Reptile keeping has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years and more and more people have been adding a reptile to their family.
The most common reptiles to keep as pets include bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes, and ball pythons.
We commonly see questions about all of these pets but more recently, there have been a large number of people specifically asking questions about keeping a pet ball python and offering it the best possible care.
We have already gone over wrinkled skin on a ball python and lifting scales on a ball python but for today’s article, we are going to be taking a look at why your ball python is making squeaking noises.
Our hope is that we will be able to help our readers better understand the causes of a squaking ball python as well as how you are able to quickly treat the problem to help your pet get back to full health quickly.
Is It Normal For A Ball Python To Make Squeaking Noises?
The answer to this question is both yes and no.
In some rare cases, it can be perfectly normal for your ball python to make a squeaking noise but in other cases, it can be a sign that something is wrong and that your pet needs medical attention.
The best way to determine if the squeaking noise your ball python is making is normal or not is to take a look at the other signs and symptoms that your pet is displaying.
For example, if your ball python is also showing signs of respiratory distress such as wheezing or open mouth breathing then it is likely that the squeaking noise is a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition and you should take your pet to see a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.
On the other hand, if your ball python is otherwise behaving normally and does not appear to be in any distress then the squeaking noise is likely just a harmless vocalization and nothing to be concerned about.
Why Is My Ball Python Making Squeaking Noises?
The three most common reasons that your ball python is making squeaking noises are due to it having a respiratory infection, the snake being stressed or in very rare cases, dehydration.
We would highly recommend that you get your pet ball python to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you think that any of these three issues are causing problems with your pet snake.
As with most things when it comes to pets, the sooner you start the correct treatment, the higher the chances are that the animal will be able to survive so avoid wasting time.
How Do You Tell If A Ball Python Has A Respiratory Infection?
The most common cause of a ball python making squeaking noises is due to it having a respiratory infection.
Respiratory infections are fairly common in reptiles and can be caused by a number of different bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
The most common symptom of a respiratory infection in reptiles is wheezing or open mouth breathing but as we mentioned before, a squeaking noise can also be a symptom in some cases.
If you suspect that your ball python has a respiratory infection then the best course of action is to take it to see a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
What Are The Signs Of Stress In A Ball Python?
The second most common reason for a ball python to make squeaking noises is stress.
Stress is a very common issue in captive reptiles and can be caused by a number of different things such as changes in temperature, humidity, or lighting.
In some cases, stress can also be caused by the snake not having enough hiding places or being handled too much.
If you think that your ball python is stressed then the best thing you can do is to try and identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible.
For example, if the snake is being kept in an enclosure that is too small then you will need to upgrade to a larger enclosure.
On the other hand, if you think that the snake is being handled too much then you will need to cut down on the amount of times that you handle it each week.
If you are unable to identify the source of the stress then we would recommend taking your pet to see a reptile veterinarian so that they can help you figure out what is causing the problem.
Here are some of the most common causes of stress in a ball python:-
- Lack of hiding places.
- Changes in temperature, humidity, or lighting.
- Being handled too much.
- Not enough food or water.
- Being in an enclosure that is too small.
Issues With Dehydration
The third and final reason that your ball python might be making squeaking noises is due to dehydration.
Dehydration is a serious health problem in reptiles and can be caused by a number of different things such as not having enough water available, not being kept in the correct humidity, or not being fed enough food.
If you think that your ball python is dehydrated then the best thing you can do is to take it to see a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can provide the appropriate treatment but our article on a dehydrated ball python may be able to help you.
How Do I Treat A Ball Python That Is Making Sqeaking Noises?
The best thing you can do for a ball python that is making squeaking noises is to take it to see a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can provide the appropriate treatment.
If you are unable to take the snake to see a vet then we would recommend trying to identify the source of the problem and removing it if possible.
For example, if the snake is dehydrated then you will need to make sure that it has access to water at all times and is being kept in the correct humidity.
On the other hand, if you think that the snake is stressed then you will need to try and identify the source of the stress and remove it if possible.
If you are unable to identify the source of the problem then we would recommend taking your pet to see a reptile veterinarian so that they can help you figure out what is causing the problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your ball python is making squeaking noises then it is likely due to one of three things; a respiratory infection, stress, or dehydration.
The best thing you can do in this situation is to take the snake to see a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can provide the appropriate treatment.
If you are unable to take the snake to see a vet then we would recommend trying to identify the source of the problem and removing it if possible.
