Quote Originally Posted by snakelover88 View Post
Ok I have a ball python that hatched June 9, 2008. He is approximately two feet in length and a good eater, shedder, etc. He gets out everyday for some slither time and some love. Well last night he was stretched out on my stomach with his face in my neck. I was rubbing his back lightly like i always do and he started almost like shuddering or shivering. Then he arched his back almost as if he was stretching with a shiver. Has this happened to anyone else and should I be concerned. I put him on the floor to observe his movements and he seemed fine and then when put back in tank he just climbed in his water bowl for a swim. He just ate on Monday two adult mice and is getting close shedding time. Thanks in advance for the advice! Morgan
First off !

That almost sounds to me like he was trying to clear mucus out of his throat which can be a sign of a respiratory infection which requires veterinary care and medication. What type of setup is he housed in? What are the ambient and cool/warm side temperatures? What is the humidity level in the enclosure?

I would check him over for mites also as sometimes when they spend a lot of time in the water bowl it can be a sign that they're trying to drown off mites. That could even explain the shivering you noticed, if there are mites present he would be extremely uncomfortable because they get to the skin in between the scales and bite and suck constantly. Mites appear as very very small black dots and you can usually find them in the water dish after the snake has soaked or crawling on your hands after you handle the snake.