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I have a one year old ball python. And he seems to have problems breathign. He makes a wheezing sound when he breathes. And there sometimes short little wheezes. Or long drawn out wheezes I can hear quiet well. Hes been doing it for awhile. What would cause this? Is it bad? And can I fix him?

Thanks

Sea

It is possible that he has a respitory infection. This can be caused by many things, but low humidity is one of them. I would raise the humidity and raise the temps about 5 degrees. Do you see any mucous in his mouth? If you can hear him wheezing well, it may be advanced. I would recommend a vet visit, but raise the temps now until you can take him. Make sure you maintain the proper humidity and temps for you ball. Good luck.

Robert

>>I have a one year old ball python. And he seems to have problems breathign. He makes a wheezing sound when he breathes. And there sometimes short little wheezes. Or long drawn out wheezes I can hear quiet well. Hes been doing it for awhile. What would cause this? Is it bad? And can I fix him?
>>
>>Thanks
>>
>>Sea

It may be a respitary infection. And Im not to sure how to quiet raise his temperature in his tank. He has low humidity as it is because of the substrate I keep him on. I keep him on Astro Turf because it is the only substrate he seems to not get mites with. Ive had a major problems with mites but there are gone. He does seem to have some gooey stuff Im not sure which is consider mucus or not in his mouth. Do you have any other suggestions?

What are you using for a heat source? I would get him to a qualified herp vet very soon. I find that Astro Turf actually harbours bacteria if not changed frequently. I would use newspaper for now if you are concerned with mites. Provide him with a hide box with moist moss. Don't allow this to get more advanced. Even with a vet visit you will have to address husbandry issues of heat and moisture. Good luck and keep us updated.

>>It may be a respitary infection. And Im not to sure how to quiet raise his temperature in his tank. He has low humidity as it is because of the substrate I keep him on. I keep him on Astro Turf because it is the only substrate he seems to not get mites with. Ive had a major problems with mites but there are gone. He does seem to have some gooey stuff Im not sure which is consider mucus or not in his mouth. Do you have any other suggestions?