Bought a Nicaraguan boa....

A few months ago I was going to rescue a Nicaraguan boa from Craigslist but he looked very ill and malnourished. Most of the members members here talked me out of getting him due to the risk of making my other snakes sick and I appreciate the advice.

I found a breeder on MorphMarket named MBF Reptiles and I bought a 10 month old male Nicaraguan Boa that is listed as (Hypo Het Blood 66%poss Het T). I'll admit that I don't really understand the genetic listing but he is a beautiful snake and the seller is awesome to work and she has answered countless texts and sent me several of videos of him. I originally wanted another snake but she talked me out of it because he was a bit to edgy and said this one is easier to handle.

I have another T-10 on order but for now he will be quarantined in my BP's old 20 gallon long. He hasn't shipped yet but should be here by the end of next week.

Here a are a couple of pics...

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...4a2e00ea38.jpg[/URL]

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...52341760_n.jpg[/URL]

Very nice indeed, great colours, look forward to watching the progression on him

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Very pretty pick up!

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

10 month old male Nicaraguan Boa that is listed as (Hypo Het Blood 66%poss Het T). I'll admit that I don't really understand the genetic listing

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Just to help with this - Nicaraguan is the locality, your boa is a hypo (visual hypo).

He also carries the Blood gene (het blood) which is a recessive trait, so one of the parents was a visual blood boa.
(blood boa's look like this - http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/image...BloodBoa08.jpg )

He has a 66% chance of also carrying the recessive trait T (Tyrosinase) which is a type of albino that looks like a caramel albino. Since your guy is only 66% possibly het, that means both parents were het (carried) the trait so it's a 66% chance they passed it on to the offspring. No way to tell unless you breed/prove him out.
Usually it's specficied T+ or T- as there are different types. In boas, most likely T+, basic derscription of the trait - http://vpi.com/mailbag/2006/11/what_is_t_and_t_mean
a T+ nic looks like this - http://www.snake-planet.eu/wp-conten...2010/09/21.jpg

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

Very pretty pick up! Nicaraguan is the locality, your boa is a hypo (visual hypo).

He also carries the Blood gene (het blood) which is a recessive trait, so one of the parents was a visual blood boa.
(blood boa's look like this - http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/image...BloodBoa08.jpg )

He has a 66% chance of also carrying the recessive trait T (Tyrosinase) which is a type of albino that looks like a caramel albino. Since your guy is only 66% possibly het, that means both parents were het (carried) the trait so it's a 66% chance they passed it on to the offspring. No way to tell unless you breed/prove him out.
Usually it's specficied T+ or T- as there are different types. In boas, most likely T+, basic derscription of the trait - http://vpi.com/mailbag/2006/11/what_is_t_and_t_mean
a T+ nic looks like this - http://www.snake-planet.eu/wp-conten...2010/09/21.jpg

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Thank you for the clarification! He will strictly be a pet and I have no plans on breeding but this is very helpful information with understanding his background.

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Very nice indeed, great colours, look forward to watching the progression on him

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Thank you for your help in the Craigslist thread. I may have a few questions about Nic's in the future.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Thank you for your help in the Craigslist thread. I may have a few questions about Nic's in the future.

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No problem mate

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I’m a little vague on feeding. She says he eats an adult mouse once a week but I’ve read that boas his age can eat every 10-14 days due to their lower metabolism. Since he is almost a year old should I follow the adult feeding schedule? I have some weaned rats for my ball python and I think he can take one but it’s hard to tell in pictures.

I have been warned he has an incredible feeding response.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

I’m a little vague on feeding. She says he eats an adult mouse once a week but I’ve read that boas his age can eat every 10-14 days due to their lower metabolism. Since he is almost a year old should I follow the adult feeding schedule? I have some weaned rats for my ball python and I think he can take one but it’s hard to tell in pictures.

I have been warned he has an incredible feeding response.

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On adult mice I would still keep 7-10days you will notice her roaming if hungry and then try the small weener rats if you have them in , there normally about the size of a large mouse anyway, but rats have higher fat content so just start to space it out till you get to next size. You will probably notice a growth spurt when switching to rats, just remember he is. A smaller dwarf boa anyway
I don't think you will have a problem going from mice to rats eaoecwith boas

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Congrats on the cool new addition. I've just started keeping boas recently and I love them. I agree with Rich on the feeding schedule. He definitely knows his boas. :)

He's a stunningly handsome snake, that's for sure. Looks like you made a great choice.