Update and a question

[mackynz]

I figured since I haven't really posted any pictures of Freyja so I should do that!


The week after I brought her home. I was told she was a 2011 baby, this was around February of this year I think. Also, yes I am wearing long socks with shorts.


From yesterday, she's growing so freaking fast. About 5'6 here.


First (and last) time outside.


She really didn't like the grass poking her.


Anyway, on to my question. What do you guys think I should be feeding her? I had been doing a medium rat every 10-14 days per multiple care sheets and recommendations from members and recently started feeding her a large one every two weeks. I just want to make sure I'm keeping her healthy. The period of growth between the first and second pics is ~6 months and it seems like she exploded as far as length goes. But she seems to be healthy, not too fat or skinny, head is the right size. What do you all think?

[Evenstar]

If she's a 2011, I wouldn't go bigger than a medium rat and I'd stick to feeding her every 14 days. She is lovely and does not appear overweight, but she is still fairly big for a 2011.

Slower growth is better for boas. A medium rat will do her quite well for a long time. I have several 2011's and they are all eating small rats at this point. I have one snake that is close to her size and it is a 2010 male Argentine. He is eating medium rats every 2 weeks.

She really is a very pretty girl!

[mackynz]

Thanks! I still always think I'm under feeding since it seems like so little compared to what you would give a bp. But they have a different metabolism. I'll get it through my head eventually.

[Gio]

Thanks! I still always think I'm under feeding since it seems like so little compared to what you would give a bp. But they have a different metabolism. I'll get it through my head eventually.

You could also switch it up and offer what you are currently offering, then drop the feeding way down in the winter. I've been told mediums are the next step for mine. He is a 2012 and has been on smalls. They make no lump whatsoever, and he's still cranked up almost a week after he eats. I know he's hungry. If I do end up on mediums, I'm dropping the frequency to 14 days.

Then I may switch back to smalls, and wean off feed for 3-4 weeks let him clean out and then do smalls every 10-14 for the winter.

Jonathan Brady Deviant Constrictors has a nice blog on his site.

He uses quail as part of his feeding regime as well.

Evenstar has good feeding advice too.

If you monitor the body shape and have a muscular "loaf" shaped boa you are doing something right.

We feed our dogs a diet if RAW food only and adjust the feedings based on how they look. It works wonders.

Snake diets are interesting to me. In the wild they may take a big prey item and then get nothing for a long time, or they may get several items in a short time and go for months with nothing.

When in doubt Evenstar has the best advice. You will never do any harm going that route.

I also read Gus Rentfro's (Rio Bravo Reptiles) feeding program.

I'm trying to grow the biggest, non breeding male boa I can, but do it without power feeding or shortening his life. His genetics will play a role obviously, but smart, healthy feeding will be a factor.

I think your boa looks awesome BTW.

[mackynz]

Thanks! I'll definitely take a look at that blog. Good luck getting your guy up to size!