New boa please help

[seanzee1]

I rescued this beauty it's a boa but I'm not sure what type I know it looks loke a red tail I'm not even sure of age help please! I know how to take care of them but any advice or tips and what type is it


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[Daybreaker]

Looks like a nice common Colombian BCI

[seanzee1]

Thank you any tips or suggestions on how to take care of it I know the basics but anymore?


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[Evenstar]

Yes, a very nice common boa constrictor, or normal BCI (boa constrictor imperator).

Note: this is not a "red tail boa". The true "Red Tailed" boa is a BCC (boa constrictor constrictor) and there are marked differences between the two sub-species.

As far as care, BCIs require a very similar environment to ball pythons. I have found that mine tend to like slightly cooler temps - 76-78 ambient with an 88 hotspot seems to work very well. Relative humidity should sit around 60-70%. You are going to want a 48 x 24 x 24 enclosure for her as an adult though - and that is a minimum. And if she proves to be a female, 5 or 6 ft long would be better.

Best advice I can give you is DO NOT OVERFEED. In this regard, boas are NOT like ball pythons. They have a much slower metabolism. They can sometimes have digestive issues as well. Choose a prey size that does not leave any noticeable lump in the snake's belly. A 14 day feeding schedule will work will for a boa that size. And once she's on large/jumbo rats, every 3 weeks will be often enough.