Newbie!

[Meyou4042]

Hi! My name is Mary, and I am new to this forum. I am the proud owner of 2 ball pythons, one is a youngster, and the other is a bit larger and older. They are great beginner snakes and I love caring for them! The larger one (Thor) is still a little hand shy. When I touch him he tenses up, but I am trying to work with him and get him used to being held without stressing him.

The other smaller one (Buddy) is very friendly and is fine with being held.

Today I rescued a Hog/Nic mixed boa. This is a rather large step for me, and I am hoping I did not bite off more than I can chew! The lady gave him to me because she thinks he may have an RI, and he in underweight. There is no discharge at all, but I will take him to the Vet anyway to make sure he is ok! My question is "in general", how large do these types of snakes generally get, and how is their temperment? (Yes I know that any snake can and will strike, just asking for generalities).

What can I expect for full grown adult size? At the moment he is only in a 30 gallon tank, which will be upgraded this weekend, but I wanted to make sure he stays warm if he might be ill. From what I understand, the guy that this lady got him from did not feed him as much as he should have. She said that he has eaten two med size rats for her this week.

He seems to be friendly when I am holding him, but since this is his first day with us I do not want to stress him out - specially if he is possibly ill.

I am also looking for a name for this gorgeous boy! Any suggestions?

[sharthun]

Hey and welcome! You have come to the right place!!

[bigsnakegirl785]

Hello and welcome. :)

Is that cedar or pine? If so, get him off it as soon as you can. The oils are bad for snakes. I think kiln-dried is fine, but don't quote me on that. Just to be safe I wouldn't use it. Both Hogs and Nics are dwarf varieties of boa constrictor, so if he's male I believe they average 3-4ft (males tend to be smaller than females, but that isn't always the case of course)? If it's male I doubt he will get as big as my male Colombian - he's just short of 6ft at almost 2.5 years and still growing. The temperament is entirely up to the individual. You will have to just see, but boas are known for their docility and strong feeding responses. I'm sure some users who have interacted with a wider range of individuals can help you with any temperamental problems he may have. Beautiful little guy! Unfortunately, I'm bad at naming, too. XD

[wrecker45]

Welcome. Nice snake. Looked at the pic and thought of George.

[Meyou4042]

Big, that is Aspen, which I was told was safe for snakes? (Has it right on the bag!) Please let me know if that is not ok, since I am using it for all three of my snakes! I am glad that he will not get TOO large, although he does need to fatten up! I am hoping he keeps his so far even disposition!

Wrecker,

I will keep the name George as a possibility! : - )

[drumcrush]

Hey, welcome!

[bigsnakegirl785]

Big, that is Aspen, which I was told was safe for snakes? (Has it right on the bag!) Please let me know if that is not ok, since I am using it for all three of my snakes! I am glad that he will not get TOO large, although he does need to fatten up! I am hoping he keeps his so far even disposition!

Wrecker,

I will keep the name George as a possibility! : - )

Aspen is perfectly fine, but it doesn't hold humidity well and molds easily and boa constrictors require high humidity. Some people have had luck with it though, so just keep an eye on everything. If you notice it's molding too quickly or the humidity isn't keeping up, EcoEarth (coconut fibers) is a great alternative. I use it myself, and I've never had any problems with it. Not to mention it masks that stinky poo smell! I also hear that cypress mulch is good, and I've heard that Reptibark is good but I was never able to keep up humidity with Reptibark alone and my poor ball kept getting splinters. :(

[Meyou4042]

Big,

That is why I joined this forum!! For more information! I want my babies to have the best possible atmosphere to grow in!

I will try the coconut stuff next time I clean out the tanks!

[mr_weatherby]

Welcome to the forum :)

[Donnie]

Hello and welcome

[Meyou4042]

Well, I have decided on the name Reggie....why I do not know, but it popped into my head and I liked it!

I took him out tonight and held him for a while and decided to see if he was hungry. All I had was two mice, but figured it would at least be a snack for him. I put him in a large tub container, and he chowed down on both mice pretty quickly.

I tried to leave him in the container for about 15-20 min after eating, and then went to move him.....YEP, got bit! I saw he was coiled, knew he was still in hunt mode, but "went for it" anyway! At least I have gotten the first bite out of the way, sure it won't be the last. He tagged me so fast that it was over before it started! Would love to post a pic but there is no attachment link??

[wrecker45]

If you click on go advanced. There is a paper clip click on that.

[Meyou4042]

Here is a pic of Reggie up close and personal, and then my finger where he tasted me!

[kwhitlock]

That face.. Lol.

[TheFrogman]

Welcome Mary !

Gorgeous animals you have and Reggie is absolutely stunning...

[Meyou4042]

He is gorgeous isn't he??

[kelzerman]

You did a good thing. Looks like Reggie is about to have a good home.
Hey the one thing that I believe is that the best way to learn is from experience (as long as your not putting yourself in danger.) I look forward to seeing updates on her condition.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Good to hear he's doing good! I love the photo of his face, such lovely, subtle colors. :)

[EL Ziggy]

Hi Meyou, welcome to the forum. Congrats on the latest addition to your collection. Reggie is adorable. Sorry you got bit, have you considered feeding him in his enclosure to avoid such incidents? Best wishes.

[Meyou4042]

EL - yes, I have another post on here in the feeding section about feeding in another container or feeding in enclosure. The majority says to do it in the enclosure, so I will give that a try!

[sharthun]

EL - yes, I have another post on here in the feeding section about feeding in another container or feeding in enclosure. The majority says to do it in the enclosure, so I will give that a try!

Yeah use the tongs! I try to never touch the snake when feeding in enclosures. Much easier on you and the snake!:cool: