Scarlette - 2022 Colombian BCI

[dakski]

For the enclosure would you recommend sliding doors or opening out? For what I have planned so far enclosure dimensions are 6'x2.5'x1'5.
Shes taken a smaller mouse for me so far, as her breeder had skipped a week for her due to the expo. She didn't seem confident in eating. Even my hog took with more enthusiasm lol. Should her feeding response grow better the more she settles in?

I like opening out and I like acrylic doors. Sliding doors are often glass (more on that in a second) and I am not a big fan, especially if you use substrate. The substrate can get caught in the tracks, etc. Opening out doors and acrylic doors flex a little. That's good especially if you have an overzealous feeder. Behira bent a tooth once on the acrylic door (from striking at it anticipating food), but it fell out next feeding. I've heard of worse, but especially with glass doors that do not flex.

The opening out doors are also good because in many PVC designs, you can have two, or more doors on a tank the size you are talking about. My 6X2' Boaphiles have two doors each. Again, this helps with feeding.

Hoping this isn't an issue with your girl, but you never know.

I do keep drapes over the Boa tanks so they don't (generally) strike when I walk by, etc. However, that's not fool proof and further, when food is involved, it's sometimes difficult to get the door open fast enough.

Alright, yeah. She is just a pet and I have absolutely no plan of selling or breeding snakes. I have two other snakes (Ball Python and Plains Hognose) I did acquire her from a reptile expo though.

Like Bogertophis said, let her settle in a bit. She should start eating with zest soon. I wouldn't handle for another 1-2 feedings. See how confident she is next feeding. If she seems more interested, hits harder, etc. then get one more meal into her and then you can start gentle handling. Right now, make sure she's happy, has proper temps and humidity, etc.

Regarding quarantine, and having two other snakes, I'd quarantine for 90 days from acquisition, assuming there are no issues. If anything comes up, quarantine starts over.

Also, for your benefit, and anyone else reading who isn't sure about quarantine, quarantine means:

1. Handle, clean, feed, etc. the snake on quarantine last. Do not do anything with Scarlette until you have taken care of the other snakes needs first (in any given day).

2. Do not use the same utensils (hooks, tongs, etc.) with your quarantined snake as you do with your existing snakes.

3. Good practice overall, but unique water bowl, hides, etc. as well.

4. Different room if possible. If you have to keep them in the same room, make sure they are as far away from your other snakes as possible.

Keep us posted!