Dumerils Boa Rescue

[Fastfish]

After not owning a snake in 25 years, I was going to set up a terrarium and buy a common boa, and while researching what's changed in the hobby over the last 25 years, I found someone wanting to re-home a Dumerils Boa that had stopped eating.

I decided to take the plunge, I got the animal and his entire set-up for free. All he had was the snake and a 75 gallon aquarium with a lid held down by bricks.

I went out and got a large under tank heater, a thermostat, and day and night lights set up with a timer. I added two hides, two thermometers, a hydrometer, and a log to help with shedding.

The snake is a two year old female about 48 inches long, I have no idea what she weighs, buy she looks a little skinny. Her skin looks good, her breathing sounds good.

I got her all set up and after a week of no handling, I offered a medium live rat. She went after it aggressively, and struck and constricted it within 10 seconds of dropping it in. She ate the rat, then started cruising the tank like she was looking for another one. I plan in feeding her a medium rat every seven days untill she looks a little thicker, then cutting her back to every 14 days.

Right now I'm just very happy that her temps and humidity are spot on, and she seems happy, and is eating. She is a very sweet snake, and I really hope she can thrive with proper care.

[Bogertophis]

Hey, lucky you AND lucky snake! Seems like a match meant to be? I've never kept a Dumeril's but always thought they're so beautiful. You're off to a
good start-

The snake probably stopped eating because of the lack of heat...sounds like you got to her "in time"...I sure hope so. I do hope you'll get her on pre-killed
(frozen-thawed or freshly killed) rats though, for her safety and for humane considerations (rats are intelligent, whether or not you like them). I'll bet she
takes dead prey easily, now that she's got heat & decent care.

[hilabeans]

Dumerils are on my short list, so happy she in a better place with you!

Be sure and post complete pics of your set up so we can advise you on best practices and tools. So much has changed and/or advanced in the last 25 years!

And if you haven't done so already, you can join the Dumerils FB groups for loads of advice specific to this beautiful species.

[richardhind1972]

Her markings are outstanding, good luck and let's hope her recovery carries on

Sent from my TA-1024 using Tapatalk

[bcr229]

Nice looking dum! I wouldn't worry too much about putting weight on her, she's supposed to be square and she doesn't really look underweight in the pictures.

Putting weight on a boa is easy. Putting them on a diet is not.

[Phillydubs]

She’s a nice looking girl and I would echo what others have said already.

As. Dumeril owner myself I can attest to how great they are and stunning in person.

I would agree get her on FT and don’t over feed. My dum male would eat daily if I let him

slow and steady

[Jus1More]

That is awesome you rescued her! From looking at the pictures she looks good. Dumerils have such nice patterns and sweet temperaments. WELCOME to the world of owning a boa my friend...Congrats!

[dboeren]

So much has changed and/or advanced in the last 25 years!

For sure! I had some boas back around 1991 and I'm sure I'd be appalled at my old setup if I saw it today

[Fastfish]

Everything has changed in the last 25 years.i really like the uth controlled by a thermostat, and the day/night lights on a timer.

I'll post pics of my setup when I get off work. And I really will consider and appreciate any advice you can give me. My goal is to have a happy healthy snake.

By the way, her name is Penny

[hilabeans]

Penny! Love it.