Substrate in BP's mouth

[merkin]

Hey,
My BP which is just getting ready to shed has been rubbing all over the place and it looks like he has crammed some of the forest bed substrate into the side of his mouth. It is now packed in there to the point that it's pushing his bottom lip away from the top by about 2/3 of a centimeter. I'm not sure how easy it would be to get him to open up or clean it out for him as he's very head shy. Should I let him deal with it himself or should I stop being a pansy and clean it for him?

Thanks

[Reptscue]

I would clean it out for him. If you need to open him mouth you can use a stiff piece of paper (ie: 3"x5" note card), fold it in half and use the blunt side to slide into his mouth. If you have someone to help you, you can have them use a Q tip to clean out the debris.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[NewRTB's]

Wow, never heard of that one(note card), I was going to say popsicle stick, but that can hurt the snake...maybe soaking him in water for a little bit too might help, I know my snakes always take a drink when they go to soak, it should wash it down or out.

[merkin]

Ok. That was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. Popped his mouth open and cleaned it out no problem.

I guess I wasn't giving my little guy much credit for excellent temperment.

Thanks!

[NewRTB's]

Right on, glad you got it out ok, could've become a prob.