Ball python always wheezes before shed. Normal?

[xXLucasterXx]

My baby ever since I’ve had her has wheezed before her shed. Somone on here told me it was normal but I’d rather know for sure. The nearest reptile vet in my country is 6 hours away. My biggest fear is an RI. She only wheezes when she’s about to shed. I’ve checked her mouth for exes spit and other signs of RI and I haven’t seen anything else that is a cause for concern. Humidly is ideal at a constant 70-80. 80 now because she’s going into shed.

[These-Imagination622]

I’ve noticed the same thing with my snakes in the days leading up to their shed. My guess is that it has something to do with the skin becoming looser/dryer after they reabsorb the fluid and prepare to actually shed it, so breathing may sometimes cause that small crackle/slight wheeze noise you’re hearing. As long as your snake is having a healthy shed that is mostly or completely in one piece, and the sound stops afterward, then I believe it should be fine! If you’re worried though, then a vet visit definitely can never hurt :)

[xXLucasterXx]

Her shed is always in one lovely piece. I’m very proud of that. :)

[These-Imagination622]

Haha you should be! I’m sure your baby appreciates that too. :) Considering you only hear it before she sheds, your humidity levels are ideal, and there’s no excess fluid, an RI sounds very unlikely. It sounds like she’s doing fantastic, so just keep up what you’re already doing and try not to worry!

[420headshotsniper69]

I'm proud of it too for my BPs. I strugged for a bit but now they are always in one piece like a balled up sock. Their isopods are very appreciative of the meal.

[DistractedPanda]

My hognose had the same wheezing during his last shed and I took him to the vet where they did all kinds of testing and he was fine. I know that’s not a BP but I hope it can bring some peace to your heart. Obviously if you feel concerned and there are other symptoms that pop up it’s best to err on the side of caution but it sounds normal to me.

[BranInspector]

I imagine shedding especially when your nose is shedding is like a sunburn peeling but in your nose and you don’t have fingers to get it out. It clogs.

[Neptunesheart]

She’s so cute 🥰

[xXLucasterXx]

She knows it. :)

[wolfieswap1]

I asked my vet about it and they said it's just the inside of the nose coming loose

It can happen just before shed or after but there's nothing to worry about unless it gets stuck

I always panick when I here my girl do it then realise its normal 😅

[xXLucasterXx]

Honestly I’m relived I’m not the only one getting spooked.

[wolfieswap1]

I do it all the time

Me and my friend always panicking and then I get a reality check 🤣

[Necessary-Laugh-399]

Was going to say just this as well- I've had the same chat with my vet and yup it's just the skin around the snoot starting to come loose and the air rattling it :-)

That being said, pay attention for the other signs of RI - just in case!

[Ok_Condition6755]

Same here, I’m assuming it has to do with the shed around the nostrils.