Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my baby...and i do mean baby...like never had 1st meal most likely ...green tree python was in a cage that should of been ok...but it began to dehydrate and stress out...so i moved it to a clear deli cup ....like ones small salads come in the supermarket...the clear plastic cups animals are shipped to pet stores in ...it is in that with temps at like 85 and little water on bottom...it has begun some open mouth breathing from time to time...hoping if i leave it alone for a week it will be doing better and hopefully eat
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0.0.1 Borneo Blood Python
0.0.1 IJ Carpet Python
0.0.1 Colombian Boa
0.0.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 Aru GTP

Wow, neonates are a tough situation... also seek advice on the GTP forum for species specifics.

When you say that it is getting dehydrated, do you mean the snake or the enclosure? Are you measuring humidity? Is your snake looking sick, wrinkled, or otherwise dehydrated? Also, for all of us who don't know you, or how much research you have done, it does us little help to say that the snake was in a "good enclosure". What variables has this snake been exposed too?

For those this young, a small, enclosure as you have described is often best as it is easier to control the entire space. The negative on this though is that the temp gradient is likely sacrificed. Not a big problem, as long as you have the temps perfect. 85 might be a bit on the high side if the animal doesn't have the option to cool off. Check the GTP forum for temps. If this is the cause for open mouth breathing, then fixing the temp will bring quick relief.

As you know, there are many other reasons for open mouth breathing. I am worried that on such a young, small animal, it's demise will be quick as it has little energy stores to fight off illness. Therefore there is no real other option than to have a vet check on this guy. Time is an issue on this one.

Good luck,
Ian