Colombian red tail Stunted growth

[Dragonpun]

We typically own ball pythons but we got a Colombian red tail last night. According to the person we got her from, "she came too close to a heat lamp and now her growth is stunted." The guy says she's 4 years old but she's 2 feet long. There is visible burn scarring on her back. He recommended that we feed her 3 mice every couple weeks. Is this adequate feeding or even possible to have growth stunted like this? Just making sure I can provide and take care of her properly. Thanks.

[artgecko]

Weird. I'm no expert by a long shot, but I wouldn't think burns would cause stunted growth. Do you have a picture you can post of her to show body condition?

If a boa is in correct condition, it will have the shape of a loaf of bread. More square than a BP, but no emaciated. Also, were there any other symptoms... any stuck shed, dehydration, etc.?

For a boa that is 2 years old, I feed every 10 days - every-other-week. The prey item should be the girth of the boa and either leave a very small or no lump. BCCs do grow more slowly than BCI (I only have BCI and BCA) but I do know you are not supposed to feed multiple prey items.

I'd think try a large mouse or rat pup that is of appropriate size every-other-week and see how it goes. Hopefully someone with more BCC experience will see this and post though.

Good luck!

[AbsoluteApril]

Heat does not stunt.
Colombian red tail is a Bi (BCi)
Boas typically should be on appropriate sized rats. Go by the girth, at 2' probably a rat pup or weaned? One prey item every 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient assuming this boa has good body structure (it isn't 'flat' or triangular which would indicate being underfed and too thin).
I prefer to keep my male boas smaller, I only go up to mediums and they stay in the 4' range as adults typically.
Boas will continue to grow their entire lives.