Wheezy Snake

[KigerTiger]

Hey there everybody,

I have a young male ball python, a little over a year old, whose nose squeaks when he breathes. He has done this ever since I got him at 2 weeks old. He doesn't mouth breathe, or rest with his head up, nor does he have crusts on his nostrils, nor is he blowing bubbles, "coughing" or "sneezing". He has hissed at me once, and it almost sounds like a softer version of this, but really it almost sounds like a quiet squeak.

Prior to getting him, I had a snake with a respiratory infection that sadly, despite hundreds of dollars and several different veterinary treatments, had to be put to sleep. I know the warning signs for a respiratory infection, and he doesn't seem to have them. Yet this squeaking makes me nervous. Understandably, I should imagine, since I have already lost one best friend to a respiratory infection. Sometimes if he's frustrated at all it's louder. I just want to know if this is something I should worry about?

I mean, he's done it since I got him as a hatchling and hasn't experienced any worsening or anything. He eats well most of the time, though since I moved three weeks ago he has refused food. He is easily stressed, so I imagine it has something to do with the move. He was eating fine before that. But at any rate, just wanted a second (third, or fourth ) opinion.

Thanks!

KigerTiger

[llovelace]

Welcome to BP.net
Could it possibly be some stuck shed in his nostril(s)?

[corgigirl9]

Wheezing usually means an RI but I also have a snake who makes a little whistle sometimes and has for over a year. He eats great and shows no signs of distress, I've been told that it could be a small piece of stuck shed in his nostril?!? Not to worried about it since hes been doing great.

[KigerTiger]

I don't see anything in his nostrils. And he's consistently done this for over a year now. The only thing I've noticed, is that his nostrils seem a bit small. I have another ball who is about 4 1/2 who has never been sick, nor had any problems what so ever. Her nostrils are noticeably larger and more proportionate. Could it be that his nostrils are small? And thus the squeak?

He's VERY active. He's currently climbing up my ponytail onto the top of my head to see the TV better. He likes the shows on Nat Geo WILD. lol. No but really, he never sits still, very active and responsive. No clicking noise either. It's just odd.

[LizardPants]

What are the temps, and how do you measure?

[Homegrownscales]

I have a female I hatched out who is 3 years old now and she whistles when she's stressed and has since day 1.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

[KigerTiger]

Thanks Homegrownscales. That makes me feel a little better.

As to the temps, during the day I keep it between 88-92, and at night between 80-86. Humidity ranging from 50-60%. I measure with several thermometers placed at intervals throughout the tank, and a hygrometer for humidity. He had a heating pad on his previous tank, but I haven't gotten one for the new one. That may explain his hesitance to eat, besides being stressed by the move. I intend to get one in short order however.

[LizardPants]

Those are all ambient temps? No heat source?

[LizardPants]

If the temperatures are constant all over the enclosure (only dropping at night) your snake may not be able to thermoregulate properly.

You'll need create a thermal gradient, or at least a distinct hot side, and cool side; so the snake can thermoregulate.

About 90 F hot side measured directly on the substrate.
About 80 F cool side, and ambient.

I'd suggest a UTH (under tank heater), controlled by a thermostat for the hot side; and cool down your ambient temps in the room.

[KigerTiger]

I apologize. It's 88-92 beneath the basking lamp. It's more like 82 on the cool side of the tank.

At night it's about 80-84 on the hot side, and 75-78 on the cool side.