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wagz · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 12:54 AM

i just bought a redtail from the local shop about 10 days ago - he's about 3 months old or so and is very cool.

BUT - he does this thing w/ his mouth - he opens it frequently and i cant tell if its defensive or if its just normal. He seems very healthy - spends most of the day/night in either the water dish or under the heat lamp.

He also just ate for me about 3-4 days ago - but has been doing this since i bought him - keep in mind he hasnt "struct" at me nor does he seem like he wants too - but the opening of the mouth has me a bit concerned - sometimes it just a little and sometimes its more open - but he shuts it pretty much right away as well.

He doesnt seem to ever be coiled or in a strike position or tense - so i'm confused about what this action is??????????

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morti · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 01:12 AM

There is more that you need to check into about this, but that is one of the possible signs of a respritory infection. They will open their mouths and "Gape" and breath through their mouths when there is mucus in ther nostrils. Listen closely to his breathing for popping, wheezing, or whisling. If you hear any of these or if you notice your snake blowing bubbles from his nose get him to a qualified reptile vet quickly!

-Your Sick Uncle Morti.
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phaedrus · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 01:14 AM

In addition to what Uncle Morti said, mine was doing same, but no bubbles, wheezing, etc. Come to find out, she was preparing for a shed and I guess the gaping was helping her to "loosen" the old skin. Did you ask the store when the last shed was?

And hopefully you're feeding Frozen/Thawed.

Welcome to Redtail!
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wagz · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 01:50 AM

>>There is more that you need to check into about this, but that is one of the possible signs of a respritory infection. They will open their mouths and "Gape" and breath through their mouths when there is mucus in ther nostrils. Listen closely to his breathing for popping, wheezing, or whisling. If you hear any of these or if you notice your snake blowing bubbles from his nose get him to a qualified reptile vet quickly!
>>
>>-Your Sick Uncle Morti.

Thanks for the 411 - he is "popping" a bit - i always hear what sound like bubbles popping now and again - there is however no weezing or mucus or discharge from his nose - i did also notice he seemed to do a "sneeze" twice when i first got him here. I just heard what sounded like a hiss - very short but somewhat loud to the point it starteled me.

He spends about 1/2 the day under the heat lamp and the other 1/2 in his water dish - would not surprise me if he's about ready for a shed - but there is no clouding of the eyes yet.
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faze · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 01:53 AM

the spending a lot of time in the water bowl can mean 2 things a)mites b)shed
and also the spending a lot fo time in the bowl can also help the ri get worse
as they said check for weezing bubbling check for the RI
and make sure he's not cover with lil bugs [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] i've found the best place to look for mites is the white area under the jaw that seems to be there favorite hideout imo good luck!!
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faze · #6 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 01:56 AM

>Thanks for the 411 - he is "popping" a bit - i always hear what sound like bubbles popping now and again - there is however no weezing or mucus or discharge from his nose - i did also notice he seemed to do a "sneeze" twice when i first got him here. I just heard what sounded like a hiss - very short but somewhat loud to the point it starteled me.

id have him checked out by a qualified vet just to be on the safe side if it is a RI
it can be simply remedied unless it gets to bad good luck [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]

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wagz · #7 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 02:16 AM

>>the spending a lot of time in the water bowl can mean 2 things a)mites b)shed
>>and also the spending a lot fo time in the bowl can also help the ri get worse
>>as they said check for weezing bubbling check for the RI
>>and make sure he's not cover with lil bugs [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] i've found the best place to look for mites is the white area under the jaw that seems to be there favorite hideout imo good luck!!

he has no bugs anywhere on it - seems to be a very clean heathy snake actually.
I'm guessing maybe he's in for a shed.
Like i mentioned - he also just ate for me a few days ago and about 36 hrs later (if that) he passed it through w/ no issue.
I am using the red bulb style lamp since the store said that would be fine and i live it on 24hrs a day (as they told me) and like i said - he spends 1/2 the time there and a decent amount of time in the water.
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XzyluM · #8 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 08:24 AM

To me, it sounds to be either two things. Possible RI or he's going to shed. Both have their views here. He's soaking a bit and the opening mouth could be to loosen the old skin. On the other hand, the popping and mouth opening could be a possible RI. I move take morti's advice and get him to a qualified vet to be sure.
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wagz · #9 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 10:18 AM

>>To me, it sounds to be either two things. Possible RI or he's going to shed. Both have their views here. He's soaking a bit and the opening mouth could be to loosen the old skin. On the other hand, the popping and mouth opening could be a possible RI. I move take morti's advice and get him to a qualified vet to be sure.

thank you for the advice - i had him out w/ me for about 3 hrs tonight after he was soaking a bit and he didnt do the mouth opening more than once and i barely heard any popping - so maybe he's just going to shed soon!
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DogVsRaptor · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 11:54 AM

Good luck with the shed. It seems as if it may be time to relieve a little pressure, and
get that old coat off. By the way, your snake looks great. Welcome to RTB. You wil
learn a lot from this website, most of the members that post have a lot of knowledge about
not only RTBs but many different snakes, reptiles, mammals, and about any other animal
you could consider owning. I'm sure you will enjoy this site. Once again, good luck.
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snake-lover · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 10:58 PM

i would say it is nothing to worry about i think it could just be that your snake is yawning so nothing worry about
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Ed_r · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2002, 11:08 PM

Snakes really dont do any popping when shedding. A vet visit is cheap insurance that youll keep your little guy for a long time. the 30-40 youll spend on the vet visit avgs out to be pennies over the snakes life. Even if it is nothing he should be checked out anyway.
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jimmyg · #13 (**permalink**) 08-08-2002, 06:56 AM

I have six red tail boas and at any givin time one is shedding and I see them yawning quite often, I've never heard any POPPING and I would definately WORRY if I did!!!
In my opinion the sounds of bubbles popping when your snake is breathing calls for a vet visit right away!
You have a nice looking snake there and with the proper care it will be your friend for a long time.

WELCOME TO RTB!
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