Quote Originally Posted by KMG View Post
I wouldn't check its mouth just yet. Other sings are visible mucus in and around the mouth and nostrils, and you may see it smeared on the cage walls or hide. You may also find it laying with its nose pointed skyward as this allows them to breath easier when congested, note some snake just like laying like this as my BRB does it often.

As for the mulch I buy mine from Petco and use Forest Floor. I like it because is is well shredded and is a great quality and consistency. It is more than the garden quality, which I have tried, but it is so much better.

I like to keep more natural looking tanks and actually mix Forest Floor, Eco Earth, and Repta Bark together to make a nice earthy looking blend. If holds moisture great and used together it keeps the Eco Earth from being dusty. I mix it to the look I desire in a big tub and then place it in the cages as needed. I even started using it in my tubs with my younger Bloods. When it gets to dry I pour water in and stir. Other than that misting keeps it pretty well hydrated.

The mix is also still good for snake that like to burrow like my Hoggy does. She can root around and dig tunnels all through it.
Today was cage clean out day and I didn't notice anything smeared on the glass or hides or hanging out in the water. I held her for a couple of minutes before returning her to the tank and didn't see any mucus or hear the sound again, so hopefully it's a false alarm. I'll watch closely the next couple of days. As for the shed, should I just stick with keeping the humidity bumped and damp moss in the hides? She's so dry I could literally hear her moving over my hand, it was almost crunchy sounding.

Your tank looks fantastic! Thanks for the substrate info, I'll definitely be picking up everything you mentioned. My kingsnake and milksnake both burrow constantly and I'll have a dumeril's in July that I've read likes to burrow as well.

Quote Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy View Post
Sorry Callie, I've never dealt with an RI so I can't offer an educated opinion but best wishes with your milk snake.

KMG- I might try that substrate mixture.
Thanks, Ziggy!