Ball Python Trouble (after eating)

[Nz2500]

Hello, i created my own account because i am simply at a loss and need some informed advice.

The BP is 6 months old, 300g. She has a 93° hotspot and a 80° cool spot, humidity averages to 55% constantly. I feed her 10-15% body weight once a week. (F/T Rats of appropriate size)

Now here is my problem. For the last 3 weeks (last three feedings) something has happened that scares me. After she has completly swallowed the rodent she will open her mouth and lunge forward while making a wheezing sound (1-3 times). Kinda like she is yaking or having trouble with her meal internally (after swallowing) and just after a meal she makes a clicking sound (for about 6 hours afterward)

And i am aware of R.I but the issue is that she does NOT show any other signs of it, no bubbles or hunger strike, or and heavy breath/clicking at all times. She ONLY shows clicking and the "yaking" as soon as her meal is almost done settling in her stomach.

I will seek professional help if i must. But i first want to hear from those who could give me any understanding of what could be going on.

Thank you in advance. Any advice is needed and wanted! ☺

[Craiga 01453]

She could just be moving the prey down her body and realigning her jaw. Have the last 3 prey items been a bit bigger than previously? At that age their midsections can be fairly beefy, while their head and neck are still pretty tiny. Maybe that's why? It's just a little more work for her?

[Nz2500]

Yes there has been a bump up in her meal size. but to not to anything bigger to her thickest body point.

But you can definantly notice a size difference.
I bumped her from fuzzy rats, to pups, and one weaned rat (of 42grams) but now its usually pups of 30ish grams compared to fuzzys of 15-20grams

[Nz2500]

Yes there has been a bump up in her meal size. but to not to anything bigger to her thickest body point.

But you can definantly notice a size difference.
I bumped her from fuzzy rats, to pups, and one weaned rat (of 42grams) but now its usually pups of 30ish grams compared to fuzzys of 15-20grams

Would this be big enough to cause her that trouble after swallowing?

[Bogertophis]

Is the 'clicking' in time with her breathing? Sounds like she just has a little extra mucus in her throat after swallowing dinner...? But if that was my snake,
I'd make a point of listening closely to her breathing every so often (and before her next meal) as it could also be the start of an RI. But let her get this
well-digested before any handling (to listen). And if she yawns, see if you can get a good look in her mouth. (it's not a lot of fun to force their mouth open)

[Nz2500]

Yes i have listened very closely the last few weeks. (I am unfortunatley so paranoid about hearing clicking noises that i somethimes freak out at the sound of my own breath while in the same room as her.)

As far as her mouth/throat goes, nothing out of the ordinary, no red/black spots, or bubbles at all.

As far as the clicking It does not seem to be inherently linked to breathing alone. And just like the "yaking" episodes is only shown right after eating

And finally as far as R.I goes, if i do ever see bubbles in or around her mouth and/or she goes off feed (she has been feeding great!!) i will act appropriately in treating her.

[Nz2500]

update...
3 months later she is doing great!
no signs of RI since the last post and she still has never missed a meal!
She just turned 8 months old and is over 700grams!

[Knowell]

Holy crap she gained 400 grams in almost 3 months!? Glad to hear she is doing well now though! Best wishes.

[Bogertophis]

What a great update!