Every year at this time my burm gets the slightest R.I. I know to bump up the heat but should I raise or lower the humidity?
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R.I. high heat and humidity?
jamesk
Dec 24, 2004 12:38 PM
Replies (6)
mychi_isme
Dec 24, 2004 01:40 PM
When a burm or any snake gets an r.i., you want to lower their humidity. Unlike humans, snakes don't have diaphrams so they can't cough. Therefore, raisning humidity only makes things worse. The other thing you need to do is get your snake to a good vet for proper treatment asap. Also, if your snake does this every year around this time, its probably getting to cold through the the winter. if no part of his cage ever drops below 78' than he should never get R.I.
Carmichael
Dec 25, 2004 10:35 AM
First, Merry Christmas to all,
This is just bad advice. Having rehabilitated 100's of burms with RI, raising temps and humidity typically did the job (antibiotics in advanced stages). Dry air causes irritation to the respiratory system of humidity seeking burms and inhibits the ability of the snake to ward of respiratory distress. Dry air exasperates the problems exponentially. But, high humidity at the cost of fresh air exchange is equally bad. The key is raising temps AND raising humidity levels (and seeking good vet advice when necessary).
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Sarge2004
Dec 26, 2004 09:30 AM
No Post
corbin
Dec 26, 2004 11:45 AM
Same here, low humidity is the beginning of a RI
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1.1 Albino Burmese
0.1 Normal Burmese
1.0 Veild Chameleon
Waiting for more reptiles of any kind
nazareth
Dec 26, 2004 05:29 PM
I used to think the "old" way. But after talking to Mr. Carmicheal via e-mail moons ago, and getting his take on this subject. It has worked great. It is exactly as he says. I think part is there are still too many people reading old publications, and too many people not listening. You stand alot better chance of a quicker recovery listing to Mr. Carmicheal.
Burmaboy
Dec 26, 2004 08:53 PM
While I enjoy reading Mr C's posts, we can all do our own experiment here.
Get a Upper respiratory infection ( a cold ), and go into a hot dry room.
Wait about 20 mins...and see what your chest, your bronchial tubes and your throat feel like.
Dry, scratchy, burning.You'll be reaching for brandy, I mean medicine.
Your snake feels the same way. Your lungs and bronchii need to be moist to heal...so does your snakes.
Another experiment...go out to the desert...and see houw your throat feels when it gets hot and dry.
Think steam room, wet sauna, hot tub.
They make us feel better. Hot and moist helps your snake feel better.
