New Baby BCI Boa - Possible sickness

I wouldn't leave him till morning id pick him up and grab him behind the head and open his mouth. Something could be stuck right there and effecting his breathing or something.


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I also agree to check the mouth for something foreign as that's what the mouth opening was making me think. I asked about mites since the twitching reminded me of it but it could also be a neuro issue, possibly from overheating as well as the way he was laying half out and limpish. Double check your temps. if you're up for it, take him out and see if he crawls normally or is limp. I know normally you shouldn't mess with a new addition but boas are hardier than BPs, it's not going to do anything bad to check him over plus with possibly issues going on, I'd be doing some poking and prodding. It could be something amiss as simple as a stuck piece of substrate in the mouth causing all of this and the stress is just making him freak out a bit.
I'm really sorry though, you must be stressed out and worried! Heck I am just seeing the vids.
good luck and hang in there, no matter what happens.

Yes, I accept ignorance on my part.
No, the heat mat that I have is positioned under the tub, covering a third.
I have the thermostat connected with that.

I just feel really anxious about this.

I checked him over - no substrate in the mouth.
He is limp. There was a rounded piece of moss, I wondered if it had been eaten and regurged or something, but I think I am clutching at straws.
The temps never went over.
I am truly at a loss. I am struggling to think if it was anything I did in the few hours that I've had him.

I know I won't sleep tonight. I want to thank you all for your advice.

I have nothing to add and I am late to the thread.

My heart is with you and the little guy.

Sending positive energy and nice thoughts. This must be exceptionally difficult.

Please keep us in the loop.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words.

Whatever is wrong, it’s almost definitely not your fault. You literally just got him. I would take him back to the pet vendor immediately.


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If he's being limp in hand as well, I'd prepare for the worst sadly.
The moss you got is just standard moss for reptiles, correct?
Unless he was exposed to some sort of toxin or severe overheating, I highly doubt there's anything YOU did within half a day that would have caused this.
Sometimes there is something wrong internally that we just cannot see that can cause a rapid decline in a baby that otherwise appears healthy (they are really good at hiding illness in order to survive in the wild). Some will shed, eat and seem to be fine for a few months and then suddenly pass.
sending you virtual *hugs* I'm real sorry you and the little one are having to go through this.

Thank you guys, your support really helped me through the night. I couldn't get to sleep until 3.30am.
Yes, I have to say, I did mentally go through everything with a fine tooth comb, what I had done when I brought him home etc. I just couldn't work it out. Anyway, I have called the shop this morning, and the manager told me to take him back today. He said that he will examine the boa and arrange for him to see the vet. I told him everything that I told you guys.

Yes, it was sphagnum moss. I've been using it for my ball python, I really like the stuff.
I checked the little guy about an hour ago. He actually seems a bit stronger actually, he gripped my hand better. I didn't get a good chance to look at him though. I will pick up my car from the mechanic now, and take him back straightaway. I hope you all have a good day.

Like mentioned, i doubt it was anything you did in half a day. Sounds like the snake might have had an issue to start with. For future reference, always hold the snake you plan to purchase and do the check i listed above. Dont beat yourself up, stuff happens and sometimes we have no control over it. Best of luck on the little guy.