i can see snake breathing and breathes are about 1 sec apart

[sycho123321]

Hello on my common garter snake I can see its breaths and The breaths are 1 sec apart is this normal





Thank you
Lukas crockett

[chris-uk]

It can be normal, but compared to the breathing rates I normally see it is rapid. I occasionally see breathing that rapid if one of mine is stressed or has been moving quickly. Coincidentally, I actually counted the breathing rate of my adult radix girl yesterday while she was relaxed and basking, she was about 10 breaths per minute (one every 6-7 secs).
On the other extreme to your rapid breathing I can verify that one of my snakes can hold her breath for at least 12 minutes.

So, I guess the point is that their breathing rate varies considerably. If your garter is breathing that quickly all the time I'd suggest a vet appointment. If it's just for a short time and there's a reason for the rapid breathing I'd be less worried.

Welcome to the forum Luckas

[d_virginiana]

Like Chris said, it can vary so widely, it's better to look into other signs if you're worried. Like whether the snake seems to be stressed or excited, having difficulty breathing, or just generally acting different than normal.

[sycho123321]

Ok thanks for the replays I will count again

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome.

My first thought was a retained shed. Any chance this is occurring? If so, this is a dangerous situation for the snake. Retained sheds are deadly. If there is a chance it is a retained shed here is a video that shows how to use a shed box. Time is a warm shed box will make the skin more flexible and relieve the labored/rapid breathing but only for the time the snake is in there. The shed must be removed immediately.
If this is not the case disregard my knee-jerk reaction.

http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/11703-retained-shed-indentication-treatment.html

<a href="http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/11703-retained-shed-indentication-treatment.html" target="_blank">

[sycho123321]

I'm an armature so do I just do that if it it looks like its going to shed

[sycho123321]

Or should I just try it

[guidofatherof5]

When did the snake shed last?

[sycho123321]

It shed last week so I dont think its a retained shed here's a pic of it now

[sycho123321]

Can't get the pic uploaded