Potential Red-Tail

[Melicious]

I was talking to a friend of mine from class today and she stated that she had a red tail that she needs to get rid of because she doesn't have the time for her. She's asking 150 with the entire set-up and still debating on a price for just the snake.

She's going to get me better information, but I wanted to ask about the care of the red tail. I've read the caresheet, but I wanted to ask from your experiences, what works best with these guys if I do end up buying her.

Please, please, please!

[cassandra]

Is she a common red tail, i.e., boa constrictor imperator or BCI, or a "true" red tail, i.e., boa constrictor constrictor or BCC? The latter get a bit bigger, females usually between 7-10'.

Have a look at the following website to give you a better idea of the differences between boa localities. =)

Here's our baby BCC, Carmen:

[xdeus]

Hmm... I'm not sure what you're asking. They're pretty easy snakes, they just need more space. They'll climb if you give them a branch, but it's not necessary. The temps are a little cooler than Balls. Humidity is about the same. They're not as picky with food, at least mine sure isn't. They're much faster and stronger than a Ball, just something to be aware of.

Oh, and I'm sure you've read about that they can be carriers for IBD.

Great snakes, though!

[Melicious]

I'm actually going to gather all of the information about her here and then debate whether or not i have the money and the space for another reptile. Personally speaking, I just want to make sure she doesn't sell it to a kid.

I'm sure I could handle the responsibility and again be a paranoid mommy, but I'm not sure if I need to. I want to. Hell yes, do I want to. I just have to think about what's best for the snake as well as myself.

[frankykeno]

I think you're being extremely responsible to make sure you know what you are getting into and that this is the right thing for you and for the snake.

Other than confirming what exactly the snake is as far as a BCI or BCC, see if you can find out if it's been sexed as there is a good deal of size difference there to deal with. As well, I would insist that she takes the snake in for a vet check and fecal before she sells it. If she doesn't want to do so, then I'd consider it a rescue and offer to take it for free as you will then have to cover the appropriate vet visit. Any new snake needs full quarantine for at least 3 months or more, especially in a mixed collection involving boas and pythons. We do not even keep our foster BCI, Rauri, in the same room with our ball python collection and we've had him since last summer.

As far as BCI's, they make wonderful though large pet snakes. They can get to the point of eating baby rabbits but can also do just fine on jumbo rats. They are not horrifically expensive to feed but they do require larger housing and do seem to enjoy climbing and being out of their enclosures a fair bit. As much as Rauri is a super nice snake....we can't ever forget he's 6 feet of bull strong male BCI so issues regarding small pets and children should not be ignored, also secure caging so that he cannot get loose accidentally and either injure himself or upset the neighbours (the old man next door would fall over dead if he ever caught sight of Rauri!)

Let us know how it goes.

[elevatethis]

Male BCI's are pretty laid back...I'd go as far to say that it's a good "first" large constrictor for someone open to learn how to care and handle larger snakes. Male BCIs stay relatively slim and are usually pretty well tempered.

Keep researching and good luck!

[Melicious]

Well, I just got to meet her today. Monique brought her to class because this is the only class she has today. She's absolutely beautiful, very healthy looking, and I've never seen such a sweet, docile female imperator.

I'll be paying $120 for the 40-gallon set-up with the lights, the substrate, etc. I'll also be taking her to a vet as soon as I get some more money.

I'm quite set on getting her, however I wanted to know if there were any other pieces and bits of advice you might have for this purchase.

I also have one more question. She's got a little bit of left over buildup from shedding. It's about a quarter-of-an-inch long. I was wondering if it would be alright to remove this. Whether with scissors or something else. I'll ask Monique to take a picture if I remember.

I'm also typing up a contract for this purchase that we'd both sign. Are there any things I might want to put in this?

[ladywhipple02]

Concerning the shed... I would soak the snake in water (remember, if it's warm to your touch, it'll be hot to them). Fill a plastic tub up so that it comes about halfway up the snake, and let her soak for a bit (put the top on the container). After this is done, have her crawl through a warm, wet towel.

If this isn't enough to get the shed to come off, simply make sure her humidity is correct, and the remaining shed will come off with the next shed.

If you try pulling the shed off, it's possible to hurt the snake, perhaps even pull off skin.

And congrats on getting a boa! I love mine to pieces!

[Melicious]

The Contract. Please tell me if this seems reasonable.

Mutual Contract of Sale

I.Items of Sale:

a.One Red-Tailed Boa; BCI/BCC

b.Entire Set-up Including 40-gallon tank.

c.Any other equipment Monique decides is viable.

II.Terms of Sale:

a.$20-$25 payments given each week or as available by Melanie Seals’ part.

b.Melanie will provide good care for the animal including vet bills, the purchase of feeding items, and any other husbandry-type items.

c.Melanie will keep the snake healthy, sound, and in a low-stressed environment.

d.At the end of the payments, the snake, the equipment, etc will be moved into Melanie’s apartment. ***This might be a bit of a tough one with being in school. We’ll figure something out.

III.Contingencies:

a.If, in the event that after a month of owning Fury she becomes ill, dies, etc, either all monies will be returned or another snake is provided.

i.This is provided not because Melanie doesn’t trust Monique, but because Melanie has seen it happen too many times not to.

[Melicious]

And I do believe she's a BCI.