snake twitch

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a 4 year old Jungle Carpet Python and I have recently moved him to a new enclosure (we built it from and old cupboard) upgraded from a heat lamp to a ceramic heater emitting from above. recently i have been noticing his face twitching when i check on him. He is fed once a week with at least adult mouse size or fuzzy or weanling rats.

I appreciate any feedback I can get

Thank you in advance. =)

ANSWER: Hello Kat,
Hm, that is odd. Have you had your Carpet Python for very long then, the entire 4 years?  
Do you have an undertank heater being used in conjunction to the ceramic heat emitter?  They need a a hot spot of around 88-90 to help digest food.
Usually twitching is associated with a vitamin deficiency.  Does he have trouble striking his prey at all?  
Does he go to the bathroom every couple to three weeks?   

I will do some research regarding the twitching & get back with you.  What type of substrate or liner are you using for him?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Tracie,
To answer your questions - i recieved him at 6 months old. Currently he only has the ceramic heat emitter from above, but I have been considering putting the heat mat back underneath for extra heating as the bottom of the enclosure is quite a bit cooler. At present it is winter in Australia - can a lack of heating cause twitching?
He has a great appetite always striking at prey within a few minutes and hitting the mark every time.
he deficates every one to two weeks i would say.
his substrate is newspaper, as he has branches to climb on (he has had these for years), the only extra addition to his new enclosure is a large postage roll also used for climbing and resting.

Thank you again for you time!

Kat

Answer
Hello Kat,
Oh wow you are in Australia.  So it is wintertime.  
Well, do you measure his temperatures right now?  I have never heard of a lack of heating causing twitching, no.  If he is not digesting properly or constipated that could cause some muscle twitches, but they would be lower in the body not in the face.
I have heard of nervous twitches before.  Does he startle easily?  
Good that he does not have any problems striking his prey.  
I am still working on seeing if I can find out more information.
He did not injure himself in any way did he?  
Do you have a cave for him to retreat to?  
I would consider putting in an undertank heater or heat mat to help with temperatures.  

Tracie