Baby balls making popping noises

[caine53]

I have a couple of captive hatched baby balls that are making popping noises (mostly when they are flicking their tongues). I am afraid it may be RI but I hoping it's nothing and I'm paranoid. They eat fine and their temps stay in the mid 80s. Any thoughts or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

[Johnny Utah]

Temps stay in the mid 80's where? On the warm side? The cool side? How about humidity?

Do you see any mucus coming out of their nostrils?

Depending on what your humidity and temps are, I would increase the temps 5 degrees and lower your humidity some.

If it's not RI, I have also heard of loose skin around the nostrils creating a clicking noise. Supposedly a full shed will take care of that.

[caine53]

The temps are in the mid 80s on the warm side but I don't know the humidity. We did reduce the size of their water dish. There is not any sign of mucus, which is a good thing. As far as shedding goes, they both look pretty clean but perhaps a closer inspection is in order. Thanks for the help, feel free to offer any other thoughts.

[Johnny Utah]

Your welcome. I would get the warm side of the cage near 90 degrees.

[Stargazer]

I've heard that balls need a little warmer warm side than boas. That would mean at least 90. Anyone else corroborate this?

[Johnny Utah]

I keep the hot side right at 90 and my ball does great.

[dalvers63]

Ball pythons need temps of 90-92 on the hot side and around 80 on the cool side.

Humidity is best around 50-60% most of the time with an increase to 70% when they're getting ready to shed.

I'd suggest getting a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer with humidity meter (you can pick up an Accurite one at Walmart for about $12). Put the main unit on the cool side and string the cord to the hot side (usually under a hide as that is where they will spend most of the time).

If you're keeping them together, I would suggest seperating them so you can tell which one may be having problems (if either of them do).

In the end, a vet visit is always better than wondering what might be wrong.

[canadianbacon]

if they eat then i wouldnt stress at all PERIOD lol.... ball pythons being the anal eaters that they are if something is wrong youll know lol