New arrivals :)

[Southern_Breeder]

Congrats on your new pick ups

[Expensive hobby]

So if you find a regurgitated rat in the tank how are you gunna decide who it came from?

*Well if I find a 1.5lb super jumbo rat I'm pretty sure it's the female who did it, and if I find a large rat then I know who did that as well...

Which breeders said it was ok? Drop names.

*The Serpentarium in Lodi, and Shedskin as well are the two main breeders I can think of.

I'm just curious. Its GENERALLY frowned upon a bit. I'm not saying its impossible to do, some species of snakes even thrive with it, i just would never recommend it to a keeper who doesn't have a lot of experience with snakes.

*I wouldn't say I have "a lot" of experience, but I have a lot of common sense, and TONS of experience with many exotic animals, but not entirely snakes. These two are now my 6th and 7th snakes, I have had Beardies, Chinese water dragons, PAC man frogs, bullfrogs, and literally THOUSANDS of fish.

I'm not saying any of that makes me an expert, but I do have the common sense and attention to detail to house almost any animal, and learn their behavior and care requirements.

This post shouldn't be read in an aggressive tone, i'm ONLY commenting because i care about the snakes. They look good though!

*I don't take it as aggressive and I care very much about my pets as well, very much so!

And thank you! I think they look beautiful as well! I'm excited to have a range of color morphs as well in my lineup. Especially jumping into a bigger constrictor so fast. So fun to handle a big girl, and constantly watch where she's wrapping, and where her head is. Def things you don't have to worry about so much with a 150g baby lol.

0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[Gio]

They really look great. I'm not sure I've ever heard cohabitation is looked at by most breeders as a positive. Info I've gotten is that WE may think the snakes are snuggling together but in reality they are competing for the same space and are very solitary creatures unless it is breeding time.

But I have read also that some boas have laid together outside a den entrance and used each other for increased heat during basking. I'm really not sure where BCs fall in the mix. I know gardener snakes will exist and thrive together.

Beyond all that, I think they look great and I'm stoked for you!

I think IF you decide to house them together, you should get the biggest enclosure possible.

[Evenstar]

So if you find a regurgitated rat in the tank how are you gunna decide who it came from?

Which breeders said it was ok? Drop names.

I'm just curious. Its GENERALLY frowned upon a bit. I'm not saying its impossible to do, some species of snakes even thrive with it, i just would never recommend it to a keeper who doesn't have a lot of experience with snakes.

This post shouldn't be read in an aggressive tone, i'm ONLY commenting because i care about the snakes. They look good though!

This is one reason I asked as well. And I mean no offense either in my next few words....

Boas are very solitary creatures. They may be found "curling up together" but they don't do that to be social or because they like each other. They are doing it because they are competing for the same temperature spot/comfort zone. And they are likely stressing because there's another snake in their way.

If you aren't going to feed them together, are you going to feed them both in a separate container? It is very stressful for a snake to be fed outside it's enclosure and it's a myth that they will develop cage aggression if they aren't moved. It is better for them to be fed in their home and then to be left alone afterwards. Also, a regurgitated rat looks NOTHING like it did when it was first eaten - I doubt you could tell them apart by the size.

It IS possible for experienced keepers to house certain snake species in communal habitats, but it is not generally recommended for the average keeper. I've had snakes for years and I'd never do it with the species I keep (most of which are boas). You will see a decline in their health over time if you continue to keep them together.

And a male and a female WILL breed. Are you prepared for the 30+ babies a large female boa can have in one litter???

If you truly care about your snakes (and I can tell that you do), the very best thing you can do for them is to give them separate homes.

[Expensive hobby]

This is one reason I asked as well. And I mean no offense either in my next few words....

Boas are very solitary creatures. They may be found "curling up together" but they don't do that to be social or because they like each other. They are doing it because they are competing for the same temperature spot/comfort zone. And they are likely stressing because there's another snake in their way.

If you aren't going to feed them together, are you going to feed them both in a separate container? It is very stressful for a snake to be fed outside it's enclosure and it's a myth that they will develop cage aggression if they aren't moved. It is better for them to be fed in their home and then to be left alone afterwards. Also, a regurgitated rat looks NOTHING like it did when it was first eaten - I doubt you could tell them apart by the size.

It IS possible for experienced keepers to house certain snake species in communal habitats, but it is not generally recommended for the average keeper. I've had snakes for years and I'd never do it with the species I keep (most of which are boas). You will see a decline in their health over time if you continue to keep them together.

And a male and a female WILL breed. Are you prepared for the 30+ babies a large female boa can have in one litter???

If you truly care about your snakes (and I can tell that you do), the very best thing you can do for them is to give them separate homes.

Hey if I need to house them separate so be it. I have no problem giving them what they need.

As far a distinguishing prey items apart, I highly doubt a near rabbit size meal will degrade enough in their stomach where I can't tell the difference between it and a medium/large rat.

And as far as breeding, I absolutely HOPE that she has 30+ neonates, heck I hope for 60! Although I doubt her first season she will produce even 30.

To be quite honest, I have seen almost ALL boas kept together ranging in size, and have had no less than 10 keepers/breeders with very healthy animals being kept this way. In fact both of these animals were kept this way before I acquired them.

Not saying any or all of you are wrong, but I have seen it both ways, and have yet to see a detrimental effect from housing together. If even the slightest issue arises, they will be kept separate no questions asked.


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[Raven01]

Listen to anything Evenstar says about boas. She has yet to steer me wrong and I am absolutely loving the decision to add a BCL to my collection. So much so that little girl will be an arm band tattoo before too long.
She is a fountain of knowledge on these wonderful snakes.

[BFE Pets]

I would normally agree 100% with evenstar (and the rest of you). however this is one where our opinions differ just a bit. I also have heard for years that breeders leave males and females together about 11 months out of the year. that 12th month is when the female is about to drop her brood. I also have housed boas together successfully in the past and never seen their health deteriorate over any amount of time. Do any of you have studies to back up this idea? or have any of you personally seen it within your own collection? have you even ever tried to house 2 boas together long term? I'm not suggesting just anyone should do it. there are a lot of things to consider to do it correctly. certainly just having one big enclosure with a hot spot, a cold side, and a couple hides doesnt justify throwing 2 snakes in together. but it can/does get done safely and effectively. As for the whole "what if theres a regurge" issue..... I'm sorry but if one of my snakes regurges i've got bigger issues than trying to figure out which one did it. i'm checking temps, heat pads, T-stats, and my stock of prey to see why there was a regurge. Boas are solitary animals except during breeding. you shouldnt house them together. Youre doing it all wrong. hey op..... Find someone (probably one of the 10ish breeders that told you it was ok) and ask them what they are doing and how they are doing it and for how long they've been doing it. make an educated decision on what you want to try. I dont give a rats hiney which way you choose to do it. but make an informed decision, keep acurate records, keep us posted on how they are doing, keep the pics coming, and if you are successful in what ever method you choose write a book about it called The New Guide to Boa Husbandry Bible So we all have a reference to point to when we tell some one thats not the way to do it! Instead of cuz I said so.

[Expensive hobby]

I would normally agree 100% with evenstar (and the rest of you). however this is one where our opinions differ just a bit. I also have heard for years that breeders leave males and females together about 11 months out of the year. that 12th month is when the female is about to drop her brood. I also have housed boas together successfully in the past and never seen their health deteriorate over any amount of time. Do any of you have studies to back up this idea? or have any of you personally seen it within your own collection? have you even ever tried to house 2 boas together long term? I'm not suggesting just anyone should do it. there are a lot of things to consider to do it correctly. certainly just having one big enclosure with a hot spot, a cold side, and a couple hides doesnt justify throwing 2 snakes in together. but it can/does get done safely and effectively. As for the whole "what if theres a regurge" issue..... I'm sorry but if one of my snakes regurges i've got bigger issues than trying to figure out which one did it. i'm checking temps, heat pads, T-stats, and my stock of prey to see why there was a regurge. Boas are solitary animals except during breeding. you shouldnt house them together. Youre doing it all wrong. hey op..... Find someone (probably one of the 10ish breeders that told you it was ok) and ask them what they are doing and how they are doing it and for how long they've been doing it. make an educated decision on what you want to try. I dont give a rats hiney which way you choose to do it. but make an informed decision, keep acurate records, keep us posted on how they are doing, keep the pics coming, and if you are successful in what ever method you choose write a book about it called The New Guide to Boa Husbandry Bible So we all have a reference to point to when we tell some one thats not the way to do it! Instead of cuz I said so.

Man, I don't know if that was supportive, offensive, defensive, indifferent, sarcastic, or none of the above lol.

Basically I will take advice if it is sound and works for me, and I promise all of you that I will give my babies the utmost care and attention.

If I do something wrong, shout it out. I want to take good care of them.

Also be aware tho that these are not my first snakes or reptiles.

Right now we have 12 snakes in my house and all are doing very well.


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

[BFE Pets]

Man, I don't know if that was supportive, offensive, defensive, indifferent, sarcastic, or none of the above lol.

Basically I will take advice if it is sound and works for me, and I promise all of you that I will give my babies the utmost care and attention.

If I do something wrong, shout it out. I want to take good care of them.

Also be aware tho that these are not my first snakes or reptiles.

Right now we have 12 snakes in my house and all are doing very well.


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013

Lmao! Maybe a Lil bit of all the above. I'm sorry for the rant I haven't slept in days due to personal drama and it just rubbed me the wrong way. Seemed like you were getting gang banged over a subject that I know personally can be done safely. If you ask a lot of the so called experts in the hobby there are 3 ways of doing anything. The wrong way (bad things happen), the right way (popular general consensus that seems to work well), and the way they do it because it works for them. I guess all I was getting at is however you do it take notes of what works and what don't and share the knowledge. Good luck and enjoy those cuties!

[Expensive hobby]

Lol thanks. It was a good rant btw. I've noticed some very conflicting advice on this site when it comes to boas. Most times that I see advice that I don't necessarily agree with, it's someone ripping another person for how they care for their boa. Funny thing is most often it's a BP keeper telling a boa keeper that they are wrong and "this is how's it's done."

Kinda like everybody is an expert on all snakes lol.

On a side note there is tons of info on this site that is sound, and correct.


0.1.0 Normal Ball Python
0.1.0 Columbian B.C.I. 2013
1.0.0 EBV Red Group Pastel Hypo Jungle B.C.I. 2013