Red tail questions

[Derekroth91]

I got my first red tail today. He's about five feet long and I had a few questions

1. He's get creases all along his body where's his scales seem a bit pulled back. I'm assuming this isn't normal so what can I do about it?

2. What would be an appropriate feeder?

3. Should I hook train him?

[Daybreaker]

1) Pics?
2) Just a rough guess without seeing a pic or knowing a weight: medium rats? My ~6' male Colombian is on large rats and my female who's about 5' is on mediums/small larges
3) I don't hook train my boas, but you sure could if you wanted to

[Evenstar]

Yea, we'd need a couple of pics to better answer questions 1 & 2.

As far as question 3, I don't hook train my boas either. Of course you can, but boas are generally pretty sweet and don't usually reach a size that would, strictly speaking, require it.

I do think the creases you are referring to are like the ones described in this thread: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ot-crease-quot . If so, they are nothing to be worried about at all. If not, please post a picture so we can see what's what!

Feed your boa a rodent that is about equal in size to how big around your boa is. It should leave no more than a barely noticable lump in the snake once swallowed. My 2010 Argentine is about 5 ft and is taking large-ish medium rats. With boas, it is better to err on the small side. So when in doubt, go smaller. I would suggest sticking with medium rats for a while. And don't feed any more often than every 10 days. At his guess-timated age, I would actually recommend every 14 days.

Hope this helps! If we can see some pictures, we might be able to offer more! .....That and we just like to see pictures!

[Derekroth91]

I was also wondering if you could tell me what kind of boa he is? Lol

[Daybreaker]

Looks like a normal Colombian BCI

My Cali King has/gets those indents too, it's just from him laying on stuff - I wouldn't worry at all

[Derekroth91]

I definitely feel you on lookin at pictures! And yes the pics in that thread literally look like there from my boa (who I have yet to name)

And I think I will hook train. It only takes an extra minute when you get them out to handle so no harm in doing it. He seems to be adjusting quite well. I'm hoping to build a viv that's got some height to it for him to perch on and climb because boy.. He is a climber

[Derekroth91]

Okay thanks guys!

[Evenstar]

I definitely feel you on lookin at pictures! And yes the pics in that thread literally look like there from my boa (who I have yet to name)

And I think I will hook train. It only takes an extra minute when you get them out to handle so no harm in doing it. He seems to be adjusting quite well. I'm hoping to build a viv that's got some height to it for him to perch on and climb because boy.. He is a climber

Yup, hook training is easy and really just a personal preference. Boas do love to climb if given the opportunity!

As you probably read in that other thread, those creases are very common - especially when they tend to curl up in one spot for any length of time.

He's a nice looking boa! Congrats!

[Salamander Rising]

If you can, make him a nice 'tree'.

My kids would hang out on theirs forever if I let them....

[Derekroth91]

Thanks! I'm very happy to have him! I will definitely have to make a tree a priority haha