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Hi, I have a hognose snake that started to act real strange lately. His eyes are milky and his body is paler than usual for the past 4 days.

signs of shedding right?

The only concern is, when he started to turn milky, he started to open his mouth like he's yawning. I know when snakes "yawn," it's a sign of upper respiatory infection. This has me a bit concerend since I've only had the snake for a little over a month. The snake still hisses and strikes at me (lol) but it still has me concerend.

Do some snakes in shed act sick? This is bugging me so much and I need someone's advice. Thanks

Shedding is stressful and if his health is iffy it could manifest in signs of an upper respiratory. Likewise if he is in shed and his nostrils have shed in them he may be mouth breathing for that. I would be sure his temps are right and that he has an appropriate hot spot. I also find with my hogs that a nice rough rock bowl or the like helps them shed better. See if after he shed if he is acting oddly still.
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Sonya

1.1 Candoia Paulson
2.2 Western Hognose
1.2 Mexican Black King
1.3 Greenish Ratsnake
1.1 Yellow Ratsnake
3.1 Everglades Ratsnake
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0.1 Mexican Milksnake
1.1 Black Pinesnake
1.2 Sumatran Shortailed Python
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1.1 African Helmeted olivacea
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Numerous Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish pets and fosters
Husband
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You get the picture.

NEED MORE INFO , IS THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT? DO YOU KEEP A WATER BOWL IN THE CAGE FOR HIM ? IT REALLY SOUNDS LIKE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT TO ME. AS LONG AS YOU DO NOT HEAR ,ANY BREATHING PROBLEMS.

hi, thanks for the reply. The hot spots are around 88 and the cold spots are around 70-75 but he usually stays at the hot areas. I do have a water bowl for him that is big enough for him to soak in. He's on aspen shaving but his random mouth opening worries me a bit.

I held him today and he was acting normal. Hope he sheds soon. Do any of you know how long it takes for hogs to shed? I had a ratsnake once that shed right away when it turned blue. Thanks

that the snake's nostrils are partially blocked by the loose skin. Normal. Happens alot with certain types of snakes. Additional humidity does help.

Freaked me out years ago one day when one of my prize rosies was wheezing quite loudly. Of course I thought the worst but it did not seem logical. After shedding (I missed seeing the snake in the blue - the snake is rather light and pale anyway..), snake was fine. Have seen it many times since, I know better now. Loose skin over small nostrils can mean wheezing.
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Mark

Yawning is normal activity with snakes in shed. Mine do it all the time. By yawning the snake is stretching the skin around the snout to loosen it for the start of the shed. Wheezing/whistling is also common during the shed cycle. I mist my snakes during the shed cycle but usually don't handle them. Each snake is an individual and they will take different lengths of time to complete the shed. This also depends on humidity. Usually after the eyes go from blue to clear the snake will then shed with in one week. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

I AGREE,,,

Hi, you made me feel a lot better. I just never had a snake that seemed so stressed while in shed. Today his eyes started to clear up again so I soaked him in warm water for 10 min. Hopefully he sheds soon and stops yawning.