[General Care] Need info on new boa

[RayJ]

I swapped my ball python(wouldn't eat,rarely saw it,etc...)for a small boa a few weeks ago.This is my first post and just had several questions.First,can you tell how old it might be from the pic and if it is a bcc or bci or something else.He/she is eating adult mice now but I just ordered some rat pups for it.Right now,I have been feeding every five days but after it reaches 4-5 feet,if I started feeding it every 2-3 weeks would that keep it at a manageable size.I've had a couple over eight feet years ago and would rather have one six feet or under if possible.Also,I think it had mites so I treated it with some spray that I found on the Internet and followed the directions.I would like to find out the sex too.How would I do that?Thanks.


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[acephantom903]

Re: Need info on new boa

Looks like a typical Colombian BCI boa. As far as I know, there is no visual way to identify a boa's gender. Males stay smaller than females. And the bigger the bait, the longer you can go between feedings-- that doesn't mean quickly go up in size. Feed it the proper amount. As far as I know, keeping an exact schedule isn't needed for feeding after the snake is a sub adult.

[RayJ]

Re: Need info on new boa

Thanks for info.I am not a complete novice with boas but haven't had one in 4-5 years.I am a novice when it comes to sexing an animal and knowing exactly what kind it might be.I also wanted to know how fast it would grow to say 4-5 feet.I have it in a twenty gallon aquarium now but I know that won't be adequate once it reaches adulthood.


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[acephantom903]

Re: Need info on new boa

I'm pretty sure it is not a good idea to try to determine the sex of your boa unless you know what you're doing. Maybe someone here might have an idea about how you can tell.

[jOHNNY t]

Re: Need info on new boa

Welcome to the forum. I agree with everyone bellow. Even with experience the Ultimate Care Guide is very good to read. RedTailBoas.com Main Menu - Part 1 : The Ultimate Boa Constrictor Care Guide - View On Line

Here is a link to the Bump Bump method of sexing. It is the safest for your boa.

https://superiormorphs.wordpress.com/2009/04/01/how-to-sex-a-boa/

Hope this helps.

[RayJ]

Re: Need info on new boa

Thanks for the care guide and the sexing article.That second method looks like something I could do .


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[zamora]

Re: Need info on new boa

Welcome to RTB and yes, the Care Guide is the 'go-to' for all boa questions. If you don't find the answer there, ask us! You should seriously start saving/thinking about getting your new boa a proper enclosure. There are many manufacturers on the market from Boaphile Plastics to Animal Plastics and lots more. Having an enclosure that is made SPECIFICALLY for boas is a huge plus in taking the best care of your pet. Cage, heating, thermostat...and again, welcome to RTB.