My new boa!

Well I just picked up my new boa:) I am so happy to finally have one, they are amazing. I wasnt told the line though unfortunately. Let me know what you think. And also, will he/she keep the grayish silver color or will it brown out?
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/07/agehuraq.jpg



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It really depends on what you've got. Looks like a BCI to me, so expect him/her to get darker as s/he gets older. Not a 100% definite he/she will though. But I like his/her look, very nice pickup! :gj:

^^ Agreed. Nice young boa you've got there - congrats!! :gj:

Thank you, S/he is much more gray in person, and I'm really hoping the color stays light. Also the tail is very vibrant red outlined with white, is that common of young boas to have bright tails as youngsters? Or that will most likely go dark brown too? And I wasn't too sure on the line since on his/her neck the saddles look bccish, but the rest look bci. But I suppose I won't ever truly know... he/she has an amazing temperament so far though. Next step is figuring out the sex in a week or so, then I can pick a name:) this is more my "pet" snake, compared to all my balls.


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QUOTE=_Rumbler;2032898]this is more my "pet" snake, compared to all my balls.


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That's how it starts. Lol nice pick up, congrats.

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Originally Posted by H.o.F.R

QUOTE=_Rumbler;2032898]

That's how it starts. Lol nice pick up, congrats.

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Honestly, I'm starting to become afraid of that. I only handled him/her for a little bit, but what an awesome personality and always on the move lol. They are definitely really amazing animals


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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Thank you, S/he is much more gray in person, and I'm really hoping the color stays light. Also the tail is very vibrant red outlined with white, is that common of young boas to have bright tails as youngsters? Or that will most likely go dark brown too? And I wasn't too sure on the line since on his/her neck the saddles look bccish, but the rest look bci. But I suppose I won't ever truly know... he/she has an amazing temperament so far though. Next step is figuring out the sex in a week or so, then I can pick a name:) this is more my "pet" snake, compared to all my balls.


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Yes, BCI youngsters usually start out with brighter tails than they have when they're adults. Their tails are more degrees of reddish-browns to browns as adults, unlike BCC's that keep their red tails for their whole lives. My girl has the same pointed saddles on her neck as well, but she's definitely BCI as far as I can tell. I've noticed though that she will go through "dark" and "light" phases, so as an adult you might notice him/her going from darker, more drab colors to richer, lighter colors from time to time. The change won't be super dramatic, but it's noticeable and is pretty neat. :)

And you say "just one" right now, but the more time you spend with that little bugger the more you'll think to yourself "just one MORE won't hurt" and before you know it you'll be moving the furniture to fit them all in. :P

Yeah. Great looking snake. I think the white outline on the tail can get brighter and whiter while the red saddles can also get pretty vibrant. But lots of variation even in non locality BCIs.

Nice lateral markings too!

He may have some BCC influence somewhere in his background. His head is slightly more BCC-ish. But the coloration and pattern is much more typical of BCI. Boas are often much more brightly colored and patterned as babies, just like our BPs are. The vibrant red on the tail will likely mute down a bit as he grows. Nonetheless, he is a very nice critter - and I agree that he has very nice laterals. Can you try to get a good pic of his tail? :gj:

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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Honestly, I'm starting to become afraid of that. I only handled him/her for a little bit, but what an awesome personality and always on the move lol. They are definitely really amazing animals

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Boas are addictive - bet you can't have just one........! :P

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/07/basuzu8y.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/07/8y7ehu8a.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/07/taty5upy.jpg

And the red is much brighter in person, but I think I captured it okay.
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Thanks for all the replies everyone! I really appreciate any and all input, I am freaking in love with this snake lol. I just really hope he doesn't turn darkkk brown like the big one I saw the other day, I almost couldn't even see the patterning it was so dark. But I love his side patterning too, I just didn't realize there could be this much variation in pattern/color...


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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I really appreciate any and all input, I am freaking in love with this snake lol. I just really hope he doesn't turn darkkk brown like the big one I saw the other day, I almost couldn't even see the patterning it was so dark. But I love his side patterning too, I just didn't realize there could be this much variation in pattern/color...


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There are LOTS of different Red Tail localities; there could be a chance that you maybe have a cross of one. Without knowing or being able to prove out the genetics unfortunately it'll be hard to tell. Your little one getting SUPER dark is something I don't see, but every boa is different. Usually the ones that get that dark are something more than just your average BCI. The tail pattern looks more BCC-ish to me though as well, but the coloring's not vibrant enough imo. Did the seller have any information on this guy/gal? Or any info on the parents? That would be the best (and easiest) way to find out if you have more than "just" a BCI.

Either way as long as you're happy with him/her, that's what counts. :)


EDIT: I keep looking at the last few pictures you posted and I dunno, it looks like more than a BCI to me. But I don't think it's BCC either. If Evenstar doesn't get back on this thread, I might shoot her a PM and see if what she thinks, if you're curious.

BCI's are great animals so I hope they are not being looked down upon for not being BCC. Boas also tend to shift colors often too, you might have seen the larger one in a dark phase. My little guy goes from uber dark sometimes when he is digesting or getting ready to shed and other times he is light grey and you can see the pinkish hues along his sides :)

I can try to find out what the parents are. I got him for $70 from a buddy of mine that owns a reptile/pet store and is also my go to breeder for anything ball python. His other buddy is the one that breeds the boas, so I can try to contact him. But the day I picked my little guy up, my buddy wasn't at the shop and the snake was In a holding tub in the back, because he had just been dropped off recently along with the suuuper dark adult one. I saw my boa and instantly my girlfriend and I knew he was the one haha. I was surprised that there was just one baby and an adult, because he is supposed to be getting some albinos and sunglows soon, so I am actually kind of interested to hear what the story is with my boa. And if it turns out that my boa is "just" a common bci, I won't be disappointed at all. I got him because of how he looks and his personality, one of those animals that i was just drawn to. I would like to know what he is though none the less...


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Originally Posted by xFenrir

There are LOTS of different Red Tail localities; there could be a chance that you maybe have a cross of one. Without knowing or being able to prove out the genetics unfortunately it'll be hard to tell. Your little one getting SUPER dark is something I don't see, but every boa is different. Usually the ones that get that dark are something more than just your average BCI. The tail pattern looks more BCC-ish to me though as well, but the coloring's not vibrant enough imo. Did the seller have any information on this guy/gal? Or any info on the parents? That would be the best (and easiest) way to find out if you have more than "just" a BCI.

Either way as long as you're happy with him/her, that's what counts. :)


EDIT: I keep looking at the last few pictures you posted and I dunno, it looks like more than a BCI to me. But I don't think it's BCC either. If Evenstar doesn't get back on this thread, I might shoot her a PM and see if what she thinks, if you're curious.

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I think this is a BCI with some BCC influence - meaning that the parents were likely a BCI crossed with a BCI x BCC. That would make this critter 25% BCC. There is, of course, no way to prove that and some would say I'm silly for even voicing that so specifically. But I see a BCI with a few subtle indications that there is a BCC grandparent in there somewhere. Either way, this is definitely a very nice snake and as long as the OP is happy, it doesn't matter what it is. I understand wondering though - it is nice to know what you have.

And I also don't see this snake darkening up too much. Maybe a little, but certainly not much so. ;)

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Originally Posted by ewaldrep

BCI's are great animals so I hope they are not being looked down upon for not being BCC. Boas also tend to shift colors often too, you might have seen the larger one in a dark phase. My little guy goes from uber dark sometimes when he is digesting or getting ready to shed and other times he is light grey and you can see the pinkish hues along his sides :)

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I actually prefer BCI! BCCs are very impressive animals for sure, but I love the temperaments, color variations, and uncomplicated natures of BCIs. I think the OP is simply wondering what type of boa he has and it was noted that there might be some BCC influence. Us boa folk tend to speculate a lot on locality, morph, color variations, etc..... :P

Evanstar: thank you for your input! I'm glad all of you like him, makes me feel like I've got something a little special;) and speculation is exactly what I am doing and asking for, just curious as to what everyone thought:) hopefully I can find out a little more background on him from the breeder. I feel like there are bits of bci that I like, and there are also bits of bcc that I like. So I guess that's why this guy appealed to me so much, he's got the best of both worlds! Haha:)


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Con grats on getting a boa! They are nice pet snakes!

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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Evanstar: thank you for your input! I'm glad all of you like him, makes me feel like I've got something a little special;) and speculation is exactly what I am doing and asking for, just curious as to what everyone thought:) hopefully I can find out a little more background on him from the breeder. I feel like there are bits of bci that I like, and there are also bits of bcc that I like. So I guess that's why this guy appealed to me so much, he's got the best of both worlds! Haha:)


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That's what counts! My girl is a BCI as far as I know, and I wouldn't trade her for anything. She's the best snake I could've asked for. :) There's no such thing as a "common" or "normal" because they've all got personalities and quirks. I bet s/he'll be a gorgeous adult as well. :)

Congrats on the boa, personally I don't see any BCC influence but none the less a nice boa:gj: Good luck keeping just one

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Originally Posted by jben

Congrats on the boa, personally I don't see any BCC influence but none the less a nice boa:gj: Good luck keeping just one

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Thanks for the compliment! I will touch back in this thread if I ever get anywhere trying to find out the true pedigree...


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BCC or BCI matters not to me. The fact you have a boa and I don't YET is the big thing. Congrats. I like the snake regardless of the locality!

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Originally Posted by Gio

BCC or BCI matters not to me. The fact you have a boa and I don't YET is the big thing. Congrats. I like the snake regardless of the locality!

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Haha, well thanks. And I'm sure you will get to own the snake you want before you know it. That's what happened with me, I walked in saw him, and just knew he was the one I was looking for.


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I'll be curious to hear how the boa compares to the royals you have. We got my son a royal for his B-day last year and she is giving me a run for stress level now with food refusal this time of year. I can't tell you how many rats I've tossed out. Grrrrrrrrr!!

Have fun and keep us posted.

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Originally Posted by Gio

I'll be curious to hear how the boa compares to the royals you have. We got my son a royal for his B-day last year and she is giving me a run for stress level now with food refusal this time of year. I can't tell you how many rats I've tossed out. Grrrrrrrrr!!

Have fun and keep us posted.

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Man you ain't kidding! They can be a pain when they don't want to eat, I have a female pastel that has been off feed for two months, and now my 1200 gram lesser breeder boy decided he was going to start refusing food...but when they do finally eat again its such a relief. And they are amazing animals. I hope my new boa doesn't want to start that crap, hopefully he will eat every time I give him the chance.


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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Man you ain't kidding! They can be a pain when they don't want to eat, I have a female pastel that has been off feed for two months, and now my 1200 gram lesser breeder boy decided he was going to start refusing food...but when they do finally eat again its such a relief. And they are amazing animals. I hope my new boa doesn't want to start that crap, hopefully he will eat every time I give him the chance.


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Don't worry, he won't. Watch your fingers........... :P

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Don't worry, he won't. Watch your fingers........... :P

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Haha I seriously hope he eats good. I want him to grow quick and be nice and lean and fit!!


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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Haha I seriously hope he eats good. I want him to grow quick and be nice and lean and fit!!


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Well, actually, you DON'T want him to grow quick. Nice and lean and fit is wonderful, but boas grown slowly will be much healthier overall. Don't feed too often or too large. Once every 10 days is a good schedule and don't feed anything large enough to leave a noticable lump - a tiny tiny lump or no lump is better. But feeding a boa is almost never a problem - they aren't known as garabage disposals for nothing!! :D

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And you say "just one" right now, but the more time you spend with that little bugger the more you'll think to yourself "just one MORE won't hurt" and before you know it you'll be moving the furniture to fit them all in. :P

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LMAO! Just rearranged our bedroom to fit another T8...BUT my wife now has her dresser back!:D

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Well, actually, you DON'T want him to grow quick. Nice and lean and fit is wonderful, but boas grown slowly will be much healthier overall. Don't feed too often or too large. Once every 10 days is a good schedule and don't feed anything large enough to leave a noticable lump - a tiny tiny lump or no lump is better. But feeding a boa is almost never a problem - they aren't known as garabage disposals for nothing!! :D

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Yeah, I know not to feed him like a ball python. It's gonna be hard though, I just want a big boa already!!! I can't wait:)


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Little bit of an update. Apparently she had ten pounds of poo and a gallon of pee she was waiting to get rid of, so I had to take her out and clean her tub. While she was out I snapped a couple pics, but more importantly I felt for hemipenes. I am like 85% sure that she is a female!!! I am so happy I can't even explain haha. I know she's young and they would be really small, but I did not feel anything. I would have probed her but I feel like Its too soon to do something that invasive. Anyway here's some more pics:)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/09/byma5ete.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/09/etygyvu9.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/09/zu3a2egu.jpg


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Now those are some great looking pics.
I love my BCI's personality. Like a baby boa only 7 ft long. Slightly more to the boa side for personality. My girl BP is sitting on my head watching me type. Just passive and unmoving. My boa will drape on my shoulders, but her head and the 1/3 I don't have a hold of is constantly looking around. Once she calms down I can just sit with her and watch TV.

Their docility and calmness makes me enjoy her company.

Great pick up. Don't be in to much of a rush to see her big. That is inevitable. Enjoy her while she is still little. She'll only improve her temperament.

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Originally Posted by _Rumbler

Little bit of an update. Apparently she had ten pounds of poo and a gallon of pee she was waiting to get rid of, so I had to take her out and clean her tub. While she was out I snapped a couple pics, but more importantly I felt for hemipenes. I am like 85% sure that she is a female!!! I am so happy I can't even explain haha. I know she's young and they would be really small, but I did not feel anything. I would have probed her but I feel like Its too soon to do something that invasive. Anyway here's some more pics:)

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Palpation is very accurate with young boas - no need to probe or pop. Sounds like you know how and what to feel for, but just in case - and for others sakes, run your thumb down the underside of the tail starting at the vent. Use firm pressure (not enough to turn the tip of your thumb white, lol, but enough to really feel). As you travel down the tail, you will feel a slight pop as though you've run over a small speed bump. These are the hemipenes. If you do not feel that, it's a girl. Again, this is very accurate. But you do need to make sure you're feeling down far enough - the hemipenes are often almost 1/2 way from the vent to the tail tip or more. :gj:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Palpation is very accurate with young boas - no need to probe or pop. Sounds like you know how and what to feel for, but just in case - and for others sakes, run your thumb down the underside of the tail starting at the vent. Use firm pressure (not enough to turn the tip of your thumb white, lol, but enough to really feel). As you travel down the tail, you will feel a slight pop as though you've run over a small speed bump. These are the hemipenes. If you do not feel that, it's a girl. Again, this is very accurate. But you do need to make sure you're feeling down far enough - the hemipenes are often almost 1/2 way from the vent to the tail tip or more. :gj:

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Yeah I have a pretty good idea of what I'm feeling for. The only reason I have doubt is because I've never actually felt a males hemis before. But I can tell you I did not feel any kind of pop when I felt for them, so I'm pretty sure it's a female.


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Little bit of an update for those that might still be following this, I fed a f/t rat pink last night and she took it no problem. She was out cruising her tub looking out at me like she was hungry, and she sure was. First feed went off without a hitch, I'm so happy especially since I have so many hunger strikes going on right now lol


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Some snakes just go off feed in the winter months. Sensitive to the weather. Its great she takes f/t. I get the fits thinking about the damage a jumbo rat could do. My bps ignore food if its not moving. Even when I do the zombie dance with forceps. Boas are much better that way then BPs.

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Originally Posted by medicinhed

Some snakes just go off feed in the winter months. Sensitive to the weather. Its great she takes f/t. I get the fits thinking about the damage a jumbo rat could do. My bps ignore food if its not moving. Even when I do the zombie dance with forceps. Boas are much better that way then BPs.

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Yeah I know, it's just hard to watch when it's been months and they are 80g down...I was so pleased when she took the f/t, exactly for the reason you just stated. I do not want to have to feed a live jumbo rat if I don't have to.


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congrats on your new boa!!! Definitely bci which is a good thing imo bci are soo much better I have a few albinos that are 25% bcc and total jerks lol are her eyes solid black???

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Originally Posted by Hotsalza

congrats on your new boa!!! Definitely bci which is a good thing imo bci are soo much better I have a few albinos that are 25% bcc and total jerks lol are her eyes solid black???

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Thank you! And yeah I have heard about the bcc tude...and no her eyes aren't totally black, but the bottom two thirds are and the top is a grey.


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