question

marijuana · 10-20-05, 07:47 AM

today i found a thick white slime on the branch in my boa cage. it looked kinda like human snot. i don't know what that is and i don't know where it came from. have you ever seen it?

the temperature in the cage is around 27°C - 30°C and the moisture is around 75%.

thanx for the answers.

iLLwiLL · 10-20-05, 08:18 AM

could be a sperm plug if your ball is old enough, or it could be excriment from a respritory infection. that humidity sounds pretty high, is there any way to get it down to a constant 60%? also is the whole cage 1 temp, or do you have a heat gradient?

~Will.

marijuana · 10-20-05, 09:58 AM

she is not a ball python, she is a boa constrictor. she is 6 years old and i was told that she is a female. but i don't know that for sure. thanx for the humidity tip. i do have a heat gradient. there is 26°C-28°C on the cool side and 29°C-31°C on the hot side. it could be a respritory infection...

what should i do if it is? i just got the snake and i don't know how she was treated before... she could have been sick before i've bought her...

iLLwiLL · 10-20-05, 01:41 PM

i've never personally had to deal with a RI, but i have heard alot on its diagnosis. i would get it to a vet, and bag up that goop to bring along with you along with a fresh stool sample. it wouldnt hurt to call first and ask over the phone if they know how to treat snakes and to explain your situation.

~Will.

TheSnakeMaster · 10-20-05, 09:39 PM

During respiratory infection usually snakes bread with open mouth and lather come out from trahea or from nostrils if the mouth is closed. They hold his head UP to breat easily SNAKES CANT SNEESE !!!so I dont think that "snot " is originated by respiratory problem.Colud be a sperm plug if you snake is not sexed properly
Vlad

BOAS_N_PYTHONS · 10-20-05, 10:19 PM

If indeed the boa is a female, it might not be anything other than simple residue from an defecation or urination. This assuming she is healthy.

But if you have not sexed her or had it done professionally in front of you or via a breeder or collector who knows what they are doing you might just have a male not a female. If you can get photos or it as it is, people can better help with a visual. If indeed it is sperm residue then you have a male very interested in mating. Mine usually leave those signs in there water tubs.

Goodluck.

marijuana · 10-21-05, 05:47 AM

i will get her probed as soon as possible. she doesn't breathe with her mouth open...after reading a lot of things on the internet i doubt that this is a respritory infection... but i will still take her to the vet. thanx for the help