Finally paired my surinames

So after 8 years, and listening to many friends asking if I were ever going to breed my big girl, I finally paired them up!

They have been together many weeks now. Only separated for feeding and cleaning. The good news is that Moya, my female, has not shed yet, and she's been laying on her side, and quite twisted compared to normal. Spartacus is almost always locked with her. He's a little beast! Here's hoping for big litter of Suris! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...835955151b.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4f4018dc8f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...58556b78fc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d488663320.jpg


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From what I see they look great. I hope you get some nice babies.:)

OMG a ghost is roaming the forum :rofl:

This is exciting, live birth is something I would love to experience with snakes, congrats and crossing my fingers for you.

Lol! Yeah I don't come on much anymore but I need to!


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The size difference! Hahah I want one! 😝

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The size difference is incredibly LOL and they're both beautiful snakes!! Congrats!

Moya is a late 08' baby, and Spartacus is a 2012 baby. Yes the size difference is huge, but that little guy gets the job done. He is constantly locked with her. Even right now when I last checked. I'll get a quick pic!


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Such gorgeous snakes. Be sure to send one my way. ;)

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Here's an update. Moya is showing definite signs of being prego! She's restless, not wanting to eat much, and she's getting fat! I'm thinking they should be due in early May if my calculations are correct. Here's to a huge slimy pile of boa snabies in the near future! I've got a brand new baby rack all ready to go for them!

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I'm So excited for you. I look forward to seeing them when they are born.

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Here's a good shot. This girl is going to be huge by the end of April!


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I'll be watching her like a hawk come late April. If I catch the birth in action I plan to FB live. Look me up! Monica Foschi


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Does the female have Florida Red Tail in her genetics? Both are beautiful. She looks huge which is a trait of the FRT boas.

Best of luck that litter will be smoking.

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Originally Posted by Gio

Does the female have Florida Red Tail in her genetics? Both are beautiful. She looks huge which is a trait of the FRT boas.

Best of luck that litter will be smoking.

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It's funny you ask that because she did come from Florida. I originally purchased her from Ben Siegel in 2009 who told me she was from one of his local breeders, but by the time I'd thought to ask him WHICH breeder, he wasn't sure because he'd had a few from different litters/breeders at his shop at the time. Of her litter there were 4-5 for sale. All the others had the perfect ladder pattern and separate peaked saddles. I chose Moya because she was the only one that had connecting saddles, and hoped she would pass that trait on someday. She may very well be an FRT, but I can't claim that because I'm not positive.


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Before breeding her this fall, she was 7 ft long, and 35lbs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4ad34ad493.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ffd263fb5d.jpg

And this is the sire again.

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Looks very promising so far! Good luck with them, beautiful pair!

Beautiful, very nice

Any updates? How are thing's progressing?

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Before breeding her this fall, she was 7 ft long, and 35lbs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4ad34ad493.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ffd263fb5d.jpg

And this is the sire again.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b47b3ebb16.jpg




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Really nice.

I hope this all goes well!

I really hope it goes well! Keep us updated. How long does the males get?

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Originally Posted by Tigerhawk

Any updates? How are thing's progressing?

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She's getting huge fast!

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SOOOO EXCITING!!!

So the dame came from Ben Seigel, what is the sire's blood line?

I've been looking for a nice male to add to my collection - absolutely no interest in breeding though, I give you a lot of credit for going ahead with your breeding project.

Best of luck!!!

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Originally Posted by BR8080

SOOOO EXCITING!!!

So the dame came from Ben Seigel, what is the sire's blood line?

I've been looking for a nice male to add to my collection - absolutely no interest in breeding though, I give you a lot of credit for going ahead with your breeding project.

Best of luck!!!

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He came from a local breeder in the Chicagoland area. So these babies are just my line. This breeding was influenced by my love for the aberration and colors in my female. She has the traits of many original imports that people are breeding out of them in an attempt to create super clean boas with perfect saddles. I want the opposite while keeping them pure, and preferably unrelated.


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Thanks for the updates. She looks great, I know you can hardly wait for the babies.

I'll keep this thread going with updates. These pics were taken today. She's getting ready to shed so she's looking dull but man is she fired up today. All of her pinks are showing. Her scales are beginning to spread at the widest point 3/4 down her body. Day 100 after her last shed would put her being due around the last week of May. She refused a medium rat 2 weeks ago so no more feedings until the babies come.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

This breeding was influenced by my love for the aberration and colors in my female. She has the traits of many original imports that people are breeding out of them in an attempt to create super clean boas with perfect saddles. I want the opposite while keeping them pure, and preferably unrelated.


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I really admire this and agree with it.

We will always "selectively breed" animals to some extent. After all we are the ones putting the snakes together and starting the process, however I feel its important to keep the "wild type" traits alive.

I like that idea that all of my animals, even my tiger retic morph would likely survive if let back into the wild, at least based on their patterns and coloring.

Some of the most beautiful boas I've ever seen anywhere were photographed in the wild.

Your female is absolutely stunning IMO. I love speckling and side medallions, she has both of those qualities!

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I really hope it goes well! Keep us updated. How long does the males get?

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I'm sorry, I didn't even see this question! Males generally stay smaller than females, like most boas and pythons, but each individual is different. I'd say a good average for a male BCC would be around 5-6 feet max but there are always exceptions to the rule. Boas are very different when it comes to their prey in the wild. Therefore their bodies digest and process fats very differently than pythons. This is the reason it's strongly recommended to never over feed a boa. Twice monthly feedings or a prey item that is smaller than what you'd feed a python of the same size/age is recommended for juvies. Adults do not need more than a large rat monthly. These boas can suffer from fatty liver disease and other fat related issues which greatly shortens their life. Birds are the healthiest food item for these boas since they are lean and easier on their systems. In the wild these boas spend more than half their lives in the trees, taking birds and lizards mostly. My 2 have been slow grown in this way, but my female is still quite large with a massive head. Tho she's never been round. They should always maintain a muscular and rectangular shape. My male seems small for a 5 year old at less than 5 ft, but he's quite healthy and has the perfect shape and tone to his body. He is not done growing by far, but he is growing at a healthy rate. Too many people over feed their boas and end up with fat, unhealthy boas. Even common BCI should not be round like a python. I know I went off on a tangent here but I always try to explain these points to anyone asking about boas. A boas feeding and diet is the most important thing in my opinion.


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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I'm sorry, I didn't even see this question! Males generally stay smaller than females, like most boas and pythons, but each individual is different. I'd say a good average for a male BCC would be around 5-6 feet max but there are always exceptions to the rule. Boas are very different when it comes to their prey in the wild. Therefore their bodies digest and process fats very differently than pythons. This is the reason it's strongly recommended to never over feed a boa. Twice monthly feedings or a prey item that is smaller than what you'd feed a python of the same size/age is recommended for juvies. Adults do not need more than a large rat monthly. These boas can suffer from fatty liver disease and other fat related issues which greatly shortens their life. Birds are the healthiest food item for these boas since they are lean and easier on their systems. In the wild these boas spend more than half their lives in the trees, taking birds and lizards mostly. My 2 have been slow grown in this way, but my female is still quite large with a massive head. Tho she's never been round. They should always maintain a muscular and rectangular shape. My male seems small for a 5 year old at less than 5 ft, but he's quite healthy and has the perfect shape and tone to his body. He is not done growing by far, but he is growing at a healthy rate. Too many people over feed their boas and end up with fat, unhealthy boas. Even common BCI should not be round like a python. I know I went off on a tangent here but I always try to explain these points to anyone asking about boas. A boas feeding and diet is the most important thing in my opinion.


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I appreciate you going "off topic" because im trying to gather as much info on BCC or BCI as i can, because i plan on owning one in the future, if you could talk a bit more about feeding that would be anazing

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Originally Posted by Gc99

I appreciate you going "off topic" because im trying to gather as much info on BCC or BCI as i can, because i plan on owning one in the future, if you could talk a bit more about feeding that would be anazing

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Honestly your best source of information on this would be Vin Russo's book - The complete boa constrictor. He has raised and bred many of the different locales for years. He goes into detail about the individual needs of each locale. I own a pair of Vins Sabogae boas. My all time favorite locale. Another thing to do would be to search these forums. I do know there is an old thread on here from quite a few years ago about how a breeder lost most of his boas due to feeding them the huge lab rats that are bred specifically to be overweight for lab use. They are called Zucker rats I believe. Use that word in the search bar and you'll find it. That thread in particular has some good information on diet and the dangers of over feeding. Definitely invest in Vins book as well. I commend you for doing research on them. Boas are definitely awesome to have. They are easily my favorite snakes, and I have quite a few different species.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f4d7cf46cc.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Honestly your best source of information on this would be Vin Russo's book - The complete boa constrictor. He has raised and bred many of the different locales for years. He goes into detail about the individual needs of each locale. I own a pair of Vins Sabogae boas. My all time favorite locale. Another thing to do would be to search these forums. I do know there is an old thread on here from quite a few years ago about how a breeder lost most of his boas due to feeding them the huge lab rats that are bred specifically to be overweight for lab use. They are called Zucker rats I believe. Use that word in the search bar and you'll find it. That thread in particular has some good information on diet and the dangers of over feeding. Definitely invest in Vins book as well. I commend you for doing research on them. Boas are definitely awesome to have. They are easily my favorite snakes, and I have quite a few different species.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f4d7cf46cc.jpg


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I googled the zucker rats....not pretty. I will be buying that book, hopefully i can find it on amazon, thanks!

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what paper are you using as substrate? it looks super easy to work with

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Honestly your best source of information on this would be Vin Russo's book - The complete boa constrictor. He has raised and bred many of the different locales for years. He goes into detail about the individual needs of each locale. I own a pair of Vins Sabogae boas. My all time favorite locale. Another thing to do would be to search these forums. I do know there is an old thread on here from quite a few years ago about how a breeder lost most of his boas due to feeding them the huge lab rats that are bred specifically to be overweight for lab use. They are called Zucker rats I believe. Use that word in the search bar and you'll find it. That thread in particular has some good information on diet and the dangers of over feeding. Definitely invest in Vins book as well. I commend you for doing research on them. Boas are definitely awesome to have. They are easily my favorite snakes, and I have quite a few different species.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f4d7cf46cc.jpg


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I'll second this, and add that if you find anything in media text or on the web written by Gus Rentfro (Vin's buddy) you should take it as gospel. Gus is a world authority on boa constrictors and the proper breeding practices for boas.

He has a Facebook page and participates on some Facebook boa pages I believe.

I am lucky enough to own a true, locality, Colombian boa created by Gus.

Yup he does still post pics of snakes and stuff in boa FB pages. he actually gave compliments to Gina on a BCC FB page I'm a member of :)

And same here, really digging Gina. Like I said, couldn't resist her when I saw 100% pure Rio Bravo Pokigron suriname. Her colors are starting to come in on some of the pics I posted. She's getting a golden top and her tail gold is starting to get a little red tinge to it.

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Originally Posted by threezero

what paper are you using as substrate? it looks super easy to work with

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That paper is called Indented Kraft paper. You can buy it by the roll online for cheap and cut it to fit your tubs and enclosures. It's super easy to work with. For extra messy snakes I just use a double layer. Just buy a roll at the cheapest place you can find it. It will last you a long time and pay for itself many times over. Just make sure you get a roll that is as wide as your widest enclosure. Or if you have 6'-8' enclosures you just overlap it.

http://www.stockboxes.net/store/kraf...per-rolls.html



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Can also probably buy it from Uline as well. They have tons of paper products.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Can also probably buy it from Uline as well. They have tons of paper products.

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You're absolutely right, but the one I linked was cheaper per foot than Uline.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Can also probably buy it from Uline as well. They have tons of paper products.

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thanks for this. i'm also looking at corrugated paper, much more expensive but much thicker and seem less likely to push around like these lighter paper product. any thoughts?

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Originally Posted by threezero

thanks for this. i'm also looking at corrugated paper, much more expensive but much thicker and seem less likely to push around like these lighter paper product. any thoughts?

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Go with the indented kraft paper. It's not thin at all, and it absorbs well. I'd say the mold factor is the same as any paper. If left wet for days it will mold. The indented kraft paper is a thickness somewhere between newspaper and corrugated paper. Still easily pliable, but not newspaper thin. Much easier on the wallet too.


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My poor fat girl is deep in blue right now. I still have a month to wait for the babies! The suspense is killing me! But I will still post weekly updates [emoji4]

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She's spending most of her time on the hot side and has been for a couple weeks now.


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The latest update is that Moya shed earlier today. One perfect piece that I ended up tearing a little pulling it out from under her. Tho a pre birth shed isn't all that common with boas, it isn't uncommon either. She's still tightly curled on the hot side, which is way out of the ordinary for her. I can not get good pics of her right now because of how she's curled up but her scales are spreading, and she's still consistently getting bigger in that area. She's about 3-4 weeks away from her due date. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7e90a5bdbf.jpg

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I actually got some photos while the sun was still out! She was very restless today so I got a few quick pics when I gave her fresh water. She's really showing her colors. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...07c4010c48.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...98f8d9b055.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...102d3c6b49.jpg


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Just to update, we do not have babies yet. Moya has passed day 100 now but she could hang onto them for awhile longer. I'm keeping a close eye on her because she is due now. I will post photos, and possible video when she drops [emoji4][emoji216]


Sent from a distant planet in a faraway galaxy [emoji292]

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I actually got some photos while the sun was still out! She was very restless today so I got a few quick pics when I gave her fresh water. She's really showing her colors. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...07c4010c48.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...98f8d9b055.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...102d3c6b49.jpg


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That head and pattern around the eye is one of the nicest looking I've seen.

Beautiful!

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

Just to update, we do not have babies yet. Moya has passed day 100 now but she could hang onto them for awhile longer. I'm keeping a close eye on her because she is due now. I will post photos, and possible video when she drops [emoji4][emoji216]


Sent from a distant planet in a faraway galaxy [emoji292]

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Just wondering, did I miss an update somewhere?

No she's still gravid! Lol! Turns out I started counting from the wrong shed and was a month ahead of schedule. She is due by the end of this month. July. Here are a couple recent pictures. The one showing the cloacal budge was this week. She is going to pop any time now!

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f4751f9daf.jpg


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She had shed twice within 4 weeks. She had a slow build ovy so I just assumed it was the shed immediately following the beginning of the swelling. Her actual post ovy shed was the one 4 weeks after that. She's so huge I just don't know how she's holding them in [emoji23]


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Glad she's doing well and ready to go soon...you must be ready too lol Can't wait to see those babies.

Thanks for the update. I was wondering if I had missed something as well.