I just got my first ball python last Sunday, and now I'm concerned that he might have a RI. I've seen him yawning quite a bit (couple times a day) since I got him, and have witnessed him drinking on more than a couple occasions. When I held his head up to my ear today, I could hear very faint clicking sounds. I really have to strain to hear them because they're so quiet. I opened his mouth using the end of a popsicle stick, but didn't really see any bubbles/excessive saliva.

Otherwise, he seems healthy, clear nostrils, clear eyes, sleeps during the day, is active starting from about 9pm.

Does this sound like an RI? The hot side of his tank is staying around 89 - 91 degrees and the cool side is about 81. The humidity in the tank is about 55%. I have him on newspaper. I'm really upset about this because I just got him, and it makes me think that I was sold an unhealthy animal. How much does a trip to an exotic animal vet usually cost? If it is an RI, how much should I expect to pay for meds?

Any information anyone could provide on this matter would be greatly appreciated. I'm already attached to him and would hate for him to be suffering.

Also, I haven't fed him since acquiring him. I bought some frozen fuzzies yesterday (he's two months old and about 15" and planned on trying to feed him today. Should I go ahead and do so?

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• Possible respiratory infection - help! - blenderhead, Sun Sep 13 14:16:50 2009
• RE: Possible respiratory infection - help! - BuzzardBall, Sun Sep 13 15:23:53 2009
• RE: Possible respiratory infection - help! - Wallbanger26, Sun Sep 13 16:48:44 2009