Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a 5 year old jungle carpet python who i have caught whistling or wheezing on occasion. It will only be for a brief second and i won't hear it for days later. I dont believe it is a respitory infection, there is no mucus or open mouth breathing. Ive noticed her doing it more if i touch her, and im sure its not her hissing. Ive read that this is normal behavior in some carpets but i was just wondering why they do this or if others experience this with their carpets? Thank you for any feedback you may have, its always concerned me a little.

Sometimes it's just the sound of heavier breathing caused by your interation. Loose scales or scar tissue around the nose often exaggerate this.

Few snakes really hiss, but it's associated with a defensive posture. You'll know when this happens!

Of health importance, the noise could be of a lower respiratory tract infection, or injured lungs due to prolonged low humidity in humid loving species. Be sure your husbandry is great and that you are measuring humidity and temperature with quality, accurate meters. If you see other symptoms, like anorexia or lethargy then I would consider ill health more likely.

Ian

Oh geez, I wasn't too concerned until now. Her humidity levels aren't too high, about 40-50% but she has never had a problem shedding. If it is damaged lungs due to prolonged low humidity levels is there a way to correct that or is it permanent damage?

40-50% might be to low for the average carpet python (bredli's would be the exception). I would aim closer to 60-70% with fluctuations up and down another 10% would be fine. I don't think your current humidity is dangerously out of range. If you don't see anything else problematic with your snake, than don't be alarmed. As long as you keep such things in the back of your mind, then you will better be able to ascertain any problems in the future.

Ian