Scarlette - 2022 Colombian BCI

Got my first BCI on Sunday May 21st, 2023. She is from a November clutch. She is a Kahl Albino. She has eaten once for me so far (F/T mouse), and is still undergoing quarantine.
https://imgur.com/pNzLFqu
https://imgur.com/a/E9azNgu
https://imgur.com/a/7Q6CWy7

Nice looking BI. Kudos on quarantining. Many people skip this step and it can be bad.

Any questions, just ask. There are quite a few Boa peeps on here.

Basically, Boas are amazing eaters, are really quite inquisitive and docile when food isn't around, and are beautiful animals.

Three things to keep in mind (and sorry if you know and/or have kept boas, etc.).

1. Slow grow your boas - very easy to overfeed and difficult to underfeed. Any questions on feeding schedule, prey size, etc. just ask.

2. Your boa will get big. Plan on getting a big enclosure for down the road. Females tend to get noticeably bigger than males. FYI. So keep that in mind. Again, questions on type of enclosure, size, etc. just ask. Just make sure it hold heat AND humidity really well.

3. Hook train. Boas are generally very docile. However, 2/3 of my boas (Feliz - BC - and Behira - BI) will hit the doors striking when they anticipate, or just think food might be coming. This can be bad for them. However, it also means you need to be careful. Hook training is a great way to let them know you are there, are not feeding them, and that they are going to be picked up.

Any other questions, feel free to ask here or PM.

Good luck with your new addition and keep us posted on Scarlette.

P.S. If you aren't sure to post pics, ask. You can imbed imgur etc. pics and that way people do not have to click on the link. The pics will appear on the post.

Congrats on your first boa & a beauty at that- I had a very chummy BCI for many years (my first & only large boa- I don't count the rosy boas, lol). Mine had an appetite that never failed, but she never once bit me, & she had very dark coloration, with amazing iridescence. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoyed mine.

Thank you Dakski!

My girl is still rather young, and feeding charts online are rather inconsistent. She is just about 2' now. I got her from a local reptile show, her breeder was feeding weekly. I forgot the size that they said though. Should I aim for every 10 days and little to no lump when feeding? Should I increase food size or feed more often because she hasn't reached a year yet?

Secondly, I am aware female BCI's can get LARGE (up to around 10' for the extreme individuals) I plan on (and am saving for) building my own enclosure, as freight shipping from Boaphiles has gotten into the thousands for me and I am a smaller hobbiest. Any recommended adult enclosure for a female Colombian BCI?

Third, Thanks! I am definitely going to hook train her! Haha, I've been lurking in your thread about Behria for a while now. Just one thing though, does feeding response grow over time? Do they just hit harder?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Congrats on your first boa & a beauty at that- I had a very chummy BCI for many years (my first & only large boa- I don't count the rosy boas, lol). Mine had an appetite that never failed, but she never once bit me, & she had very dark coloration, with amazing iridescence. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoyed mine.

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Thank you! From what I've seen so far she seems decent. No bites or hissing like her sister when brought out of the tub at the expo. I'm really loving the colors on my girl so far, and especially their eyes.

See below in BLUE.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Thank you Dakski!

My girl is still rather young, and feeding charts online are rather inconsistent. She is just about 2' now. I got her from a local reptile show, her breeder was feeding weekly. I forgot the size that they said though. Should I aim for every 10 days and little to no lump when feeding? Should I increase food size or feed more often because she hasn't reached a year yet?

I aim for a very minimal lump on my boas. Feeding every 7 days is fine for mice. I imagine you are feeding adult mice?

Once on weaned rats I switch to every two weeks. Until then, once a week is fine. Remember, less is more. Additionally, Boas are not good at handling fatty meals. Avoid ex-breeder/jumbo mice. Anything more than about 25-30g (an adult mouse) is not a good idea. Same with rats. Behira, who is almost 7 years old now, eats large rats (about 200g). I do not plan on feeding anything larger (rat wise) to her because the fat content goes up a lot.

Secondly, I am aware female BCI's can get LARGE (up to around 10' for the extreme individuals) I plan on (and am saving for) building my own enclosure, as freight shipping from Boaphiles has gotten into the thousands for me and I am a smaller hobbiest. Any recommended adult enclosure for a female Colombian BCI?

10' would be an anomaly to say the least. I would anticipate 7-8' and 12-20 pounds, depending on how you feed. If you keep her lean and strong and slow grow, she shouldn't be huge. Many overweight boas online - 7-8ft and 30+ pounds. They often do not live very long, sadly.

Behira is almost 7 years old and 6-6.5 feet now and 3.2kg. I doubt she will be more than about 5kg max. She's still growing on large rats every 3 weeks, but her consistent body shape and tone makes me think not much larger than that.

I have her in a 6X2X1' enclosure from Boaphile. That should be fine for her for life. Some people go with 4X2, but I figure length+width should be the same or larger than snakes length with boas. So 5X2', or 6X2' is what I would do.

I love my Boaphile tanks. I have a lot of them. PM me if you want an introduction to Jeff Ronne, the Boaphile. I priced out a tank on his page (6X2X1.5') and with double/redundant thermostat, RHP, locks, etc. - fully loaded - you are looking over $1k. However, it's not something you need today. I like Boaphile because everything comes installed and built. Whichever way you go (animal plastics is another that people really like as is reptile basics), be consistent. If you are planning on growing your collection and want to stack tanks, it helps to have the same type.


Third, Thanks! I am definitely going to hook train her! Haha, I've been lurking in your thread about Behria for a while now. Just one thing though, does feeding response grow over time? Do they just hit harder?

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​Feeding response is pretty consistent. If anything, they slow down a tiny bit as they age - maybe. :). They hit the same, but bigger snake equals more force. Behira hits like a freight train.

You should be looking at an enclosure with double doors. If she's on side a) you can open side b). Or, once you know her response, can open the same side, but it's a smaller door and makes it easier to maneuver around.

I have yet to get a bite when feeding, and do not plan on it. I am very careful, use big tongs, and expect the worst when feeding.

I am not trying to scare you. I'd rather a snake with a consistent and healthy appetite than one you have to coax. Boas rock in that department. It just pays to be careful. Not good for either party to have a bite.

You can see from the pics of Behira, Feliz, and Jeff, that once food isn't in the picture, they are total sweeties.


Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

See below in BLUE.




​Feeding response is pretty consistent. If anything, they slow down a tiny bit as they age - maybe. :). They hit the same, but bigger snake equals more force. Behira hits like a freight train.

You should be looking at an enclosure with double doors. If she's on side a) you can open side b). Or, once you know her response, can open the same side, but it's a smaller door and makes it easier to maneuver around.

I have yet to get a bite when feeding, and do not plan on it. I am very careful, use big tongs, and expect the worst when feeding.

I am not trying to scare you. I'd rather a snake with a consistent and healthy appetite than one you have to coax. Boas rock in that department. It just pays to be careful. Not good for either party to have a bite.

You can see from the pics of Behira, Feliz, and Jeff, that once food isn't in the picture, they are total sweeties.


Any other questions, feel free to ask.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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For the enclosure would you recommend sliding doors or opening out? For what I have planned so far enclosure dimensions are 6'x2.5'x1'5.
Shes taken a smaller mouse for me so far, as her breeder had skipped a week for her due to the expo. She didn't seem confident in eating. Even my hog took with more enthusiasm lol. Should her feeding response grow better the more she settles in?

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

....Shes taken a smaller mouse for me so far, as her breeder had skipped a week for her due to the expo. She didn't seem confident in eating. Even my hog took with more enthusiasm lol. Should her feeding response grow better the more she settles in?

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You just got her on 5/21-? If so, her poor feeding response is normal- she hasn't had time to "settle in" yet- it's often best just to wait a week for any new snake. (And don't handle them at all.) ;)
New homes are VERY frightening to snakes- it's hard to think about food when you don't feel safe.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You just got her on 5/21-? If so, her poor feeding response is normal- she hasn't had time to "settle in" yet- it's often best just to wait a week for any new snake. (And don't handle them at all.) ;)
New homes are VERY frightening to snakes- it's hard to think about food when you don't feel safe.

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Alright! Good to know. How often do you suggest I go without handling? Keeping her in quarantine? I checked her over twice the day I got her, she seems healthy and no signs of mites, and RI, or anything else. Waiting to see her droppings at this point. She has no stuck shed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Alright! Good to know. How often do you suggest I go without handling? Keeping her in quarantine? I checked her over twice the day I got her, she seems healthy and no signs of mites, and RI, or anything else. Waiting to see her droppings at this point. She has no stuck shed.

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For a BCI, I'd wait until she's fed twice at least before doing much handling- as long as she took food easily. Eating is more important to her health- handling will keep. For snakes more likely to be difficult feeders (BPs & others) it's best to wait (not handle) until after 3 meals at normal (weekly) intervals- to make sure they don't get too stressed to eat. Nothing worse than a snake that won't eat.

Quarantine is very subjective- & depends on how many other snakes you have, & your intentions (is this a business investment? will you be breeding & selling them? or is it "just a pet"?) Also depends on where/how you acquired the snake. (ie. from an expo or pet store is more risky)

:gj: for checking for mites- but keep checking for at least a month, just in case eggs hatch out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

For a BCI, I'd wait until she's fed twice at least before doing much handling- as long as she took food easily. Eating is more important to her health- handling will keep. For snakes more likely to be difficult feeders (BPs & others) it's best to wait (not handle) until after 3 meals at normal (weekly) intervals- to make sure they don't get too stressed to eat. Nothing worse than a snake that won't eat.

Quarantine is very subjective- & depends on how many other snakes you have, & your intentions (is this a business investment? will you be breeding & selling them? or is it "just a pet"?) Also depends on where/how you acquired the snake. (ie. from an expo or pet store is more risky)

:gj: for checking for mites- but keep checking for at least a month, just in case eggs hatch out.

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Alright, yeah. She is just a pet and I have absolutely no plan of selling or breeding snakes. I have two other snakes (Ball Python and Plains Hognose) I did acquire her from a reptile expo though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

For the enclosure would you recommend sliding doors or opening out? For what I have planned so far enclosure dimensions are 6'x2.5'x1'5.
Shes taken a smaller mouse for me so far, as her breeder had skipped a week for her due to the expo. She didn't seem confident in eating. Even my hog took with more enthusiasm lol. Should her feeding response grow better the more she settles in?

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I like opening out and I like acrylic doors. Sliding doors are often glass (more on that in a second) and I am not a big fan, especially if you use substrate. The substrate can get caught in the tracks, etc. Opening out doors and acrylic doors flex a little. That's good especially if you have an overzealous feeder. Behira bent a tooth once on the acrylic door (from striking at it anticipating food), but it fell out next feeding. I've heard of worse, but especially with glass doors that do not flex.

The opening out doors are also good because in many PVC designs, you can have two, or more doors on a tank the size you are talking about. My 6X2' Boaphiles have two doors each. Again, this helps with feeding.

Hoping this isn't an issue with your girl, but you never know.

I do keep drapes over the Boa tanks so they don't (generally) strike when I walk by, etc. However, that's not fool proof and further, when food is involved, it's sometimes difficult to get the door open fast enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Alright, yeah. She is just a pet and I have absolutely no plan of selling or breeding snakes. I have two other snakes (Ball Python and Plains Hognose) I did acquire her from a reptile expo though.

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Like Bogertophis said, let her settle in a bit. She should start eating with zest soon. I wouldn't handle for another 1-2 feedings. See how confident she is next feeding. If she seems more interested, hits harder, etc. then get one more meal into her and then you can start gentle handling. Right now, make sure she's happy, has proper temps and humidity, etc.

Regarding quarantine, and having two other snakes, I'd quarantine for 90 days from acquisition, assuming there are no issues. If anything comes up, quarantine starts over.

Also, for your benefit, and anyone else reading who isn't sure about quarantine, quarantine means:

1. Handle, clean, feed, etc. the snake on quarantine last. Do not do anything with Scarlette until you have taken care of the other snakes needs first (in any given day).

2. Do not use the same utensils (hooks, tongs, etc.) with your quarantined snake as you do with your existing snakes.

3. Good practice overall, but unique water bowl, hides, etc. as well.

4. Different room if possible. If you have to keep them in the same room, make sure they are as far away from your other snakes as possible.

Keep us posted!

Enclosure openings are a matter of personal taste & experience for what you're comfortable with. I've used sliding doors & yes, they have their problems, but for an aggressive feeder, you can also open very slightly to offer prey to the snake inside, without being a big target yourself. Honestly I prefer top opening tanks, but that's me, lol. And yes, that was even for the big snakes including the BCI I used to have (she was 7.5- nearly 8').

Quarantine also means being mindful that YOU are also a "vector of disease"- ie. able to transfer pathogens on your unwashed hands & clothing between your snakes. And NEVER re-offer food between snakes when one has made contact but decides not to eat. This comes under the heading of "good overall practices"-;)

And mites are also a vector of disease- so make SURE there are none while the new snake is quarantined. It takes time for mite eggs to hatch.

And not to be paranoid, but remember that some diseases can "hide" in boas for far longer than pythons- where the boa is an asymptomatic carrier that may never even become ill, or at least not for a much longer time, but which could decimate other more sensitive species (pythons). So the length of your boa quarantine may depend on how you feel about any pythons you already have.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dakski

I like opening out and I like acrylic doors. Sliding doors are often glass (more on that in a second) and I am not a big fan, especially if you use substrate. The substrate can get caught in the tracks, etc. Opening out doors and acrylic doors flex a little. That's good especially if you have an overzealous feeder. Behira bent a tooth once on the acrylic door (from striking at it anticipating food), but it fell out next feeding. I've heard of worse, but especially with glass doors that do not flex.

The opening out doors are also good because in many PVC designs, you can have two, or more doors on a tank the size you are talking about. My 6X2' Boaphiles have two doors each. Again, this helps with feeding.

Thanks. Opening out doors sounded like a better idea to me. Along with acrylic due to weight purposes (trying my best to keep the build light).

Hoping this isn't an issue with your girl, but you never know.

I do keep drapes over the Boa tanks so they don't (generally) strike when I walk by, etc. However, that's not fool proof and further, when food is involved, it's sometimes difficult to get the door open fast enough.

I saw the posts! I am likely going to follow your idea as she grows.

Like Bogertophis said, let her settle in a bit. She should start eating with zest soon. I wouldn't handle for another 1-2 feedings. See how confident she is next feeding. If she seems more interested, hits harder, etc. then get one more meal into her and then you can start gentle handling. Right now, make sure she's happy, has proper temps and humidity, etc.

I have perfected the temperature, and humidity in my room makes it easier to achieve the 50-75% humidity I'm aiming for. I plan to feed again on this upcoming Tuesday or Wednesday.

Regarding quarantine, and having two other snakes, I'd quarantine for 90 days from acquisition, assuming there are no issues. If anything comes up, quarantine starts over.

Everything is going fine so far! No signs of mites, RI's, or anything else of concern.

Also, for your benefit, and anyone else reading who isn't sure about quarantine, quarantine means:

1. Handle, clean, feed, etc. the snake on quarantine last. Do not do anything with Scarlette until you have taken care of the other snakes needs first (in any given day).

2. Do not use the same utensils (hooks, tongs, etc.) with your quarantined snake as you do with your existing snakes.

3. Good practice overall, but unique water bowl, hides, etc. as well.

4. Different room if possible. If you have to keep them in the same room, make sure they are as far away from your other snakes as possible.

Keep us posted!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Enclosure openings are a matter of personal taste & experience for what you're comfortable with. I've used sliding doors & yes, they have their problems, but for an aggressive feeder, you can also open very slightly to offer prey to the snake inside, without being a big target yourself. Honestly I prefer top opening tanks, but that's me, lol. And yes, that was even for the big snakes including the BCI I used to have (she was 7.5- nearly 8').

Not so sure about top opening tanks, as I'm not too sure on how it'd work with my build. Planning on more of a large rack system.

Quarantine also means being mindful that YOU are also a "vector of disease"- ie. able to transfer pathogens on your unwashed hands & clothing between your snakes. And NEVER re-offer food between snakes when one has made contact but decides not to eat. This comes under the heading of "good overall practices"-;)

And mites are also a vector of disease- so make SURE there are none while the new snake is quarantined. It takes time for mite eggs to hatch.

Yes! I'm staying mindful of when I've come in close contact with her or her tub, and I will not re-offer food to my other after shes even seen it. Saving a buck or two is not worth the well-being of my other snakes, lol.

And not to be paranoid, but remember that some diseases can "hide" in boas for far longer than pythons- where the boa is an asymptomatic carrier that may never even become ill, or at least not for a much longer time, but which could decimate other more sensitive species (pythons). So the length of your boa quarantine may depend on how you feel about any pythons you already have.

I have one Royal Python (my other snake is a plains hognose). The Royal is thriving, but even when Scarlette is moved into her official enclosure they will still be decently far away, despite being in the same room. If this is an issue in the longer run, anything I should watch for? Would 90 days quarantine be enough if I don't notice anything?

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I fed her last night! She struck once, hesitant. I had just woken her up. After about 45 seconds she struck again and coiled. She seems to be doing well. She is fairly active and I often find her perching. I've seen no signs of mites or other illnesses. Looking forward to being able to handle her more after she digests this.

Sounds like she's settling in pretty well.

Had her out today! She handles really well, much more calm and slow moving than my BP. Really glad I decided to get a BI haha. One question though, I let her sit on my chest, and she seemed to get comfortable. She wasn't really coiled up but she went unmoving for a good 10-15 minutes without any tongue flicks. Could she have been asleep? Is she that comfortable with me already? What else could it have been? She still seemed really calm when I moved her back.

Also, she hasn't dropped anything for me yet. Shes had two smaller meals since I got her. Anything I should be concerned about? Is her metabolism just THAT slow? I have her heat at 87 F, and she can thermoregulate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Had her out today! She handles really well, much more calm and slow moving than my BP. Really glad I decided to get a BI haha. One question though, I let her sit on my chest, and she seemed to get comfortable. She wasn't really coiled up but she went unmoving for a good 10-15 minutes without any tongue flicks. Could she have been asleep? Is she that comfortable with me already? What else could it have been? She still seemed really calm when I moved her back.

Also, she hasn't dropped anything for me yet. Shes had two smaller meals since I got her. Anything I should be concerned about? Is her metabolism just THAT slow? I have her heat at 87 F, and she can thermoregulate.

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Sounds like she might have fallen asleep- it's hard to tell for sure with most snakes* & I agree it's unusual for a new snake to be so relaxed, but maybe you have a good snake vibe- plus just the right warmth for a still-digesting boa. ;) (*Snakes with round pupils- you can tell they're asleep if their pupils sink to the 6 o'clock position. Vertical pupils, you're outa luck.) I like it when my snakes really relax with me like that. Just be careful when some of them wake up though, lol. Predators being startled awake can react defensively- especially if it's never happened to them before.

Snakes are rarely constipated- they only go when they've saved up enough waste to bother- remember their bodies need to conserve water, & defecation uses (wastes) some moisture. Also, young snakes that are eating young prey are digesting MOST of what they've eaten- only when they're eating more mature prey is there more waste, so very often young snakes go less frequently- this gets asked a lot. ;) Snakes seldom "go" after every meal.

She pooped the other day, weighing in at a solid 134 grams empty. Been handling her more, no hisses/strikes when getting her out. Hook training is going well, while she normally isn't in 'food-mode' when I go to get her out, she is typically taken out of it after a stroke or two of the hook. Planning on feeding her tomorrow.
One question though, I feel her quarantine tub is far too small for her. Would it be alright for now, until I get her adult enclosure built, to move her into a 10 gallon? She would fit in it much nicer. Her setup would be practically identical, just in a larger space.
After feeding and after giving her a few days to digest would it be safe to move her?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

She pooped the other day, weighing in at a solid 134 grams empty. Been handling her more, no hisses/strikes when getting her out. Hook training is going well, while she normally isn't in 'food-mode' when I go to get her out, she is typically taken out of it after a stroke or two of the hook. Planning on feeding her tomorrow.
One question though, I feel her quarantine tub is far too small for her. Would it be alright for now, until I get her adult enclosure built, to move her into a 10 gallon? She would fit in it much nicer. Her setup would be practically identical, just in a larger space.
After feeding and after giving her a few days to digest would it be safe to move her?

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Since we're talking about a BCI & not a BP- I think the move would be fine as you described above. Boas aren't nearly as shy as BPs are- but once she moves in, just give her time again to "settle in" (without handling right off- you want here to feel "safe").

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Since we're talking about a BCI & not a BP- I think the move would be fine as you described above. Boas aren't nearly as shy as BPs are- but once she moves in, just give her time again to "settle in" (without handling right off- you want here to feel "safe").

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Great! I hate seeing her so cramped. After she's out of quarantine (She will be around 11 months old, she is 7 months old now), would it be okay to move her to her adult enclosure? I plan to have it built before the end of the summer, so I'll have a while to perfect it after it's built. Would she do good in a 6'x2'x2'? Heavily decorated/tons of hides and spots to perch of course.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Great! I hate seeing her so cramped. After she's out of quarantine (She will be around 11 months old, she is 7 months old now), would it be okay to move her to her adult enclosure? I plan to have it built before the end of the summer, so I'll have a while to perfect it after it's built. Would she do good in a 6'x2'x2'? Heavily decorated/tons of hides and spots to perch of course.

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I wouldn't worry about moving her again to her adult enclosure when it's ready- ALTHOUGH, moving this time into the 10 gal. should be very predictive of future moves, if you know what I mean?

Snakes of the same species all still have their own personality- some bolder than others. I'd make sure that for each move, she has plenty of hides & cover, & just some time to settle in. By that time she'll also know you better too, & less fear in a pet snake is always good.

The 6' x 2' x 2' size should be fine for all or most of her life- depending on her genetics & tendency to grow- again, there's always some unpredictability in the ultimate size that any snake will attain, "just because". ;) Remember that lifespans vary quite a bit too- snakes grow their whole life- it just slows down, the older they get- so it depends on how healthy + lucky + genetically predisposed [to get huge] she is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I wouldn't worry about moving her again to her adult enclosure when it's ready- ALTHOUGH, moving this time into the 10 gal. should be very predictive of future moves, if you know what I mean?

Snakes of the same species all still have their own personality- some bolder than others. I'd make sure that for each move, she has plenty of hides & cover, & just some time to settle in. By that time she'll also know you better too, & less fear in a pet snake is always good.

The 6' x 2' x 2' size should be fine for all or most of her life- depending on her genetics & tendency to grow- again, there's always some unpredictability in the ultimate size that any snake will attain, "just because". ;) Remember that lifespans vary quite a bit too- snakes grow their whole life- it just slows down, the older they get- so it depends on how healthy + lucky + genetically predisposed [to get huge] she is.

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I feel like she'll do well, her disposition is great. We'll see though, she's CERTAINLY much more bold than my BP. Not headshy, about and about, perching, etc.

Looking forward to watching her grow, what size should I expect for a female BI though? She is a pet only, and will not be powerfed. From what I saw online, it said to expect 6-8 feet. I feel a 6'x2'x2' would fit pretty well for her life, but we'll see. I know I can get her bigger if she NEEDS (over 8 feet), so no worries. Honestly though, I'm hoping she stays around the 7' - 8' mark. I've handled a 7' boa before, which was my main inspiration to get one. Their perfect size and generally good temperaments makes a great snake. Nothing care wise, besides food maybe, is anywhere in the extreme.

No regrets with this buy, even if it was a bit of an impulsive one! She already handles better than my BP. Can't wait to see her grow.

You sound like a fine boa-owner to me- :D The only BCI (a female) I've had grew to just about 8'- but it depends on genetics (many do outgrow their "parents" so it doesn't always work to go by that) & other factors (overall health, etc) Mine was sweet & cuddly- the only difficulty I had was getting her back INTO her home after having her out with me for a while- it was a "rodeo" until I figured out to put her in a small soft-sided pet carrier (it functioned like a "hide" while she was away from home- she liked being in it) then put that in her enclosure & let her emerge- Ha! Now I gotcha!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You sound like a fine boa-owner to me- :D The only BCI (a female) I've had grew to just about 8'- but it depends on genetics (many do outgrow their "parents" so it doesn't always work to go by that) & other factors (overall health, etc) Mine was sweet & cuddly- the only difficulty I had was getting her back INTO her home after having her out with me for a while- it was a "rodeo" until I figured out to put her in a small soft-sided pet carrier (it functioned like a "hide" while she was away from home- she liked being in it) then put that in her enclosure & let her emerge- Ha! Now I gotcha!

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Haha, yeah! I was originally planning on getting a male but then realized they usually stick to smaller range (6'-7'). After handling a larger boa, I knew I just had to get one that could get to that size. My girl now is already super cuddly, and seemingly very trusting. I manage to get her back in her tub pretty easy right now. We'll see how that goes as she ages!
It's so cool to see how smart they are, you can see when they're willing to go in/out of their enclosures. How they look at you, are are actively aware of you and their environment. Even my mom has chosen favorites now!

Mine enjoyed snuggling around my waist while I watched movies- and in the winter time (when my house was 70* ambient) I'd also use a heating pad with a blanket over that so along w/ my body heat, she was comfy- no wonder she didn't want to go "back"- hahaha. In the warm months, she liked being carried around my back yard for fresh air & a bit o' sun- she always reached out to my very tall trees also, but no way I could let her climb them- I'd never have gotten her back. People call the fire dept. to get their cats out of trees- can you imagine their unrepeatable response to retrieve a large boa? :rofl: Not to mention that she'd have hissed & lunged at them... (never at me though).

Offered her food last night and she struck once, coiled, and then dropped it. Offered again, she didn't strike. Left the mouse in over night and she didn't eat. I'm thinking this is because of handling, I'm going to slow down on that/handle her less. Going to delay moving her to the 10 gal. We'll see how she does next week.

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Offered her food last night and she struck once, coiled, and then dropped it. Offered again, she didn't strike. Left the mouse in over night and she didn't eat. I'm thinking this is because of handling, I'm going to slow down on that/handle her less. Going to delay moving her to the 10 gal. We'll see how she does next week.

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:gj: Eating & growth always outranks handling. Handling commonly puts snakes off eating- or maybe she's going into a shed cycle that she can feel -but you cannot yet see signs of. Handling that's not bothersome for one snake may well be too much for another- they all have their own personality.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

:gj: Eating & growth always outranks handling. Handling commonly puts snakes off eating- or maybe she's going into a shed cycle that she can feel -but you cannot yet see signs of. Handling that's not bothersome for one snake may well be too much for another- they all have their own personality.

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Didn't think of shed cycle! I'll be sure to keep a close eye on her, watching if she goes into blue. Otherwise, going to keep handling down to a minimum. Just cleaned her enclosure, the mouse sitting on the paper towel overnight dirtied it. She seemed to be doing well, no signs of defensiveness.

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Didn't think of shed cycle! I'll be sure to keep a close eye on her, watching if she goes into blue...

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The longer you keep snakes, the easier it gets to spot the signs. Before their eyes even get cloudy, I can often see a texture difference on their neck (the skin folds look different) & also, their belly scutes may have a double edge if you look very close. But a small flashlight in a dark room is the best way to tell- shine it across their eye (from the side) & the cloudiness will show up.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

The longer you keep snakes, the easier it gets to spot the signs. Before their eyes even get cloudy, I can often see a texture difference on their neck (the skin folds look different) & also, their belly scutes may have a double edge if you look very close. But a small flashlight in a dark room is the best way to tell- shine it across their eye (from the side) & the cloudiness will show up.

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Thanks for the tips!

Offered again last night, she showed little interest and didn't strike. I left it in over night. Still there. Her eyes are starting to get more cloudy, it seems she is going in to shed. This'll be her first shed with me, I am looking forward to it. Her behavior is still good when handling despite not being handled as much. Looking forward to seeing how different her shed texture is compared to my BP and hoggy.

I personally wouldn't be handling this snake at all- not until AFTER she has fed at least 2 or 3 times without good reason for refusal (like being in shed). Just a suggestion. What's the rush?

Why? Because stress affects a snake's immune system- when you have a new (or relatively new) snake, they've usually been exposed to pathogens along the way before they get to you- and whether or not they become ill once they're yours may depend on the optimal functioning of their immune system. Therefore, any new snakes in MY hands are treated like they're in the ICU- they get monitored but not handled, & allowed privacy to eat & rest well, while they settle their nerves after ending up in what to them is a scary new world they don't understand. It's essential to have their home fully tested & set up before they move in, so there's no added stress from our interference.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I personally wouldn't be handling this snake at all- not until AFTER she has fed at least 2 or 3 times without good reason for refusal (like being in shed). Just a suggestion. What's the rush?

Why? Because stress affects a snake's immune system- when you have a new (or relatively new) snake, they've usually been exposed to pathogens along the way before they get to you- and whether or not they become ill once they're yours may depend on the optimal functioning of their immune system. Therefore, any new snakes in MY hands are treated like they're in the ICU- they get monitored but not handled, & allowed privacy to eat & rest well, while they settle their nerves after ending up in what to them is a scary new world they don't understand. It's essential to have their home fully tested & set up before they move in, so there's no added stress from our interference.

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Oh! Thank you, good to know. I'll stop handling her until she gets some more meals under her belt.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

The longer you keep snakes, the easier it gets to spot the signs. Before their eyes even get cloudy, I can often see a texture difference on their neck (the skin folds look different) & also, their belly scutes may have a double edge if you look very close. But a small flashlight in a dark room is the best way to tell- shine it across their eye (from the side) & the cloudiness will show up.

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It's getting pretty clear shes going to shed. I can visibly see a difference in her scales/on her underbelly. I think I'm going to wait until after she sheds to offer food again. Other than that though, I have the 10 gallon I'm planning on moving her to ready for when she gets more steady. But, now I guess we just wait.

She shed today! Checked her over, helped her get the shed off her tail, and no stuck shed! Both eyecaps were found. Planning on feeding tues or weds. And after she eats a few meals with more enthusiasm, I need to upgrade her. The tub shes in now is far too small. That's the plan if all goes well. I'd hate to keep her in her current quarantine tub for another 60-70 days if not longer.

https://imgur.com/a/lDn8XW4
She eats! Dispite being asleep when I first opened her enclosure, she stuck as soon as she woke. Got a good coil, too!

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

https://imgur.com/a/lDn8XW4
She eats! Dispite being asleep when I first opened her enclosure, she stuck as soon as she woke. Got a good coil, too!

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ATTA GIRL! :snake2: BCI's are great-:love:

Rant

Just got back from a trip to discover Scarlette had been neglected by the person we had watching over our animals. They have petsat for me before, none of what happened makes sense to me. I left explicit care instructions out for her, and they weren't followed. Upon entering the room, I was hit by a nasty smell. When nearing her tub I knew that it was the source. I found it with a quarter inch of water sitting on the bottom, her waterbowl discolored and overflowing, and mold covering the wood I had gotten from the local pet store. She, luckily, was perching and not sitting in the water. I moved her out of the enclosure and she coiled around my wrist after I had checked her over a few times. She seems okay and is active and alert, but what happened to her is completely unacceptable. The person knew there was an animal in there, but still allowed it to get this bad. The weirdest part is, all my other reptiles are fine.


Moving on from that as there is little I can do besides avoid the person who 'cared' for her, Scarl seems okay. So, that's good. At this point though, I'm contemplating just moving her in to the other (larger) tank I was waiting to move her in to. I don't know what to do stress-wise. Should I just thoroughly clean out her tub? Or just move her to a tank she was going to be moved in to?

Wow, that's disgusting! I would assume that this person is afraid of this snake & couldn't manage to admit that to you, or wanted the job so badly? No good excuse though- poor snake. But I think she'll be okay, just get her home all cleaned up. Either this one or the other new tank. It might be better to really sanitize this tub (some diluted bleach, perhaps) which will take a while, so it's probably best to just move her to the other one right now, if it's ready & tested- I don't think she'll miss this tub- :rolleyes:

Moving her to the larger tank it is. It'll fit her better.
The person who cared for them while I was gone has seen my snakes before and expressed no fear towards them. Even sent me pictures of my other snakes while I was gone. I was really shocked when I found she'd been treated like this.
I let her soak for a while to rehydrate. I will finish setting up her new enclosure now, thanks!

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

Moving her to the larger tank it is. It'll fit her better.
The person who cared for them while I was gone has seen my snakes before and expressed no fear towards them. Even sent me pictures of my other snakes while I was gone. I was really shocked when I found she'd been treated like this.
I let her soak for a while to rehydrate. I will finish setting up her new enclosure now, thanks!

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Well, some ppl just hate to admit fear, & maybe your snake sensed it was a stranger, & hissed &/or struck at them when they attempted to do something. They likely "took it personally" & they lost their nerve. :rolleyes: Since the others appeared to be taken care of, that would be my guess, anyway. You need a new snake-sitter, unfortunately- one that's more honest, reliable & experienced.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, some ppl just hate to admit fear, & maybe your snake sensed it was a stranger, & hissed &/or struck at them when they attempted to do something. They likely "took it personally" & they lost their nerve. :rolleyes: Since the others appeared to be taken care of, that would be my guess, anyway. You need a new snake-sitter, unfortunately- one that's more honest, reliable & experienced.

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Fear seems unlikely (I have a younger Jungle Carpet Python who is certainly more timid..), but I do know they aren't going to be watching over my animals again.
Anyways, I got her set up. Going to cover up the sides with some darker paper to help her feel more secure.
https://imgur.com/a/JbQTvf2

:gj: Who knows what their "excuse" would be- it's just inexcusable no matter what.

I offered her a mouse today and wow, I see what you mean by ZEST! She struck quicker and with more strength this time and got a good coil.

I'm already making plans for her adult enclosure, and was thinking 6'x2'x2'. Would this (likely) suffice? If she does end up getting too large for that, moving her is always a possibility.

Boas seem to catch on fast to constricting prey- they're not known for being "shy"- :D Fun snakes to keep around.

That size sounds good for the foreseeable future- beyond that, it's a wait & see. Snakes grow their whole life, & no way to know how long she'll live- it comes down to good genes, good luck & good care. She's got you, & that seems to be in her favor, anyway.

She has now poked her head out of her hide. She followed me as I walked by, and showed interest as if I was offering food. I was excited to see this today because well, she's beautiful and this should mean she's settling in more.

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Originally Posted by Ailuros

She has now poked her head out of her hide. She followed me as I walked by, and showed interest as if I was offering food. I was excited to see this today because well, she's beautiful and this should mean she's settling in more.

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She's learning how to call "room service"- :rofl: Boas aren't overly shy- especially not when it comes to food.

Got a bit busy recently, but Scarl is doing well. I fed her Tuesday night, and she ate well with no hesitation and a good coil. She seems to be doing really well, and I'm excited to watch her grow.
I've been talking with a family member about her enclosure, and we've been wondering about heating. I'm planning on using heat tape but we are unsure on how to attach it to the tank/set it up in general. Any tips or instructions on how to get the heating set up would be very helpful!