Why does my ball python whistle while shedding? Should I worry?

Any new pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home to confirm good health or to treat any preexisting conditions. If she is having difficulty breathing, she should be seen sooner rather than later in case she has or is developing a respiratory infection. Monitor for lethargy or discharge from the nose or mouth. Increase humidity or soak in warm water to facilitate shedding. You can also use commercial shed sprays that can be purchased online or in most pet stores. Follow this link for more information regarding care of ball pythons: http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

Thank you for reaching out about your ball python - she is really cute! There are a few things you can try/check for the appetite. Often times, when we are seeing issues with appetite, the first thing we try to do is check the husbandry and ensure that it is as perfect as it can be. Sometimes in between seasons the temperatures can get off in the enclosure, and I would recommend checking that first. Also, the humidity can affect the shedding intervals, in addition to the temperature. I would recommend evaluating the temperatures in the enclosure with digital thermometers to ensure that they are appropriate. Also, based on how she looks in the photos, she appears to be in fair body condition, so she may also be regulating herself as far as her weight/appetite goes. This would be a bit of an exception for a ball python, as most of them will overeat and become overweight. But, there are exceptions to the rule and maybe she is one of them! For the prey items - I like that you are using a separate container, and that you are warming the prey items in warm water. Please ensure that the water gets them to body temperature for rodents, which is around 100-102F. Often snakes will eat prey items that are cooler than that, but if a snake is being picky I try to encourage owners to get them measure the temperature to ensure it is warm enough. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and if she doesn't eat despite all of these changes, I would recommend a veterinary visit for her!

Wheezing can be a symptom of serious respiratory infection (either bacterial or fungal). Ideally, he should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for diagnosis and to begin the appropriate medication. Monitor the humidity in his enclosure as this can complicate respiratory infection.

Periscoping is normal. Most snakes do it when hungry or if curious or I in an object. "Stargazing" (staring straight up, nose pointed upwards) is of concern and may indicate serious viral infection. The lost scales may have been due to low humidity during her latest shed. You can gently clean the spot with dilute Betadine solution or chlorhexidine. A thin film of triple antibiotic ointment can be used if indicated. She should heal up fine. If it does heal or begins to spread, have her examined by your herp veterinarian.

Hi, and thanks for your request. If your Ball Python consistently experiencing shedding problems, it usually means the enclosure is too dry. Please follow the suggestions you can find on this link: http://livingartreptiles.tripod.com/id100.html

I suggest you just not feed her for a few weeks and then try again. Her lack of appetite may be due to shedding. Reptiles can not eat for months and still be fine. It is not ideal for them to go quite that long though. So, wait a few weeks, try again with frozen-thawed and see what happens. You are welcome to post again if she doesn't eat and we can see if we can help you better. Be sure he cage temperature is correct. If they are too cold they often won't eat. Basking spot temperature should be 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient temperature of 78 to 80 degrees. The ambient temperature should not fall below 75 degrees.

Check her mouth for foreign bodies, injury or infection if she allows. Monitor for persistent or worsening symptoms and have her examined by your vet or a vet experienced in treating reptiles if necessary. If she is behaving and eating normally otherwise, it may be simply something unique she does.