Boa without spurs?

[_BoidFinatic_]

Since I purchased my BCI, I noticed that he doesn't have any spurs. I got him when he was under 2' long and he didn't have them then either. I have heard that a shed may have removed them, but is there any other reason(s) why he lacks spurs? Also, will his ability to breed be impeded by this ?

[Jeanne]

I too have heard of this happening not just with boas however... (loss of spurs during shed process) Also, I dont know how true it is...

But I would think, regardless, it wont hurt his ability to breed..... to he cant give a little tickle... but his other "parts" should work just fine.

[ECLARK]

Look very closely for the tiny spurs of the female, you may want to have your male probed?

[_BoidFinatic_]

Look very closely for the tiny spurs of the female, you may want to have your male probed?

Probed male (9 sub-caudals). No spurs at all.

[trendkill]

I had a Bolivian Amarali male with such tiny spurs, you had to spread scales or look with a magnifying glass to see them. If he didn't probe 10 deep, I would've sworn he was a she.

I've also had female ball pythons with huge spurs. I've learned to rely ONLY on probing to determine the sex of a snake.

I sold the boa before ever attempting to breed him, but I would say that aside from giving him a little less of a grip, it shouldn't affect his ability to breed. A ready and excited male WILL find a way to get his girl!