I just noticed yesterday while holding my ball python that he had a faint whistle while he was breathing. He's 6 months old and eating 1ft mouse/week. I've read that this might be a sign of RI. I don't think that his nostils are lodged with anything but I've also heard that his nostrils might be dry. It's pretty dry in the room where he is so I would tend to believe that he just might be dry. I've raised the the temps, sprayed his cage and covered the screentop with a wet towel. I've also heard that some balls whistle without reason so I'm kinda confused what to believe and what to do. Was I right in making the decision to raise the temps and the humidity? I'm going to take him to the vet monday but what should I do until then?
-----
"I only handle my balls when i'm cleaning them." - griffindor 
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Whistling Ball Python
Replies (4)
You did the right thing with the temps and humidity. If it indeed a RI you caught it early and by raising the temps and humidity it will clear up. He is also eating still which is a good sign.
If the humidity cannot be kept up I think you need to provide a humidity retreat box of some sort. If it stays dry for very long he will begin to have respiratory problems. This is not a temporary thing, you need the humidity at 50-60% constantly, not just to ward off a possible RI.
To make a humid box just take a small container, cut a hole in the side of it and put moist cypress mulch in it. That way the snake can go to where it's humid if it needs to. I think the humidity is important for proper lung function.
Good luck!!
-----
Rob Talkington
Seriously though, I've heard some of mine whistling too, generally only when I'm holding them and they don't want to be held. They seem to breath harder when they're upset about something and sometimes it comes out as a whistling noise. Unless you are also seeing some kind of discharge, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Mark
Some of mine hiss. Like they want to be left alone. Box turtles do the same. Guess sort of like flicking of tail in kings and milks. Want to be left alone.
-----
RicK @ BbI
Ball Boutique,Inc.
The home of the singing snakes!
