Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum, new to BRB's, and new to snakes in general, heh. I realize that this is probably not the best beginner snake, but I research any new animal thoroughly before I purchase them and I will provide the best care I possibly can for this snake, which is why I joined this forum.

I've only had my baby BRB for a couple days, but I've noticed a few things that seem a little unusual. One thing is he is yawning quite a bit, and starting today his neck is puffing out a bit on the underside when he breathes and I can hear a slight popping noise once in a while. Otherwise he seems very healthy. He's extremely active at night and he rests under his substrate during the day. His eyes are clear and I can't see any mucous in his mouth or nostrils. I'll continue to monitor his behavior, but I want to ask those of you with experience:

1. If these could be the first signs of a repertory infection?
2. If it's possible he swallowed some of his repti-bark substrate? (I haven't fed him yet, but I will not feed him in his tank to avoid the possibility of him swallowing his substrate)
3. If he might be shedding? He has been rubbing his nose on his substrate and the side of his hide-log. But that doesn't explain the popping noise.
4. If I am just being a paranoid first owner? Heh

I'm sorry for the long post. I'm excited to finally be a part of the wonderful world of herps and I look forward to seeing my snake grow into a healthy adult.

Thank you so much in advance for any comments!

What is the temperature and humidity in the cage? I know you asked the questions and you were not expecting someone to ask you questions rather than answer your questions but the secret to keeping BRBs healthy is to provide precise temperature and humidity. Some of what you describe sounds like the snake may be getting ready to shed. If you provide high enough humidity they do not spend much time rubbing. The popping noise and swollen throat could be signs of a respiratory problem. The only safe cure for respiratory infections in little BRBs is to get the temperature and humidity right. Look down in the posts here on the forum to last week and see my post about caresheets for little BRBs.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum, new to BRB's, and new to snakes in general, heh. I realize that this is probably not the best beginner snake, but I research any new animal thoroughly before I purchase them and I will provide the best care I possibly can for this snake, which is why I joined this forum.
>>
>>I've only had my baby BRB for a couple days, but I've noticed a few things that seem a little unusual. One thing is he is yawning quite a bit, and starting today his neck is puffing out a bit on the underside when he breathes and I can hear a slight popping noise once in a while. Otherwise he seems very healthy. He's extremely active at night and he rests under his substrate during the day. His eyes are clear and I can't see any mucous in his mouth or nostrils. I'll continue to monitor his behavior, but I want to ask those of you with experience:
>>
>>1. If these could be the first signs of a repertory infection?
>>2. If it's possible he swallowed some of his repti-bark substrate? (I haven't fed him yet, but I will not feed him in his tank to avoid the possibility of him swallowing his substrate)
>>3. If he might be shedding? He has been rubbing his nose on his substrate and the side of his hide-log. But that doesn't explain the popping noise.
>>4. If I am just being a paranoid first owner? Heh
>>
>>I'm sorry for the long post. I'm excited to finally be a part of the wonderful world of herps and I look forward to seeing my snake grow into a healthy adult.
>>
>>Thank you so much in advance for any comments!

Thank you for the reply. It actually brings up another question I have.

I've been trying to keep the tank around 80 degrees, but it's been very warm here and has been staying between 85-90 degrees. I've had to keep his heating pad and red lamp off. Is that the right thing to do? I really don't want it to get too hot for him.

The humidity stays around 70%. I think having the lamp off is helping keep the humidity a little higher. If it is the start of a respiratory infection, should I lower the humidity? I know BRB's need high humidity, especially young snakes.

Thanks again... I really appreciate the help.

...Rather than a respiratory infection your snake is probably becoming dehydrated from too high temperature and too low humidity. Your temperature is 15 degrees too hot and your humidity is way too low. A heating pad and a red light are way too much heat for a little BRB unless it is kept in a very large cage. "Tanks" are not suitable cages for BRBs unless you cover 95 to 99% of the screen to keep the humidity from escaping. When you do cover the top the heat will be trapped in the cage with the humidity so you need to back way off on the heat. Have a look at my Newborn BRB caresheet I posted on the forum last week.
Jeff

>>Thank you for the reply. It actually brings up another question I have.
>>
>>I've been trying to keep the tank around 80 degrees, but it's been very warm here and has been staying between 85-90 degrees. I've had to keep his heating pad and red lamp off. Is that the right thing to do? I really don't want it to get too hot for him.
>>
>>The humidity stays around 70%. I think having the lamp off is helping keep the humidity a little higher. If it is the start of a respiratory infection, should I lower the humidity? I know BRB's need high humidity, especially young snakes.
>>
>>Thanks again... I really appreciate the help.

Thanks, I read your care sheet for baby BRB's. Do you have any suggestions on how to reduce the temperature in his enclosure, while maintaining higher humidity? The temperature is my main concern.

...To reduce the temperature you will need to use a proportional thermostat or a rheostat style dimmer switch. If your room temperature fluctuates very much the proportional thermostat is the way to go. If the room temperature does not fluctuate very much you can use the dimmer switch. One other way to reduce the heat is to provide insulation between the heat source and the cage. The 70% humidity you have is okay for adult BRBs but it will dehydrate a little BRB. You can increase the humidity by covering most of the screen top and by providing damp substrate.
Jeff

>>Thanks, I read your care sheet for baby BRB's. Do you have any suggestions on how to reduce the temperature in his enclosure, while maintaining higher humidity? The temperature is my main concern.

Thank you so much for all your help. I know newbies like me must be frustrating at times. I think I've got conditions a little more optimal now and I'll keep a close eye on him. Thank you again, I really appreciate it. I want to make sure my baby grows into a healthy, happy adult snake.