RCReptiles.com

[arlynos]

What I mean is, that how fast is a snake supposed to breath and how long between breaths? Cause the one I have is breathing a little fast, but I dont know if they are supposed to do that or if somthing is wrong.

[Buck_99]

Is this the free one you just picked up?

[arlynos]

Yes, it seems to start breathing fast when I pick him up but then slows down over time, but is that normal is he just nervous or am I hurting him by doing that.

[PyMama]

What else do you know about the snake? What did the previous owner tell you about her?
Where he got it? Eating, sheds, habits? Any previous illnesses? Mites? Is it WC or CB ?
Or you just took it?

Id take it to a vet to give it a check up ....not necessarily if there is anything wrong but also just to have that peace of mind that the snake is healthy.

Let us know how its doing?

Can you maybe vidoe tape her so we can see exactly what you mean?

[arlynos]

It was a CB python from a breeder down in florida, the guy actually had been to the breeder to pick it up, she had just had a shed 2 weeks ago and shedded beautifully showed me the skin it was almost a complete piece no eye caps. I checked her over last night for mites and found none that I could see, but then again they are small.

I will try and get a video going on of her, my camera doesnt pick up the best when I try to record maybe I'll have to get out the tripod later and try, but I am trying to get her to acclimate to her cage so I dont want to handle her to much, but she only gets like that when I pick her up.

[Buck_99]

This is one of those situations where I'm going to start with a disclaimer that I'm no veterinarian or expert. But if it was me...

...I'd wait a few weeks , leave the snake alone, but observe it while trying not to be detected. Listen for wheezing or cough. My gut says this is just a stressed out snake that needs to be left alone for awhile. I've seen mine get excited and breath more heavily than normal for a little bit, then settle down.

If you take it to the vet, chances are the snake won't perform the little breathing trick on cue. Just like your car won't make that noise for the mechanic.

If the situation continues longer term, then try the vet. That's my two cents.

[arlynos]

thanks much, I did try to listen to her when I had her in my hand last night and she was breathing quick, I put her near my ear and tried to hear a wheeze and then I broke out my nephews toy stethoscope and put it on her and I didnt hear a wheeze, so I will let it alone for a few weeks and see if it gets better im hoping its jsut a stressed snake.

Thanks for the advise.

[arlynos]

Here is the breathing that I recorded last night i hope it is good enough to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu1QKY5E2B4

but I think she has calmed down a lot since she doesnt breath that fast anymore, so I am thinking it was stress.

[markstockham]

I often see this when a snake is "hunting", or when I pick up an animal that is not used to being handled.

[arlynos]

so this is nothing to be worried about since she did come from a person who didnt handle her that often in the few months he had her and she did try to strike at me very soon after this, almost got me to, but I was a little to quick

[markstockham]

I do not really know, I do know that some of my animals do this and they are healthy.

[arlynos]

well since she hasnt done it since and has climbed around his cage I will just keep a eye on her for a few weeks about her breathing. THanks for all your guys's advise.

[jb.t3ch]

alot of snakes ive seen does this when a person gets close, these are wild animals and most dont "like" human interaction they will tolerate it as most dont have any choice in the matter . not saying there couldnt be an underlying problem but like others have stated just keep a close eye on him. good luck and keep us posted.

mine will do this all the way up until i pick them up and then they're fine. think its a nervous reaction.

[arlynos]

Thanks that has taken a lot off my mind, but I will still keep a eye out for respitory issues for her.