"The number one mistake most novices make is over-feeding. Boas evolved to sustain themselves on a minimal amount of food. You need to guard against over-feeding and obesity. Of course you don't want to starve your boas either, and the goal is to maintain a healthy weight. A young boa will thrive on a single meal that leaves a slight lump, once every ten to fourteen days. This regimen will produce a slow but steady growth rate that the animal can maintain itself on until adulthood." - The Complete Boa Constrictor by Vincent Russo