RCReptiles.com

[Shorty]

I was holding my BP Irwin last night. He was hanging around my neck and then I heard it...it sounded like a small squeak, maybe almost a wheeze. If anyone has a cat or a small animal, it sounded like that was sniffing my ear. **If that made sense**

I listened again and he did it a few more times, not with every breath though. He just seemed to do it when I startled him a bit. He was very cold when I picked him up, probably because he was cruising around his tank, and he's been hanging around in his cool hide.

I am VERY paraniod about an RI, does this sound like one? I bumped his temps up and humidity, is there anything else I can do?

[ryancbj22]

Well some pics of your set-up would be imperitive to help.
Also what are your temps and humidity in the tank.
How long have you had him and how old?
Where did you purchase the snake from and how much background do you have of the previous owner if there was one?

Bp's will make a hissing noise when startled. I have one thats only a few months old and he hisses everytime I take him out and hold him. He usually stops after a few minutes though.

I'm not an expert or a vet, but without some more info I could even begin to give you somewhat of an accurate suggestion.

[Shorty]

My mistake, completely forgot to tell about tank set up

Warm side: 94 *bumped up*
Cool side: 84: *bumped up*
Humidity is at 62%

Both UTHs are controled with rheostats. I have an AcuRite digital thermometer with probe and another temp gauge with a probe for the other hide.



I've made some improvements to the tank, no heat lamp, no more tissue box hide. This was when I first got him on January 18. I got him from East Bay Vivarium in Berkeley, CA. I very reputable shop. It was even on Discovery Channel once. They all take excellent care of their animals. I'm not sure his age, I forgot to ask, but less then a year. Maybe around 6 months?

[deborahbroadus]

A good way to tell if your BP is in the beginning stages of an RI (catch all name) is to check his mouth.

Respiratory infection may be accompanied by bubbly mucus inside of the mouth. A trip to the Vet would be necessary to determine best strategy to treat the cause.

However, they are known to hiss if startled, and I am sure that the other members know of other noises that they may make.

In the meantime, make sure that the temps are correct; guessing is not an option .

Good luck!

[hhmoore]