Do snakes yawn???

I went in to check on my snakes, and Heidi was just laying there with her mouth wide open. Is that normal?? I thought something was wrong with her so I gently tapped on the glass, and she shut her mouth. She had not been fed for a few days, so I know it was not that.

That doesn't sound normal. Snakes do yawn, but a yawn only lasts a second or two.

I've heard that a constantly gaping mouth can be a sign of infection, mouth rot, or other diseases. So maybe examine her mouth carefully, or even take her to a reptile vet (or at least call and consult with yours!)

Its not a yawn as such. The "yawn" to click their mouths back in place after eating a meal. Disloacting their jaws to swallow it, and then "yawning" to put them back together if you like.

Originally Posted by stuart

Its not a yawn as such. The "yawn" to click their mouths back in place after eating a meal. Disloacting their jaws to swallow it, and then "yawning" to put them back together if you like.

Actually, snakes do yawn for no reason, not neccessarily after a meal. I've seen both my snakes yawn while roaming their tanks. Royal pythons especially can yawn for no apparent reason.

Originally Posted by Plissken

Actually, snakes do yawn for no reason, not neccessarily after a meal. I've seen both my snakes yawn while roaming their tanks. Royal pythons especially can yawn for no apparent reason.

Yes, mine does as well. I'm not so sure it could be called a yawn then, but it does only last for a few seconds.

My snow does a lot of "jaw-stretching" (or yawning) before she's due to shed.

Thanks for all of the advise. I did feed her last night, and she ate with no problem at all. After she had finished eating while her mouth was open I looked inside of it, and I did not see anything strange. I will keep an eye on her anyway.