Ball Python Occasional Wheezing

[Sharon&Sherman]

Okay so this has happened for a while now (5 months) but he has shown no other signs of being sick so I haven't taken him to a vet. When he wakes up to wander around his tank, Sherman sometimes wheezes out of nowhere. His nostrils are clear, he doesn't breathe with his mouth open or anything like that. He NEVER refuses food and sheds good. Does anyone know why he might be wheezing? I really need to know if there is something wrong because I love this snake. He was my first reptile and I want to make sure he lives a good long life with me.

[FollowTheSun]

Does he do it when he's startled or upset? It took us awhile as new owners to figure out that ours was hissing and not wheezing. We adopted a very nervous and somewhat aggressive snake and we noticed it if we touched her, opened the door of the enclosure, or anytime she was just being really grumpy and wanted to be left alone she would hiss.

If you think he's really wheezing though, try to catch it on video and show your vet to make sure he's okay.

[Sharon&Sherman]

I've head him actually hiss but yeah he does make this noise sometimes when he's a little annoyed but I don't understand why he would do it when hes just moving around in his tank.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Wheezing can be due to a few things

Stuck shed in the nostril, nasal cavity deformity, and RI, all I can suggest is to keep a close eye on your animal.


And of course there is a difference between wheezing and hard breathing and or hissing.

[Reinz]

When my adult snakes are out of their cages climbing about, my daughter (adult) will become afraid saying that they are hissing. I can’t hear them due to my hearing loss unless they are around my neck and head. What I hear is just normal exhales and or labored breathing. Could it possibly be your interpretation?



Punch, 2005 Wild Type BI

[Sharon&Sherman]

Wheezing can be due to a few things

Stuck shed in the nostril, nasal cavity deformity, and RI, all I can suggest is to keep a close eye on your animal.


And of course there is a difference between wheezing and hard breathing and or hissing.

Hmm ok. If he starts showing other signs of illness I will take him to the vet. Thank you.

[Sharon&Sherman]

It might be. It probably is if he isn't showing any signs of illness.

[Zincubus]

If it always eats then that suggests that it isn't a RI in my humble opinion ..


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[Sharon&Sherman]

That's comforting. I try to think like that.

[SVT Wylde]

I can hear occasional popping sounds as my snake breathes like he has mucus build up. His temps are fine, he eats like a kingsnake, and he has been doing it for the 7 months I’ve had him. Sometimes I hear it and sometimes I don’t. It bothered me for a while but until he shows signs of distress, I assume it’s normal.