Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I just acquired a male South Florida Kingsnake (brooksi) about
4 1/2 feet long. Just got him last weekend and I might have a problem.....

Today I took him out of his cage and while he was cruising on the carpet he "sneezed".... He only did it the one time so far.... What is my next move??? I am observing him very closely now.. Seems fine, he ate 2 days ago (3 weanling mice) he has pooped twice since then, I have him in a 4 foot cage with aspen bedding.. 2 hides, one wet (sphagnum moss), one dry (which is also the "hot" end of the cage (86-88 degrees). Plenty of fresh water which he does seem to drink a lot of. He is not picking one area in the cage as his favorite yet, he switches from the dry-hot to the cool-wet about once a day so far.

I have never had a snake with a resperatory problem and it was just one sneeze but I want to nip it in the bud... Any advice out there? What do I do if it turns out to be a full blown resp infection???

BTW I live in the boondocks of Mississippi and as far as I know there are no vets around here who treat herps.(I have called) If you know of one near Tupelo let me know that too!!!

Thanks a lot!!!

Scott

I'd look for nasal discharge or mouth breathing, wheezing, etc. or continued sneezing. If none of those were present, I wouldn't worry too much about one sneeze.

Hello Scott, I have a female brooksi that does something very similar but I don't think it is a sneeze. It is more of a quick blow of air (similar to a hiss) which I've always taken as a warning sign. Maybe your snake smelled something which alarmed him/her. If there is no sign of any respitory problems then this may be what it was. Mine always does this if I touch too close to her head. She's never struck at me, just an occasional 'hiss' to let me know who's in charge Hopefully this is the situation with your snake. Good luck with your brooksi, I'm sure you'll love him/her. Take care, Scott.

I agree. All my brooksi do the same thing.

Like I had hoped for, and you had supspected. There are no real problems with my Brooksi.... I guess he doesn't like my carpet though, he gives one "sneeze" every dang time I put him on the living room floor. Other than that, he is fine. He really is a big ol teddy bear, I just love him. Measured him today and he is 65 inches long, Gonna get a digital scale and weigh him soon. I suppose I ought to name him Jethro or something.

Again, thanks for the help... I know I was a little paranoid but I was worried.

Scott