my boa is making puffing noises

[Reticsrule]

when i took my boa out today i noticed he was making puffing noises every once in a while. is this normal or could it be a resperatory(sp?) infection? besides the noise theres nothing else wrong with him.

[joey]

....sounds like he (might've) been hissing. Did he make the sound when you went to pick him up? While you were holding him?

[Reticsrule]

no he has no problem being picked up. i have him out every day and he is really tame. i had him around my neck and it just sound like loud breathing or almost like a sigh. i highly doubt it has anytrhing to do with aggression

[Linds]

Just because your snake is very docile, doesn't necessarily mean it enjoys being out. Even the most laid-back snakes will puff at being out sometimes. Sometimes it is just their way of letting you know they are not too happy, however it can also be a sign of the startings of an infection. I would watch for signs of your snake doing it while not being handled, and make sure your temps are warm enough (80/95) and humidity is at least 55%. Keep a close eye on things, and if you suspect it is something irrelevant to handling, it may be a good idea to have it checked out by an experienced reptile vet. Sometimes they undergo changes with age, etc. that may also contribute to such conditions, so even if it isn't related to handling, it may not be a problem, however it is always wise to rule out any possible problems first.

[Reticsrule]

i guess you're right but i find it hard to imagine that he would be doing it out of aggression. im afraid it might be some kind of resperatory infection. is this possible? and if so will it go away or will i have to take it to a vet?

[Daniel Phillips]

Have you read: What's Wrong With My Snake by by John Rossi, Roxanne Rossi? (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1882770358/qid=1113296447/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-9427700-7576149)

That book is really good, it could help you...