New Hypo Redtail.

Just bought a new member to the collection. Going to give Boa's a go. This is Harley Quinn she is 167 grams of pure energy. Guessing Columbian, I know very little so far. Was told she would get about 12 feet? I'm thinking smaller but no biggie. Well get her situated and eating and I can research more. I have done my homework but seems like always something to learn.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d40dfabe40.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ee9a5f674b.jpg

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A hypo as far as Im aware is BCI (boa constrictor imperator) morph.....same species as a Colombian, but more commonly called a BCI nowdays.

A female BCI boa at 9ft long would be an absolute monster although it would be possible. 12ft is out of the question in my opinion. 7-8ft being more common for a female. However, it's a boa so you're in for the long haul as far as growth goes. They grow relatively slow compared to other species. Just keep that in mind and don't overfeed.

Do your homework even more so and keep reading...you should always know, 100% what youre getting into with large constrictors.

That’s my thoughts on size but pet stores like to hype it up. I figure she will be somewhere around 9 feet. This snake is about as big as I want to go. I was aware of the slower growth and for sure the feeding is my big concern next to the temps and humidity. Lot to learn and really just want to keep her healthy and safe. She is quite calm but I’m going to leave her alone to settle in. Off to enjoy the bundle of info this site has to offer.

Congrats on the new addition! Nice looking boa!

Most BI females top out at seven feet. It's the BCC that get a foot or two longer. Even then it takes many years to get there.

Enjoy your baby, she's a cutie!

I agree with KevinK completely on size, etc.

Morphs are almost always BCI's. BCC's, which get bigger, are almost always sold as BCC's and with the locality they are bred from.

A female BCI, might get 8FT, eventually, but even that is large. I would not count on 9FT, that would be a rare female. Males are much smaller in Boas, including BCI's. 9ft with a BCC female I could see, but very doubtful for a BCI. Do expect a heavy bodied animal. Females get much thicker than males. A male at 5 feet should weigh about 6-10 pounds tops. A female at 7FT can easily weight 15-20 pounds, or more.

My female Ghost BCI, is 2 years old and just over 1K grams. I would be surprised if she gets that big (8FT), but her momma was big, about 7 1/2 feet and her dad was about 5-5 1/2 feet. Either way, I am not concerned as she's a total puppy dog.

A few things.

1. BCI's, and all Boas really, are aggressive feeders. Always use tongs and I recommend hook training from day one. Here is a link to a thread I made on hook training: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...highlight=hook

2. As you said, leave her alone until she's had a 2-3 good feedings in her.

3. Less is more with feeding, as you said.

Babies eat 1X a week an appropriate sized rodent. You want to leave a small bulge in babies and juveniles, but not more than a small bulge. BCC's if fed too a big a meal can regurgitate and can often develop a condition where they will regorge often and can die. BCI's are less known for this, but the same rule applies. I recommend F/T. Boas are garbage disposals and will happily take F/T consistently. You can feed weekly through weaned rats. Once on small rats, go to every 2 weeks one prey item. Medium rats, 1X every 3 weeks. Large and Jumbo (up to 400G or so) feed every 3-4 weeks, 4 being better. Adults can eat 1-2 jumbo every 3-4 weeks depending on the size of prey. If you want to feed larger meals to an adult, like a rabbit or Guinea Pig, feed every 5-6 weeks. I don't think females should go much more than 5 weeks between feedings and I plan to feed jumbo rats every 3-4 for Behira when she's big enough. I do not recommend feeding colossal rats (400G+) as they have a higher fat content and Boas have a hard time digesting meals that are heavy in fat.

A 8,000G female BCI can eat even 1 400G rat every 3-4 weeks and maintain weight fine. They are not super active and have very slow metabolisms.

4. Temps

86-88F hot spot

81-84F ambient

78-80F cool spot

5. Humidity

I maintain around 65% most of the year with the humidity going up in mid summer here in CT and her tank getting closer to 70%. That's fine. I also raise to 75-80%+ when in shed.

In the winter, if Behira's tank gets below 60% (when it's super cold and dry outside), I mist with hot tap water (always use hot tap water - 110F or so) 1X a day or every other day depending on how dry it is. Using hot tap water means that when it mists in the tank, and drops temp quickly and dramatically, it probably goes into the tank around 80-90F tops. DO NOT MIST WITH COLD OR EVEN ROOM TEMP WATER. It WILL change temps inside the tank quickly. You do not want that.

6. Yes, she will get big. Make sure you have, or have budgeted for, an appropriate sized tank with proper heating elements.

If she gets 8FT, you will need a 6X2' or bigger. I have Behira in her adult tank already and it's a Boaphile 6'X2' tank. I love Boaphile tanks personally, and use them exclusively, but many people on the forum swear by Animal Plastics (AP) cages. Whichever way you go, make sure you have proper heating year round and a gradient as described above.

7. In case you are not aware, invest in a good thermostat, preferably one that is redundant or can be made redundant. Thermostats are mandatory.


There are quite a few Boa peeps on here. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or ask questions if you are not 100% sure on something. We are happy to help.

Finally, if you have other animals, and again, you probably know this, but you must quarantine. If you are unsure of how to properly do this, please ask.

Good luck, keep us posted, and enjoy your beautiful Boa for years to come.

Yes quarantined for sure, I have three new snakes And it’s on for all of them. Dove right into this hobby but this Boa is my last, it’s supposed to be fun or why bother. Great info Dakski appreciate that. I’m definitely on board with the hook training and will check out the hook training link.

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

Yes quarantined for sure, I have three new snakes And it’s on for all of them. Dove right into this hobby but this Boa is my last, it’s supposed to be fun or why bother. Great info Dakski appreciate that. I’m definitely on board with the hook training and will check out the hook training link.

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Good to hear on the quarantine end. Many keepers, even more experienced ones, often skip this step.

I totally agree on less is more and quality over quantity in this hobby.

I have 8 reptiles and 7 tanks now. That's it for me. I have a full time job, a wonderful fiancé, 5 dogs, and health issues. Any more and A) I wouldn't be able to spend quality time with each one and B) cleaning tanks would become a chore, not part of something I am passionate about and is a hobby for me.

I posted a video yesterday in Solana's thread (my Scaleless Corn) of her drinking from her bowl while she was comfortable in my hand. I sent that to her breeder along with some pictures to show him how her colors are developing (she's the only Scaleless Sunglow Motley Corn with visual red factor in the world right now). It blew his mind that already, 2 months here and 4 months in age total, she trusts me enough to do that. I work with all my reptiles to develop and keep a rapport. Helpful with the 2 corn snakes and the BP, but pivotal with Behira, because of how big she will get. My 3 leopard geckos will eat from my hand as well as my big boy Frank, who is a Blue Tongue Skink. I worked hard to develop that trust and those relationships. Would be difficult with too many animals.

I applaud you for having the right idea and approach to the "hobby." Stay passionate my friend and enjoy all your animals.

I think you are going to love Harley Quinn. Boas are confident, curious, and docile, when handled regularly, especially from a young age. Behira has the best personality of any snake I have owned and I never have to worry about a defensive/scared bite; she doesn't get scared! I do not try to scare her, and I am respectful and calm with her, but I can pet her head, pull her away from something she wants to go to and re-direct, etc. She has two modes basically; FEED ME and puppy dog calm. In contrast, my BP scares herself by bumping her head into my arm. She's also very calm and gentle and has never attempted a bite, but I feel bad how often she spooks herself.

Plus, Hypos are lovely and stay rich colored throughout their lives. She's going to look magnificent as an adult with impressive size. You'll just have to wait about 5 or more years to see that if you feed appropriately.

Good luck my friend and keep us posted and keep asking questions!

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Originally Posted by KevinK

A hypo as far as Im aware is BCI (boa constrictor imperator) morph.....same species as a Colombian, but more commonly called a BCI nowdays.

A female BCI boa at 9ft long would be an absolute monster although it would be possible. 12ft is out of the question in my opinion. 7-8ft being more common for a female. However, it's a boa so you're in for the long haul as far as growth goes. They grow relatively slow compared to other species. Just keep that in mind and don't overfeed.

Do your homework even more so and keep reading...you should always know, 100% what youre getting into with large constrictors.

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Hasn't it been reclassified to full species status as 'Boa imperator'? It's no longer considered a sub-species within 'Boa constrictor'.

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Great little hypo boa(bi) you picked up there, think your going to love watching that little boa grow into a stunning little specimen, don't forget to post plenty of update pics,
the hypo gene actually gets better colour with age.
In my opinion boas get better with age mine all have, the chance of her getting that big is pretty slim especially if fed properly
Plenty of decent people on here to help guide you on the way if you get any problems or not sure on something

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I was going to wait and see if she would eat but wanted to see if she would eat, wanted to get the routine going. She ate with in 15 seconds. I want to get her on F/T and was told she has taken F/T before so not worried. Figured live the first go around would be the way to go and she ate.
I watched a you tube video that interestingly the Boa did not completely kill the mouse. It was wiggling a little, just it's rear feet and tail hanging from the Boas mouth. Good news my girl kills em dead. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b60aae9b14.jpg

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Originally Posted by Valyrian

Hasn't it been reclassified to full species status as 'Boa imperator'? It's no longer considered a sub-species within 'Boa constrictor'.

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Are you asking a question or making a statement? Your guess is better than mine as far as official taxonomy updates. ....nor was that my goal in responding. I just know that the industry in the US typically doesnt call them by the name "Colombians" anymore.

" Reptileexperts" is however a biology major, ask him if thats what you actually want to know....

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

I was going to wait and see if she would eat but wanted to see if she would eat, wanted to get the routine going. She ate with in 15 seconds. I want to get her on F/T and was told she has taken F/T before so not worried. Figured live the first go around would be the way to go and she ate.
I watched a you tube video that interestingly the Boa did not completely kill the mouse. It was wiggling a little, just it's rear feet and tail hanging from the Boas mouth. Good news my girl kills em dead. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...b60aae9b14.jpg

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Glad she ate and glad she finished the job!

I would switch to F/T right away, if that's what you want her to eat long-term.

She probably would have taken today. Boa's generally have a strike first and ask questions later attitude towards anything that could be prey.

Good luck, again glad she ate, and keep us in the loop.

Some photos, she ate and had a couple days to digest. She is really alert and has a full on button but once relaxed is amazingly chilled out. I am going to start the hook training with the starter hook in the picture. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d02e5d552c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1e97f7f04e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e7a601131d.jpg

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Very cute


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She looks amazing. Love boas. I have never seen a picky eater when it comes to boas. Just offer on tongs and wiggle a little and BAM! Even as babies they slam enthusiastically.

looking great! I've also hardly run into a picky boa, most will take f/t right away from birth without issue.

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Originally Posted by Valyrian

Hasn't it been reclassified to full species status as 'Boa imperator'? It's no longer considered a sub-species within 'Boa constrictor'.

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yes, although a lot of people, like myself, out of habit still use BCi and BCc. They are BI and BC now

Congrats she has a ton of color, only going to get better like was said.
The growth is manageable and controllable you grow with her and she'll trust you and you'll trust her.

BCI's are puppy dogs, I have a male Hypo BCI he was under 6mos when I got him, never has hissed or bit.
He's a 2006 at 7 feet.

She is in shed, can’t wait to see how she looks with a fresh coat. I really love the pink and red on her head and down her sides near her belly.

Eyes cleared up and she has better color again. Hopefully she has a one piece shed. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...401d70f00e.jpg

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

Eyes cleared up and she has better color again. Hopefully she has a one piece shed. https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...401d70f00e.jpg

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Keep humidity after eyes clear between 70-80% and she will easily shed in one piece.

Looking good!

Has she taken F/T for you yet?

Yes, did not miss a beat on F/T. Clearly not going to be a problem, my Banana could stand some lessons from Harley on that. I did find out today Ronin likes a lot of hair dryer applied but Harley and Athena don't care. The male snake has to be the picky one

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

Yes, did not miss a beat on F/T. Clearly not going to be a problem, my Banana could stand some lessons from Harley on that. I did find out today Ronin likes a lot of hair dryer applied but Harley and Athena don't care. The male snake has to be the picky one

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LOL. Not surprised. Boas are garbage disposals.

She'll be a great eater for you, even with F/T. No worries.

Hopefully we can take a post shed pic tomorrow. These pics don't do the reds justice. My Banana Pinstripe is in shed also and should peel soon.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4bda1427fb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7e83b67184.jpg

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Looking great Jake,should see a great difference when she has

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She left me a nice one piece shed. She definitely has some nice reds. I'll throw up a couple pics later.

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Her new skin for awhile. Lots of red. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...eb089f79bf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2b0daafa3c.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5ecb254010.jpg

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She's looking nice and clean in her new skin, I love the reds on hypos when they just shed , really hard to capture tho

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So far I have had all my snakes give me great one piece sheds, must indicate I’m doing something right. I think I missed Harley this morning by maybe ten minutes. The shed skin was really still I guess moist ( feel like I’m talking about cake or brownies with that word) as was Harley. I have yet to catch one in the act however one more immediate chance with my Banana Pin.
It’s really hard to pick up on the reds on her head and face, it’s almost like she is blushing. It’s really amazing all down her body from the belly coming up. Now she wants out of her enclosure to show off.

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

So far I have had all my snakes give me great one piece sheds, must indicate I’m doing something right. I think I missed Harley this morning by maybe ten minutes. The shed skin was really still I guess moist ( feel like I’m talking about cake or brownies with that word) as was Harley. I have yet to catch one in the act however one more immediate chance with my Banana Pin.
It’s really hard to pick up on the reds on her head and face, it’s almost like she is blushing. It’s really amazing all down her body from the belly coming up. Now she wants out of her enclosure to show off.

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You are doing great! Awesome one piece shed!

She looks great.

Some of the less “striking morphs” in Boas have a ton of nuance and details that make them amazing and beautiful creatures. I would consider a Sunglow or a Blood Boa a striking morph. Can’t miss them.

However, even Behira, a Ghost Boa (hypo Anery), who has all the red and black bred out of her, has a ton of nuance. Different shades, areas of iridescence, difference tans and grays, and her color phases can be dratmatic. Jet black head to a tan head and anything in between.

Hypos glow a little, and you will find much beauty in her, all over, as she gets bigger.

I notice much more on Behira now at 1,100g then I did at 400g. I am sure that will continue.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted on that beauty.

Great picture but it's even more colorful in person. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...601ba94ada.jpg

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Harley Quinn needed to chat so I lent her an ear.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...a71cc5c7e0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0bd0580691.jpg

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Looking great,my boas like to do that too

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Getting close to shed I think. Harley Quinn is really dark compared to normal. She is such a cool spirit, so laid back and relaxed. I remember the first few times I handled her, there was a point she had enough and got wiggly. Now she just moves really slow and just looks around. Loves to hang out on my shoulder or hooked over my ear. Good thing they are like satellite dishes and she can grab on real good. I can really see the reason people own more than one. That tongue flick on my neck is an odd sensation though.

You can normally tell when a hypo is going into shed as there colour really does change more than normal they go really dull.the colours on a hypo only get better with age too .they look really nice as they mature
my IMG goes like a grey/blue colour on her belly

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Really noticable today. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3f2129f739.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...901c5aa333.jpg

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Been a while since I updated Harley Quinn’s progression but she is doing great and growing nice and steady. I was going to put up some pictures but they will need to wait, she is in shed, really dark and blue eyed. So in a few days I will toss up some fresh shots with her new skin.

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Originally Posted by Jakethesnake69

Harley Quinn needed to chat so I lent her an ear.https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...a71cc5c7e0.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...0bd0580691.jpg

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Which one is Harley Quinn?

Harley is the good looking one with a flicking tongue and appetite for rats.


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c83b414508.jpg

She is such a puppy dog, 1220 grams and really strong. Can’t get her to hold still for measurements but I’ll estimate 44” maybe 46”


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She's looks great and getting big!

She looks to be coming along well. :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...efa850ca89.jpg
Fresh out of shed. She really looks great and growing quick. Can’t believe it’s almost been a year with her.


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Looking really great jake, boas are great arnt they

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Wow, that is a huge size difference in 1 year!
What is she eating these days?

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Medium rat every 10 days. It seems like a lot of growth but she isn’t fat at all and really strong. Next to no visible bulge after eating, really faint if anything.
That’s how I’ve gone with size and the frequency was 1x a week but I decided to slow her down. Everything is quite consistent on the other end as well. Lots of regularly delivered “spicy meatballs”

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Looking really great jake, boas are great arnt they

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Indeed they are. I can think of about 12 more I wouldn’t mine owning but then reality sets in.

Feeding frequency is actually every two weeks not 10 days

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7a1b2a1311.jpg

Official one year later photo. Unsure if actual birthday but guessing she was probably two months old when I got her. I just use this date.


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Looking great jake

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