How to properly inspect a Ball Python's mouth

Question

Was putting my python in its feeding cage tonight, and kind of forced him in. In response he bit me a couple of times before I got him in the cage and could let him go.

Since I recoiled a bit from the bites I want to make sure he didn't break any teeth.

Biting also isn't really common among any python, and especially him. He is pretty docile and handled quite frequently, which makes me think he might be ill.

Specifically I want to check for broken teeth, but also a possible respiratory infection.

What is the best and least damaging/stressful way for me to inspect him?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

take you thumb and forefinger, and put them both at the corner of its mouth, one finger each side, and gently squeeze...it should force him to unlock his jaws and stretch them, making it possible for you to check.

And also, you have your facts quite wrong...most python species are extremely aggressive, the ball python is more docile than other species but is no exception and are also sometimes aggressive themselves, and seeing as how you stressed him out as badly as you did when forced it in there, it might sound harsh but im rather not surprised

just because they are reptiles, they are still alive and will let you know when they are upset

Answer 2

What did the pain feel like? And did you have any teeth marks in your skin? If you want to cheek it don't do it alone got o Petsco or where you bought it.  

Answer 3

not a good idea to try to open the mouth yourself. and if he has a resp infection the first sign will be weazing, before any mouth "foaming".  

Answer 4

The problem with snakes is that people all too often think of them as dogs and cats. People don't seem to realize how small (comparatively) a snake's brain is. It isn't capable of love or any of that. The difference between a wild snake and a domestic snake is that the domestic one was conditioned to not fear humans as much, therefor being less likely to strike. You're right in not worrying about the aggressiveness, but you should keep in mind that the most docile of snakes will and can bite at any given moment for reasons that aren't apparent to you or I as human beings. Also, handling your snake too much could stress it out and cause it to strike. Snakes that have never bitten anyone before have been known to take their first strike after being handled for an extended period of time. Just remember that being handled makes the snake feel exposed, putting it on edge. As for your snakes teeth, I wouldn't worry about it. Our skin stretches pretty far so it probably didn't put too much counter pressure on your snake's teeth =P. I myself have a 6 foot Red Tailed boa, which is a species known for its aggressive behavior but its only bit me once so far and I believe he mistook my hand for prey. My own fault for tank-feeding him.

Sorry- I got a bit off topic. Eagle's method is the easiest way to do it. You can get a Popsicle stick to gently coax the snake to open its mouth wider after you have gotten it to unlock its jaws. I do this routinely to check for mouth rot.