Reptile & Amphibian Forums

do they have anything to do with the temperature and humidity? and is it easier for a young snake to get one than an adult?

is there any easy ways of getting rid of one?

If you don't mind my askin'.................why are you looking for easy or cheap ways to do everything you want to do with reptiles?

Quig

-----
CKA

I can field this one, no there is not a cheap and easy way to get rid of one. Some say to turn the heat and humidity up, but IMO that can be just playing with fire. Granted there are many on here that have been working with ball pythons for years and can treat one that way, but I am more than happy to take mine to the vet just to make sure it is treated correctly and completely. (Note- "treated correctly" is a comment marking my lack of experience and not a remark against those who are able to treat their own) I am more than happy to have my vet tell me I worry too much and that my bp is fine as opposed to having to bury my pet because I was too cheap to get the proper care. Again just IMO.
-----
Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

i feel the same way but my mom doesnt and i usualy dont have any money, thats why i was looking for something easy. the heat is already up a little but the humidity is low is that what caused it and how can i get the humidity up (cheap if possible)

OK, I understand what you are saying but you have to understand why people concerned and/or upset by what you are posting. If I understand correctly you are saying that you can not afford to provide the needed care for your bp and are trying to find a cheaper alternative to having it treated by a vet. That is the problem. If you can not afford to give your pet the care that it clearly needs right now, instead of trying to find a cheap way to fix it you might want to look into finding someone that can afford to provide it the care it needs. I hope you understand that people are not trying to tell you that you are doing everything wrong, or trying to preach to you about how you should do things. Everyone is just concerned about your pet and want the best for it.
-----
Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

i can afford it, but im only 16 and it takes time to save up money because i only work part time, and i just got a cornsnake for free and spent over $200 on the cage setup so obviosly i can afford it id just rather try and see if there is any other way before spending all my money on it and wanted to know if it was easily treated, i didnt mean to sound like a slacker, its just that i live in southern vermont and the only reptile vet in the area also treats dogs, cats, birds, etc. i want to get my two new snakes sexed and have check-ups and didnt want to have to wait a week to have it treated, and another week to buy thermostats and humidity gauges. i care alot about my snakes and i want them to have the best conditions possible before school starts

sorry for the misunderstanding

Most likely the low humidity caused the respiratory infection. You need to ensure your enclosure is able to hold proper humidity. What are you housing your ball python in?

Also, like the others already said, a vet visit is required at this point. The increased heat and humidity treatment may work some of the time only if you catch the respiratory infection very, very early. You're probably looking at anywhere from $40-$70 in vet bills depending on where you live. And believe me, if you do not treat this, the snake will die.

Hope this helps,
Tom

thanks for the info. i house my snakes in aquariums. what can i do to increase humidity?

If you are using a screen top you may want to enclose the open space quite a bit to keep the humidity within the aquarium. You may also want to mist the enclosure daily with a spray bottle. Do not over do the spraying and create an environment that is always wet. Too much moisture leads to scale rot.

If not already, maybe try cypress mulch for substrate. It should also hold the humidity a little better than newspaper (not sure what you're using).

Hope this helps,
Tom

thanks for the tips and the support, i will try your tips (and get medication). Last night i took a tupperware container, cut a hole (about 2" across) in the lid, put about an inch of water in it and put it in the basking spot. is that good? he likes it alot and actualy uses it, and i am trying to find some plexi-glass to put over the top(with holes) to keep up the humidity

Yes, the big this is get the top of the aquarium covered more (your plexiglass idea seems good). Only need a little opening to allow fresh air in and out. Next, get the cypress mulch (Home Depot, gardening section, about $3-$4). I read in another post you are currently using carpet. This will also be easier to clean than the carpet.

Good Luck,
Tom

I just read your other post on putting 2 balls together in a cage. Respitory Infections can be passed from snake to snake and if you can not afford to take one to the vet right there is another reason not to house 2 together.
-----
Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-1-0 Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids