New to snakes

Question
We got a ball python about 3 weeks ago. She is eating fine and looks like she is going to shed her eyes are grayish. My question is two things, one she seems to be thicker near her rectum or what ever you call it, looks like she has to go  poo but nothing comes out. Is that constipation? She seems to have a urine type smell too.  I soaked the snake in warm bath water about as warm as you would have it for a baby .The snake one didn't seem to like it,it was flopping all over and trying to swim out of the tub the water was about 3 inches deep. Didn't seem like it knew how to swim. My second question is it has been opening it's mouth off and on? It has never done that. It will open it's mouth for like 5 seconds and close it every so often. What is that all about?
Is it constipated? What is that smell and why is it opening it's mouth?? Thanks so much for your time.
Angela Berg

Answer
Hi Angela  You didn't mention how old your python was. That could make a difference on why she is thicker near her vent (rectum).  If she is at least a year or older she could possibly be gravid with eggs!!  If she is a younger then she could possibly be constipated.  But most pythons have that "thick" look to them so just keep an eye on her and that she poo's normally.  Also, you are putting her in way too deep of water and too often.  You only need to put them in a warm bath if they are not shedding completely and it only needs to be an inch to an 1.5 deep.  Because she is opening her mouth on and off she is showing signs of a respiratory infection.  My Rosy boa developed the same thing and had to be seen by a Vet who gave him nose drops to clear it up.  Having soaked her in too much water she inhaled some of it and it developed into a resp ailment.  If it doesn't clear up on it's on I highly recommend taking her in to see a Vet who specializes in reptiles.  As for the strange smell...I haven't heard of that and can't think of what it could be.  Here is a GREAT site to check out regarding your Ball Python.  Good luck and keep me posted on how she is doing :-)
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http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide/