Red tail boa breeding and age

[Banoslen]

Hi there, short time lurker, first time poster. I have definitely enjoyed reading the library of knowledge here. Anyway after discussing herp related things tonight with my wife, she had mentioned wanting to breed her 13 year old red tail boa. Shortly after some discussion we had no knowledge of how old is too old for a snake to be bred.

So my question to you? Is there an age ceiling to snakes on breeding? Also are there any potential issues involved with an uninitiated female breeding for the first time at an older age?

Thank you for your time!
I appreciate any advice.

[scooter11]

There really is no set age. Boas live into their twenties and thirties. Try it and if she breeds all the better

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[jason_ladouceur]

With boas more then many snakes the condition of the female is a bigger concern then the age. They do need to be mature first but since the one in question is 13 that's not a issue. I had a female this year that produced a litter and feed only twice in almost 6 months. She went off food just before she ovulated and did not feed again until several weeks before she gave birth (132 days later). So the female must be in perfect shape in order to even survive the pregnancy let alone deliver a healthy litter. Breeding boas of any age has its risks. Females can and do become impacted with unfertilized ovum and if this happens they require immediate surgery to remove the impaction or it's fatal. This is not an often occurring issue but it does happen and you need to be aware of it if your going to consider breeding them.

[Banoslen]

Thanks for the info! So if age is not a concern then how about territory? I understand all interaction should be supervised but do females usually allow a male into their tank with them without an issue? Looks like we may be getting a new addition to our home soon ( a male!) I'm guessing he will need proper time to adjust before being introduced as well... Would keeping the cages close to each other make the other aware of the others presence?

We usually live feed in her cage and you mentioned yours only fed twice in 6 months (wow!) is that because the snake just really isn't interested in food during the pregnancy?

[I-KandyReptiles]

Thanks for the info! So if age is not a concern then how about territory? I understand all interaction should be supervised but do females usually allow a male into their tank with them without an issue? Looks like we may be getting a new addition to our home soon ( a male!) I'm guessing he will need proper time to adjust before being introduced as well... Would keeping the cages close to each other make the other aware of the others presence?

We usually live feed in her cage and you mentioned yours only fed twice in 6 months (wow!) is that because the snake just really isn't interested in food during the pregnancy?

If you get a male, please properly quarantine him for a LONG time before bringing him near your females. With boas, some will recommend even a year quarantine!

I haven't had issues with introducing male snakes to females. If you're worried, keep an eye on them when you introduce them, but I think it would be fine.

I've only breed ball pythons, but it seems that once they become gravid, they're not too interested in food.

[Evenstar]

Please be aware that boas can harbor IBD which can lie dormant for years before rearing it's ugly head. Strict quarantine is an absolute MUST if you are working with boas. It is the only responsible way of doing it. As such, you probably won't have time to introduce your new male to your girl before the breeding "season" is over with. But don't despair! There is plenty of time and breeding has it's own rewards - it is well worth the wait!

Quarantine should be a minimum of 90 days for boas. And that is if you buy from a really well-known and reputable breeder. If you are unsure in the very slightest about where your new boa is coming from (ie: buying off craigslist or pet shop), then I highly recommend a minimum of 6 months.

Strict quarantine involves complete isolation from your current animals including, but not limited to, washing and disinfecting hands and all utensils used, taking care of your current animals first before messing with the q/t animals, changing clothes, and keeping them in separate rooms.


But once the q/t period is over, females are generally pretty receptive to the males. I haven't heard of or had any issues with introducing the males. Boas are pretty amorous and are fully interested in one thing only during this time.....