Reptile & Amphibian Forums

About two weeks ago my snake had five doses of Baytril to treat what was thought to be the beginning of a respiratory infection. Today I watched my snake puff his throat up again. Any way the medicine didn't work or has yet to take effect? Any way it's doing it since it feels intimidated? Thanks so much.

He is eating, by the way.

Does it have temperature options IT can choose from and if so, how hot is the hottest? Can it sit in / near the heat without being in the open?

The highest temperature is around 80 which is supplied by a hot rock (but I will be getting an under tank heater in a day or two that'll cover 1/4 or 1/3 of the tank) and the lowest temperature ranges from 65 to 75. I will have to add another hide box so it can sit in the heat without being in the open. Anything else I should change? Thanks for your patience.

Ross

PS - Would it be better to get an under tank heater that'll cover 1/4 or 1/3 of the tank?

thanks for the info.

If it were me, I would provide a hotter hot spot (100-110 F) on one end of the cage, preferably a ground or under cage heater. Hot rocks don't provide as much of a gradient as do under cage heat elemants. Keep the cool end option that you have.

I would use some sort of bedding (I use aspen) so it can tunnel up to the heat source as near as it wants to. KEY is that they like to stay hidden (even when thermoregulating) and are usually underground or in tight crevices. Bedding allows super concealed options both security-wise and temp gradient wise.

Alterna use butter dishes and hide boxes too. However, if you provide tighter, darker more secure options that allow them temperature choices, they usually use those more.

If your snake is sick, look for it too spend time down on or close to the hot spot. You may have to go with a second round of antibiotics if this doesn't work.

Good luck.