I dont know whats wrong with Larry.

Question
I am snake sitting while my friend is deployed. He is a red tail boa named Larry. I'm not sure how old Larry is, and I've had him since late Feb. I don't have a thermostat for him and don't know the other information. Sorry.
Larry eats 3 mice a week. Two weeks ago we put 4 mice in, he normally eats them right away, he still has 2 of the 4 mice in his cage. So, his appetite isn't all there. He has also been doing this hissing noise, though it would remind you of a sneeze. And he will rub his head a lot, we thought he was maybe shedding, but there's been no signs of it.
I was hoping maybe you could tell me how to help Larry, I just don't know what is wrong with him. Thanks!

Answer
Hello Lindsey,

The first thing is if the mice are still in the tank remove them. You never leave a snake with mice in the tank. They can kill a snake. Watch it eat or wait about a half hour and then check. If it has not eaten them then take the mice out and put into another tank. Try feeding them again the next day until the snake eats them.

The hissing may be a sign of aggravation. he head rubbing could be dryness. If you can go to the pet store and buy a temp and humidity gauge. Temp should be 85-90 degrees and humidity should be 60-65%. If these levels are off it could cause major problems in snakes.

Hope this helps,
Eric