Over the hill

[hydra]

I've had my black Mexican king for over 10 years now and have started to notice changes in the past 6 months. His scales are still smooth and shiny, but lately they make a "crinkly" sound when I hold him. He is still shedding regularly, etc. I've also noticed a change in his breathing. His breathing sounds dry and heavy occasionally. I know it's not a rrespiratory infection, as I've already had to cure him of that. This sound a lot different. Are these symptoms just signs of his age, or could it be something more serious?

[The Snake Guru]

Hard to say....but it sounds he's definitely up there in age! LOL

~B~

[Aaron_S]

Maybe he has some stuck shed from his last shed? That could be the noise while you hold him.

[hydra]

He's shed twice now and it still sounds that way. Maybe his scales are getting dry with his age? He is still acting fine, so I don't think he's in any pain. I have started using a new alpine bedding, wonder if that has anything to do with it?
And he is getting up there in age! I hope to have another 5 good years with him (at least). He was only about half a foot long when I first got him, so he was pretty young. How fast do kings grow after they're born? I wonder how old he was when I bought him. Anyway, thanks for the replies. I think if it gets worse or continues I will take him to the vet, just to have him checked out.