My first boa

[ClarkT]

How long is their shed cycle? A lot like a bp?
As far as I've read on caresheets, it looks to be about the same conditions as BPs, right? Do you think she should have a hide?

[waltah!]

If I had to choose between my snakes and could only keep one it would be my boa. They have great personalities and are just fun to keep (and don't hide all day).
A normal girl that size would most like likely go for around $200. The issue is that there are tons of normals available to adopt and pick up on the cheap on Craigslist. If you have her set up properly you will probably find her a very rewarding snake to keep.
She should shed for you in a few days and will be much lighter and maybe have some peach and pink colors showing on her sides and belly. Very pretty.
Some people feed every week and many boa keepers slow grow them. Adults can be fed weekly, but some feed every 14-21 days and have big, gorgeous boas to show for it.

[purplemuffin]

I know a lot of big boas that don't use hides, but it's always good to give them one, (imo but I believe the same with ball pythons) Maybe made out of a litter box or something similar!

Her eyes will clear up and within a few days she'll shed!

[ClarkT]

Thanks for all the answers and help guys. As always, you are all so helpful.

On the popping/sexing question, any ideas for that?

[purplemuffin]

I'm not sure. I know Jeremy Stone pops his breeding adults, but he's been at it for years. Maybe at first get him/her probed?

[razrbak]

x2 on the probe.

[rperry03]

That size, most will probe. Nice eyes, deep shed. Mine shed 2 days after clearing up like clock work whereas my bp's will go a few days after clearing up, seldom 2 days.

An adult that size will eat a large/x-large every 14 days and would probably refuse meals any sooner or a small-med rat every week. Boas are garbage disposals, but slow down as they get older...most will never refuse after 14 days lol


BTW, if this is your first boa or never feed one; once they are in feeding mode stand clear cause they can be very aggressive eaters. Give them the rat, and let them have their privacy once everything is safe! Mine will let their bite go while squeezing and look at you and try striking you through the window! I have to feed my boas last cause they will see me going cage to cage and strike like crazy, but any other day they are babies

[waltah!]

Mine won't eat if anyone is watching lol
They definitely aren't like feeding most bp's. A couple days after feeding it's back to being a big sweetheart, but at feeding time some can be a bit nuts.

[TheWinWizard]

Definitely BCI and definitely in shed. No wonder the hubby got bit.

[rperry03]

Definitely BCI and definitely in shed. No wonder the hubby got bit.

That is also a very good point! When my balls are in blue I will handle them and well they will ball up, when my boas are in shed I will not handle them because they strike at everything that moves!