Wild-caught Solomon Island Boa

victoria_arnold · 06-14-13, 11:38 AM

Hi everybody!

I'm new to the forum and joined for a specific reason - to find out why my boa is squeaking.

Each breath she takes is accompanied by a long, high pitched whistle. It is not an RI, there is no mucus in her nostrils and I've even checked in her mouth and throat. She's eating well and will shed within the next few days which I'm hoping will help, but even before the whistling she's been making a sniffing noise as if she's blowing quickly through her nostrils. Her tank is quite humid, reading right now around 85%, so I'm sure her nose isn't blocked with dusty substrate.

What can I do to help her breathe better? I need suggestions! I've never had this problem with any of my other snakes.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Victoria

Terranaut · 06-14-13, 12:40 PM

Soon to shed. My boas do the same.

Amadeus · 06-14-13, 02:31 PM

As terranaut said most likely the shed but she could also be hissing at you.

rocknhorse76 · 06-14-13, 03:35 PM

My boas all do the same thing when they're going into shed.

StudentoReptile · 06-15-13, 06:11 AM

Exactly how do you know for sure this is not a RI? Whistling is not hissing.

Snakesitter · 06-18-13, 02:08 PM

First and strongest guess would be shed partly obscuring the nostrils. If so, it will resolve shortly. If the shed does not resolve the issue, however, then you'll have to consider other options. Good luck to you and her!

snakeman879 · 08-07-13, 04:13 AM

Could be stuck shedd around the nostrells from a previous shedd. Can u bea a 100 percent its not erly ri ???

slowhite03 · 08-07-13, 04:38 AM

What substrate are you using? This may sound weird but one of my kingsnakes got allergies from his substrate,aspen. Thought it was ri but after three vet appointments and shots he was given a clean bill of health but still made the noise. I switched his tank to paper towels and after a week or two the noise stopped