Why is my snake making weird noises?

Snakes often endure illness stoically, without exhibiting obvious signs or symptoms of illness. If your snake is wheezing or making noises when it breathes, it may have a respiratory infection or parasites, which necessitates prompt veterinary attention.

What does it mean when a ball python huffs?

It’s normal since they are compressing their lung when they climb over stuff and it squeezes the air out. What you want to worry about is if they are inside their cage and just sitting curled up and you hear wheezing, then you need to look for other signs like mucous or crusty stuff around their mouth or nostrils.

Is it normal for ball pythons to wheeze?

Respiratory Infections (RI) are one of the most common reasons Ball Pythons develop a wheeze. When a snake’s nose is blocked by mucus, it hinders its breathing, often causing a wheezing sound. If your ball python has an RI, you may also notice it breathing much more through its mouth than it normally does.

Is it normal for snakes to fart?

Yes, it is completely possible for a snake to fart and this has been captured on video with an owner’s ball python farting. It is likely to be a build-up of air, not causing a smell like a normal release of gas, but it still counts that snakes are in fact capable of farting.

What kind of behavior does a ball python have?

You’ll notice your ball pythons performing a few common behaviors over time, including those explained below. Calm ball pythons move about slowly but purposefully. Ball pythons often flick their tongues while moving about to learn about their surroundings. Hungry ball pythons often lay motionlessly, with their head poised and ready to strike.

What’s the best way to handle a ball python?

Although you’ll certainly need to adjust to different circumstances and individuals, the best way to handle your ball python is as follows: Open the habitat and touch your snake gently on the back.

What happens if you get bit by a ball python?

This is understandable – nobody wants to be bitten by a snake. However, it is important to note that ball python bites are rarely very painful, nor are they likely to cause much damage. Typically, they’ll cause a few minor breaks in the skin, which will ooze a trickle of blood. Bites rarely require much more first aid than simple soap and water.

What causes a ball python to lose its scale?

However, ball pythons do frequently experience two other eye-related problems: 1 The eyes of dehydrated ball pythons will often dimple. 2 Shedding difficulties can cause a snake to retain the scale covering its eye. More …

What should I do if I have a ball python?

If you use any sort of bulb (ceramic heater, not light bulb) at all, it should be the secondary heat source only, and if you do, be sure to watch your humidity, and sheds extra carefully. There are some newer studies that show that some UV lighting can be helpful, even if the wild ball doesn’t get it in the wild.

Can a ball python eat a live rat?

Feeding live prey unsupervised. This can lead to serious injury or death. Rats can easily kill an adult Ball Python. We’re not saying you must watch them eat, because this can also be stressful, but don’t just toss a live rat in, and go to bed.

Why are heat rocks dangerous for ball pythons?

Pet stores still sell and promote these dangerous pieces of equipment, because they heard it somewhere and are just passing along misinformation. Heat rocks heat unevenly and can have spikes in temperature, they can cause serious burns and injury. A heat rock is way too small, and only heats a small area.

What kind of heater do ball pythons need?

First of all, these snakes should be getting belly heat FIRST. A ceramic infrared heater can be used to supplement, as long as your humidity is carefully monitored. Ball Pythons require 60% humidity, and up to 80% while in shed. Too high humidity can cause respiratory infection.

Why is my ball python making coughing noises?

Captive snakes are prone to respiratory infections, which means they have too much mucus in their mouth. Signs often include lethargy, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, wheezing, and making gurgling noises, which could be confused as a cough. Most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria.

Can you see a ball python breathe?

If you were to disturb your ball python while its digesting, it might appear nervous and breathe quite heavily—perhaps not loudly, but with its sides rising more visibly than usual. Be sure to leave your snake alone for at least 24-72 hours after its eaten, until it’s more active, and before handling it again.