New To Boas

[Bravo.whiskey]

**DISCLAIMER**

I am not planning on breeding anytime soon, I am just wanting to gather as much knowledge as possible, so when the time is right, I know as much as possible.

Now, with that being said, I was wondering if there are any experienced breeders in here that can give me a rundown on how to breed BCC/BCI. Like I said, I'm nowhere near ready to breed as I am new to the boas, but, I am always looking to gather more knowledge and learn as much as possible.
Thank you in advance.

[AbsoluteApril]

Do you have any specific questions?

Boaphile used to have his Reptiles magazine article online which was a terrific source of information however it appears he's removed it. This very affordable book will probably help and has a great breakdown on the breeding process:
Boa Constrictor Manual by Philippe De Vosjoli, it's under $10
https://www.amazon.com/Constrictor-M...6333108&sr=8-1

Basically, both boas should be mature (males usually 2+ years, 3 is better, females 4+ years, 5 is better IMO) and in good condition (nice square shape, not overfed).
I pair my boas up usually in November, breeding typically takes place over months with the females typically ovulating around February/March. Males will usually court the female for a while (weeks/months) before the actual breeding takes place. If I don't see any courting after 3-7 days, I separate them for a bit, feed, then reintroduce a few weeks later. Once they have started courting, I leave them alone until the female ovulates or they are staying apart for an extended period of time. Telling these signs just comes with practice and experience IMO.

The females give live birth typically 100-110 days after post ovulation shed and litters can average anywhere from 0 to 40 babies. There may or may not be slugs (infertile ova) and still borns as well. You can feed the mother as normal while she is gravid but hold off the last few weeks before she's due. Some people cool their boas a bit before introduction, I, and others, don't bother and they produce just fine.

Mothers can be protective of their young so use caution removing her after she is done giving birth. It's okay to leave her in there for a bit if you want to see some interesting interaction with the babies. I leave the babies where they are born until they move off from the birth site, making sure the cage is a extra humid during this time. I personally keep all babies together in a larger tub with lots of bedding (I use newspaper) and a shallow water dish until their first sheds which happen approx. 10 days after birth. Then I separate them into shoe box tubs with a hide and water bowl and offer a first meal.

I wrote a lot more than I expected. haha hope that helps! I've been breeding boas since 2003 off and on, I do this as a hobby. This is in regards to Bi (BCi)
Good luck!

[Bravo.whiskey]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[paulh]

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/down...ion-3-a-31312/

You will have to register on www.redtailboas.com before you can download this file. That site is worth checking out for any boa constrictor enthusiast, though.

[dkatz4]

With all due respect to AbsoluteApril, i do not particularly care for De Vosjoli's book. The generally recognized definitive text is "The Complete Boa Constrictor" by Vincent Russo (often referred to as the "boa bible") - to be honest i cant believe i'm the first to mention it on this thread. It is more expensive than the other, but its an entirely different level of book. If you are new to boas, read it cover to cover and you will find yourself to be something of an expert over night (not literally, of course). Dont let the price throw you, when i posted the link above it was $51, if that feels like a lot for a book (as it did to me when i first ordered it) just remember its a 280 page hardcover glossy paged text with dozens and dozens of color photos, and contains not just the 20-some-odd years of Russo's personal studies and experience, but also those of his mentors and contemporaries; its an invaluable wealth of knowledge.

[AbsoluteApril]

I didn't mention that book because I don't have it, thank you for adding it in.

I specifically mentioned the De Vosjoli book, not because it's a fantastic boa book but because it does have a very good section on breeding and it's very affordable. I'm also a fan of The Reproductive Husbandry Of Pythons And Boas By Richard A. Ross M. D