Possible RI? Need advice!

[chaseg22]

I purchased a 6 month ball python from a reptile show a few weeks ago. I recently noticed him breathing heavy and heard a weezing type sound a couple times when I was handling him. I don't see any mucus around his mouth and he is not breathing with his mouth open. The temperature is about 75-80 on the cool side and 85-90 on the hot side of the tank. Humidity is between 45-60% depending on the time of the day. He also has been eating fine with no problems. Not sure if this is a possible RI or if I'm being paranoid from all the stuff I read online.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Neotetro]

I'd keep a close eye on him but it doesn't sound like RI at the moment. Baby ball pythons sometimes panic when they're handled and they can hiss (or wheeze) at you to tell you to stay away. The heavy breathing may also be a sign of panic/stress/being in an unfamiliar situation. I've handled a good number of RI cases and the number one thing to look for is the open mouth gaping and thick mucus. So just be cautious for now and try to increase the heat a degree or two. Should help out.

[BHReptiles]

I agree with the above poster. It sounds like your ball python is hissing at you. It's something babies do and you should handle them anyway. They will hiss for a few minutes then settle down. My female spider did that to me for weeks until she finally grew out of it.

However, if it does happen to be the start of a RI, just keep an eye on it. If you start to see mucus or bubbles from the mouth, take the snake to the vet ASAP.