Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 5 foot jungle carpet python. I had her outside today in the back yard letting her get some excercise. After a few minutes I could hear her breathing or wheezing. Not sure which. I know this means she could be getting a respiratory problem. I posted a message a while back about this but can't find it. I think someone said carpet pythons will sometimes 'huff' when they don't want to be handled. So how can I know for sure if she is just huffing at me or getting an infection? Or could she just had to much excercise and she isn't used to it?

I could hear her too when I put her back into her cage. I don't mind spending money at a vet but don't want to spend money at a vet if all she is doing is huffing at me. She seems fine otherwise. She eats good. No open mouth breathing. Her temps are in high 80's hot side. Should they be in the 90's? If so I'll have to get her a higher wattage basking bulb. Right now I think it's a 100 wt. She also has a UTH on the same side as light. At night she has a 75 wt red light. I have had her since November of 2003. She is housed in an 80 gallon tank with screen lid. I have most of the lid covered with seran wrap and tin foil to help keep heat and humidity in. I don't worry about humidity much except when she is going into shedding. Then I'll mist her tank a bit. Other wise she just has a big water bowl.

Anyone want to take a stab at this one.......thanks

there are no other signs of respiratory infection I would not worry about the noise. I hear the sound often in my carpets when I handle them. Your temp's sound fine I would even go more toward the mid 80's on the warm side vs. high 80's. As you mentioned humidity usually is not much of an issue with many of the carpets. If you do notice loss of appetite, open mouth breathing, bubbling nostrils etc.. then I would seek a qualified reptile vet's assistance immediately. Good luck and enjoy your animals. Frank Kincade.

for your reply. I think I can rest easy now that someone else says it's normal. She is doing fine other wise.

If you have a better shot of your snake please post it, it looks incredible, thanks Tom

I really need to get another photo session of my adult diamonds as they are really growing and look amazing. Hope you like this one from last year.

She has less yellow than the male diamond but she is pretty nice. I hope you like her too. Thanks for looking. Frank Kincade.

He came to me with a little kink in his tail that has worsened with age. It does not affect his eating, digestion or bowels at all. Only time will tell if it impacts his breeding success. I may try to breed him at some point to a more diamond influenced cross to see what happens. Thanks again for looking and I hope you like the shots. Frank Kincade.

Man o man, those are just awesome. I wish they didnt grow so damn long! Thanks for posting, that adult male is amazing! Tom