Quote Originally Posted by Kcl View Post
A physical examination only takes a few minutes and can be done at the same time as moving them for cleaning to minimize disruption. Just make sure you touch them LAST to maintain quarantine. Also sanitize hands between every cage, use different tools, etc. I look at their general body condition, check their cloaca for any redness or dirt or other abnormalities, look at the face for discharge, check the eyes for any dents, wrinkling etc, look for mites, listen for their breathing. I also weigh them periodically. There may be other things that I'm not remembering right now, but it's all pretty quick while still allowing you to find problems asap, including respiratory infections.

I also examine feces every time, checking for consistency, color, any visual presence of parasites, etc. The visual examination of fecal matter doesn't require disturbing the snake at all of course.

An animal behaving abnormally can certainly be a sign of a problem, but other ones tend to show up earlier, many of which can be caught by this kind of check.
You have been a big help for the future thank you so much!