My snake is not shedding in one piece or its wheezing!

In this post I will talk to you about some of the potential causes as well as some fixes to these common problems. Snakes need heat as well as a good amount of moisture. A good way to know your snake is ill is when you hear it wheezing or it not shedding in one full shed. I will now explain each potential problem and give you information on how to prevent it.

Heat helps with a few things with the snakes body. One of the first things it helps with, is the digestion of the prey item the snake ate. Without proper heat within the tank, and an area where heat is provided at all times the snake will have a hard time digesting its food. This can cause constipation within the snake and can lead to death. The second thing is to much heat or too little heat can cause is an upper or lower respiratory infection. A very lethal infection within the snakes lungs.

Moisture, better known as humidity, can cause its share of problems as well. Having improper humidity levels within the tank can cause upper and lower respiratory problems and as well as the heat can cause death. Another problem that can occur is a problem with shedding. Without the proper humidity in the tank, the snakes skin can dry out or even become to saturated with moisture and cause the skin to come off in pieces instead of one complete shed.

These problems are easy to control. The best ways to accomplish this are by monitoring the levels at which they should be set at. The temperature within the tank (air temp) should be kept around 90-95* degrees during the day and have a 5-10* degree drop at night. There should be a hot spot with a temp of 92* degrees provided at all times. The best way to control these is to buy a thermostat that has the ability to control two to three different heat sources. This will allow you to regulate the air temp and keep the hot spot where it needs to be. As for the humidity level an easy way to control this is to use a spray bottle and mist in the tank every morning. If this is not possible then you can pick up a sheet of 1/4 inch thick plastic drill about fifty holes in it and cut it to fit 3/4 of the top of the tank. This will help hold the moisture in and allow the air to still flow freely. You will still need to mist in the tank at least every two days.

Now that you have some information about what to look for and how to prevent such problems your snake should have a healthy and long life. I hope you have enjoyed this topic and please feel free to visit www.ballpythonplanet.forumotion.com/ and join the forum. Here you can learn more about your snakes as well as meet people with similar interests.

Thanks,
Eric Rovegno
http://www.ballpythonplanet.com/