Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my new ball almost a week ago. He is approx. 20 inches long. I have tried to feed him a rat pup and a live mouse,but he hasnt eaten yet so i was going to give him a little more time. I got him from my work,and he has 2 other siblings there. The larger of the three eats fine,but the smaller one and mine havent eaten yet. Anyways,that aside. I took my snake out a little today and he seemed kind of different. He was i dunno,gasping maybe. he would open his mouth a little to inhale and when he exhaled there would be a sort of popping or clicking noise. There is no nasal discharge though. A few days ago I noticed him yawning alot,even while I'd hold him. He was also sort of rubbing his face on my hand. I was thinking maybe he was getting ready to shed, but then this whole sort of hiccup thing has got me worried. His eyes do not look cloudy,so I am not sure if he is getting ready to shed or not. If he is,that would explain why he isnt eating,right? Also, I was looking over his body and he seems to have this one scale that is bigger and a little lighter colored then the rest of his body. I was scared and thought it could be a tick, but it is just a big scale. Could you guys helps me out and let me knwo what might be going on. Is he getting ready to shed or does he have a respitory infection or is he wheezing?what? I was going to take him back, but i am attatched and dont think id have the heart to. Help me out!thanks so much.

What is the temperature on the hot side? It should read 90-95 degree. The other two are eating fine right...then maybe it's not the temperature. I'm no expert, but from what I've read your snake might have a respiratory disease or mouth rot...read some books on ball pythons. Or it could be that it's a wild caught and therefore, are loaded with parasites. You should take it to a exotic vet immediately for treatment.
Here's Malissa Kaplin's website...it should be usualful. Anyway, eventhough you have a books, you still need to take it to a vet.
Malissa Kaplin's Website

He's actually a CB baby, I have papers form the breeder. Only one of the other two ate, mine didnt and the smaller one in the store didnt. but the larger one in the store did eat a fuzzy. I have read loads and loads of things, even before buying the snake. There is a cool spot and a hot spot to the tank. The warmest part reads 90. I have a heat emitter and a heating pad at the hottest part too. Thats also where the water dish and a hide is located. On the cooler spot there is some plants and lower branches and rocks and another hide. I have been misting the tank once sometimes twice a day very lightly,and not directly on the snake, to keep the humidity up. I have not seen him drink or soak since i have had him home. He has passed a stool once. I brought him home last thursday,so its almost 6 days since ive had him. This sucks big time. Only herp vet in the area is $50 just for a visit fee. I know its my responsibility to do what i have to do though and i plan on taking him as soon as i get more advice from you guys.

There isn't much that we can do to fix it, I think the only way to treat this is giving the snake antibiotic and keep it warm with the basking of 90-95 and the rest of the cage at 80-85 degree. Keeping them warm helps them metabolize the madication. Why didn't you get the one that feed instead of the one that has difficulty feeding. You felt sorry for it didn't you...that's alright, though. However, I would suggest next time you get a healthy snake from good a petshop--although maybe more expensive, but it wouldn't encourage petstores to improperly providing care for their animals.

no,actually. none of them had fed when i bought him. i problt shoulcve waited to see if he was an eater or not. but anything i can do now?hes finally soaking in his bowl tonight,i thin khe may be about ready to shed. but it doesnt explain this clicking noise when he breaths, i am going to talk to my store tomorrow and call the vet as well. thanks.