Whining sound in 11 y/o BP

[Bogertophis]

I've had Rosie, 11 year old ball Python around 4ft, had her for around 3 years. My first reptile and I'm learning as I go.

Recently she's started making a noise she's never made before. In fact is typically very quiet. Happens when I introduce food or if I reach in to touch her and gauge her sociability. It's a wheezy croaking whining sound. Varies how long she draws is out and volume. She's always be very social and docile with us and now seems to be bothered moreso. She's recently had a good shed and eaten a couple days ago. She's also started star gazing a lot. Nose pointed up in whatever position her body lies. Again this hasn't been typical until recently.

I agree, pics would help us to help you, including pics of snake's home. Not sure that what you're describing is "star gazing" either, so pls try to catch pix of that too. Also, what are the temperatures (highest & lowest) & humidity in the enclosure? What kind of heat is being used? Is it controlled with a thermostat?

A snake that's just pointing her head up may not actually be "star gazing" but it can indicate difficulty breathing*, as do the sounds you're describing- both may be an RI (respiratory infection) & she might even need to see a vet, because congestion from an RI can choke & kill a snake. Not trying to panic you- just trying to sort out what you meant.

If this is an RI, you're likely to see bubbling &/or mucus in or around the snake's mouth, &/or the snake may be mouth-breathing* (keeping head pointed up with mouth open to help breathing). If this is happening, get her to a vet A.S.A.P. A snake struggling to breathe with an RI may make various sounds: whistling, crackling, squeaking, wheezing... This sounds to me like what you're describing, unfortunately.

If you need a qualified herp vet, this may help you find one nearest you: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

You said she shed recently, so another thing that can happen (because snakes also shed the outer lining of their nostrils when they shed their skin) is that if they don't have sufficient humidity, that outer lining can get stuck & remain when it should have come off. That can make for noisy breathing. Some snakes also push their faces into the substrate when trying to start the shed, & in doing so, they manage to cram some debris into their nose- that too, can make for noisy breathing. They may need some help (from a vet?) to remove whatever's bothering them- it could be a splinter, for example. What substrate are you using?