Please help diagnose my Ball Python.

I only have a Corn Snake, and I have no clue how you open their mouth. So how do you open their mouths manually, without hurting them??? I would figure a Python would get mad and try and bite your finger off. But I don't know, I don't have a Python....YET! I swear I will someday! I have tried to stop Jakers from going somewhere and he gets aggitated and gets in stricker position. I would figure trying to make an animal do something it doesn't want to do or is uncomfortable would be pissed. How do you keep from getting bite? Thanxs!

Originally Posted by Leighanne

I only have a Corn Snake, and I have no clue how you open their mouth. So how do you open their mouths manually, without hurting them??? I would figure a Python would get mad and try and bite your finger off. But I don't know, I don't have a Python....YET! I swear I will someday! I have tried to stop Jakers from going somewhere and he gets aggitated and gets in stricker position. I would figure trying to make an animal do something it doesn't want to do or is uncomfortable would be pissed. How do you keep from getting bite? Thanxs!

a tongue blade works good for this... or a pen (a make shift bite block). basically anything that wont damage the snakes teeth, but keep the mouth open.

snakes dont like having their mouth opened, so you need to have someone else around to help...

...hold the head gently, but firmly with one hand... and with the other, pinch the skin inbetween the lower jam and pull down gently.

have someone quickly put the "bite block" inside the mouth and support so the animal doesnt spit it out.

I use a spatula like the one in the picture below. It works well, just becareful not to damage their teeth when you are putting anything into thier mouth.

So Derek, is this thing resolving?

Wow, I don't think I could use any of these things. Jakers is just a baby. I will keep that in mind for any other Snakes I have in the future. That all sounds kinda painful, no offense. Isn't there an easier way. I read that if a Snake bites you, you can unlatch them by gently but firmly grabbing both sides of their jaw and pressing and that opens their mouth. Is that true??

Originally Posted by Leighanne

Wow, I don't think I could use any of these things. Jakers is just a baby. I will keep that in mind for any other Snakes I have in the future. That all sounds kinda painful, no offense. Isn't there an easier way. I read that if a Snake bites you, you can unlatch them by gently but firmly grabbing both sides of their jaw and pressing and that opens their mouth. Is that true??

dont force the snake, it will unlatch itself. you dont want to break teeth off in your skin.... just a suggestion. the snake will free itself with no problems.

for a small snake cut the ends off a Qtip, you can use that for a bite block.

Originally Posted by coyote

So Derek, is this thing resolving?

It doesn't look any different at the moment, but I hope to know more after he sheds. Should only be a few more days.

He ate for the first time in months yesterday. After he shed, the lump came off of his nose but it left a small recess where is nostril is. I took him to the vet and they said that he could breath just fine out of that nostril but the recess would probably always be there. They said that they suspected a slight respiratory infection and gave me some injections to give him every day for 10 days. I don't think he cared too much for the shots, but he is eating again now.

thats awsome - thanks for the update!

It sounds like he has a respiratory infection (the clicking sound indicates this). First you should raise the temperature to around 90 degrees in the entire tank. If you have an exotic vet, take him in!