New Red Tail

[Karma]

Just adopted this boa from someone who rescued him/her from being put down. I guess animal control seized the snake along with some other animals. He's a little malnourished. Doesn't seem aggressive. I can't tell if he's softly hissing at me or if he's just breathing. Doesn't get in the strike position. Any idea of how old he/she might be?

[Jonny2184]

No idea about the age, but THANKS for saving the snake.
Looks like a nice snake... hoefully u can get er fat!

[ladywhipple02]

Definitely an adult... but age is hard to say. He or she could be five or fifteen. I agree on the malnourishment. He looks a little skinny to me...


I would start him on a feeding schedule of one nice fat rat (of proportionate size) every seven days until his weight gets back up to par. You'll be able to tell a difference---that red tail will start getting nice and plump. Once he's gained some weight back, you can move him back to feeding once every twelve to fourteen days (this is just personal preference and what I would do in your situation... boas can become obese. The little pigs just won't stop eating!).

Probably be a good idea to get him vet checked. If you can hear him breathing, it may be a sign of early RI. Plus, coming from an unknown environment, I'd want to make sure he wasn't carrying any bugs (looks like his nose might have been rubbed at one point, too... maybe have it looked at?) Make sure you follow quarantine procedure, especially around any BPs you might have!!!

Otherwise, congrats on the new kid. I love the dark boas... He'll be a good looking guy when you get some meat on him!

[Brandon.O]

Good job !

As far as the breathing/hissing, it kinda looks like it might have a slight nose rub....maybe thiers a small piece of skin on his nostril making the noise ?>?

You might just wanna run him over to the vet just to be sure though !

[Karma]

Ya he has some funky areas on his nose. I'll be taking him to the vet and keeping him away from my balls. I'm sure he'll be looking good in a few months. He's got a forever home here!

[Karma]

Ok so I have an update. After seeing "her" drool last night I got extremely concerned about the RI. I got word of a good herp vet and got an appointment for 2:30 today. I found out he was a her, and she was anemic from being chronically ill, under weight, dehydrated, low muscle mass and has a RI. I got some antibiotics and will take her back in a month to make sure it's gone away. The vet put her on a shot of Amikacin every 3 days for 3 weeks. I was told to soak her 4 times a week and offer her food once a week. I'm going to put the rat in water before giving it to her in hopes it helps with the dehydration. I'll post when I get an update or if she starts showing positive signs to improvement. Here are a few more pics...

[BigCeC43]

Poor thing. Glad to here your going to take good care of her. Keep updated.

[Holbeird]

Awesome Job Karma! We still have to get together some time since your just down the road :-p

[Karma]

You have my number I'm never really that busy.

[Freakie_frog]

Good rescue. Way to go.