Temperament...

[JohnNGriffin]

OK,

5-7 is too frequent for an adult boa male or female. I'd go 10 minimum, and depending on prey size 14-21 days is fine at that age. He targets you when you are feeding him because you give off a much larger heat signature even though they don't have visible heat pits. You also are easier to see so you movement is more detectable than the smaller rat's.

There are a lot of male adult boas that max at the 4.5 to 5 foot mark. It's not at all unheard of. If your snake was underfed, just getting on a schedule will take care of the problem.

No need to "catch up". He'll just grow as he eats.

You don't want any roundness in his shape. A lean, healthy boa will present a strong, muscular, loaf shaped appearance.

Once he settles in, you should start handling him more often. Don't mess with him before he eats, or after for a few days.

Most boas really settle in, and maybe even seem to enjoy being handled.

Back off on the feeding and you'll do fine.

Loaf-shaped was a better description of what I meant. Round was the wrong word. But, thanks though.