] link in here and then post the message.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSCF0076.jpg

The first one is an overall view.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSCF0075.jpg

This is the bark log-like thing that's filled with bedding to create a snug environment.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSCF0074.jpg

Same bark log-like thing.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSCF0073.jpg

This is a bonsai tree whose second entrance/exit is blocked with bedding.

http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/DSCF0072.jpg

Another overall view.

I would take him to the vet just to be safe. Ri can get pretty nasty. You defienately need to get rid of the half log hides and get him some tight fitting hides that are closed except for and entrance/exit. ball pythons dont really climb so the branches and stuff arent neccesary unless you are trying to feel up the tank to make him feel more secure. Also how are you providing the heat?

There's a good vet here so I gess I'll take him there soon. I know that half logs aren't considered good, but mine are stuffed with bedding and all but one entrance/exit hole are covered up. I don't mean to sound stuck up and set in my ways, but this is the first time he's seemed stressed or sick. But it was a cheap hide, so I guess I'll get a diff one.

UTH.

He's actually climbed once or twice, and I am using them to fill the tank. :D

do you have a rheostat/thermostat controlling the uth? they can do some serious damage to your snake if left unregulated.

UTH is under tank heater.


you can use plastic ceral bowls you find at dollar stores where their 3 for a dollar.

Its something you have to be thinking about before getting a pet, is that can you provide for it.

I will not buy a snake unless i have everything setup and properly running.

you really need to ditch that dial stick on for humidity as thats why OFF. you need the acurite digital thermometer. It reads cool side warm side and humitiy all in one, their 11.88 at wal marts.

I would say you don't need cypress mulch in a tub. The only reason you should use cypress mulch is if you are having humidity problems which you shouldn't in a tub.

Whistling or "wheezing" isn't always a sign of an RI. Sometimes they get pieces of shed stuck in their nose and it makes funny sounds. Did you snake just shed or is he due for a shed?

I would keep a close eye on him and if you notice any bubbling, mucous, or popping then go see a vet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by flameethrower

Its something you have to be thinking about before getting a pet, is that can you provide for it.

I will not buy a snake unless i have everything setup and properly running.

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Alot of people, including me, think they have everything under control and buy their first Ball Python or snake thinking everything is gonna be great... that is untill you find a website like this.... :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Danounet

Alot of people, including me, think they have everything under control and buy their first Ball Python or snake thinking everything is gonna be great... that is untill you find a website like this.... :gj:

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ditto

I was leery of the so called reptile expert already. Internet research puts him to shame.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

I would say you don't need cypress mulch in a tub. The only reason you should use cypress mulch is if you are having humidity problems which you shouldn't in a tub.

Whistling or "wheezing" isn't always a sign of an RI. Sometimes they get pieces of shed stuck in their nose and it makes funny sounds. Did you snake just shed or is he due for a shed?

I would keep a close eye on him and if you notice any bubbling, mucous, or popping then go see a vet.

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Thank you. He's very soon going into shed. I was so nervous! By the way, he's yawned once or twice, I know that's common after feeding, but he hasn't eaten for 5 days!

I'm going to buy different hides today so hopefully he'll be less stressed.

Right now, I just replaced the cypress with some newpaper.