If he/she has his mouth open, it sounds as though he has labored breathing and must do this to breathe. It sounds as though you currently have no heat on this snake. That big cage needs to have a cool side in the low 70s and a warm side around 90. A 75 watt heat bulb was never enough to provide proper temps in a 5' X 4' cage unless the room was very warm. The snake needs an under tank heater and maybe even a heat light during the day to keep daytime temps. up. As for heat rocks, I would not get one if you get an under tank heater. Some are better than others and if used properly, they can be beneficial. A heat rock should be used as a warm spot to help a snake digest. They should never be the sole heat source. And as I said, some brands are better than others and do not get super hot spots. You also need a temp. gauge, gun, etc. to monitor your temps. Your snake is too cold and does not feel good, therefore he will not eat. Good luck nursing him back to health.

Phil Goss

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• Odd Problem with my Red Tail Columbian Boa - XmaverickX, Wed Dec 28 05:36:15 2005
• RE: Odd Problem with my Red Tail Columbian Boa - sharon21, Wed Dec 28 08:50:00 2005
• Do Not Ever Use a Heat Rock....stick with Flexwatt or other heat mats.... - robertmcphee, Wed Dec 28 11:43:01 2005
• My concern - LauraV, Wed Dec 28 09:01:45 2005
• Sounds like a respiratory infection (more) - PGoss, Wed Dec 28 15:25:09 2005
• RE: Odd Problem with my Red Tail Columbian Boa - XmaverickX, Wed Dec 28 22:12:58 2005