Is this correct for feeding my new Boa

[hooferinsane]

When I acquired my new Boa (first ever, have also a ball python) he was shedding so obviously not interested in food. After his shed, presented rat weaner to him, couldn't induce him to strike. Left it under a hide overnight and it was gone in the morning. He still won't 'strike' for the rat weaner, but will only take it during the night when left on top of a piece of newspaper under a hide. Now all I am doing is just leaving it under a hide, without trying to induce him, and it's gone every time in the morning. Just wondering if I should still try to induce the strike for food or carry on leaving it as I do. He is easy to handle, and has never struck at me. He is about 14 inches long at present

Cheers


Brian

[Morris Reese]

I take it that your feeding live weaner. You should be ok for now since the weaner can't harm him. I would try to change it as he gets older. Even a small rat can cause great damage and even death if left uneaten or supervised?

[hooferinsane]

No am feeding rewarmed frozen weaner

[bcr229]

How often are you feeding? Boas have a slower metabolism than BP's so if he's showing no or mimimal interest in the rat, he may just not be hungry yet. Also, unlike BP's there shouldn't be much, if any, lump showing after they eat.

[hooferinsane]

Feeding once a week at present

[Evenstar]

You're doing fine. Baby boas can be shy feeders. I might suggest that you move to a 10 day feeding schedule - it will help increase his feed response.

My one concern is that a weaned rat is a large prey item for a 14" baby boa. My 2013 babies are all about 14-20" and are only feeding on small mice! Boas have a slower metabolism and they can be more sensitive to feeding issues than BPs. I would change to a rat pup or even large rat fuzzies. Better yet, go to small mice. Boas seem to do better on mice than rats when they are young. There is sometimes too much fat in rats. Your boa's prey should not leave a visible lump.

A smaller prey item every 10 days will be better for your baby and you'll start seeing that amazing feeding response within a couple of weeks.