BP Breathing Heavy

[Morris Reese]

I have a BP that's 4 moths old. She eats very well. During the day temp has been getting a little warmer on the hot side (90 degrees) than I prefer. I like to keep the ambient temp around 85-88 and the UTH is set to 88. I have that fixed as of today.
I have been noticing that I can actually see her body expand more that usual at times. Not all the time, but it seems like she does it when she is searching for prey. Does anyone else experience this? Is it anything to worry about?

[bcr229]

Does she have anywhere to cool off?

[Morris Reese]

Yes, she has a cool side that is around 85, but she tends to stay on the hot side. I think after the changes I made today the temps will be closer to what they should be without a spike during the day. I just wasn't sure if this was a sign of something to come. Most of the time you can't even tell she is breathing, but when she is on the move is when I see it happen. I'm not sure if she is smelling out prey or what. She is a very aggressive eater. I feed f/t and it takes less than a minute before she strikes. I'm very lucky to have such an easy girl to feed. I have had some that take several minutes to entice.

[sopa]

i only see my bp breathing heavily when i stare at her while she's in her tank (like a creeper ).. maybe your bp still feels threatened since she is still very young. that's what i think, at least. but i can't help staring! she's just so cute..

when i take her out she will appear to be hyperventilating some times, but she calms down after a minute or so.

as long as your bp is eating fine, then your husbandry is fine, and you don't have anything to worry about.

hope this helps! cheers

[Morris Reese]

I'm thinking the same thing, just adjusting. I fed her last night and today she is all over her cage. She is so active during the day. I think she is just really checking things out. This is the first BP I have had that does not stay hid all day.