Well, my burm's problem with breathing is actually a compound problem. First off, there may very well be a head-size issue; which I am still working on. Secondly, he does seem to have a cold, though I can't imagine what in the world I could have done differently to have prevented it. I keep his humidity up (about 70%), and he has a warm (up to about 100F) to cool (about 73F) gradient in his cage. He has clean water, and eats consisently without any problems whatsoever. Lastly, he has always been a 'nose-rubber'. This rubbing and prying really bangs up his nose quite a bit; which can't help with the breathing thing.

I try to take him out often, and he is always completely tame. I'm not sure what more I can do for him.

Oh, there's one other thing that has come up. Back when I got him, 4.5 years ago, I took it on good faith that he was indeed a male, as I was told. But, looking at him lately I'm beginning to think that he may actually be a she. And on top of his/her appearance (at the tail), he has been really acting weird this winter - that is, he has been doing this rubbing thing with the sides of his body that looks exactly like what a cat does when it rubs up against your leg. Only he does it to anything he passes by.

Also, I am 100% convinced now that he has some sort of fascination with mirrors. At first I thought he might just be attracted to the location in his room where I have a mirror standing (he always seems to find his way over to that mirror and 'look' in it for a long time). But now when I let him out of his room he manages to find his way all the way over to the front hall where there is another mirror - and there again he spends quite a bit of time. I have no idea what he is thinking, but there is definitely something going on there.

So, how did the vet pick the scabbing off? Did he use tweezers, or some other kind of instrument? If it's not terribly difficult I might just do it myself for him.

Sorry this reply turned so long,
- Mark


>>I think I know where your coming form in saying your burm seems to have breathing problems, I noticed the same with my big female albino. As soon as I noticed that she had to open her mouth to breath well, I got her into the vet. She seemed to have scabbing over her nostrils, somewhat blocking them. The vet took some lube, and picked the scabbing off, then shot more lube down each nostril to make sure they were completely clear. Now I see no problems. Have you noticed anything similar with your laby male? Maybe a quick vet check will make a world of difference.

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