inheriting a boa

[pdomensis]

So it looks like I'll be getting an unexpected addition in a day or two. The neighbors have had a boa for 2 years now and they've decided that their son doesn't give it enough attention. I figured this might happen sooner or later but this is quicker than I expected. Can someone please link me a good care sheet so I can get up to speed on BCIs?

The last time I saw the snake was last summer. It had surprisingly escaped through a big hole in the screen top that they kept meaning to fix. :wacky: (can you really call it an escape if they basically leave the door open?) It had been missing for 3 days before they called for help. I took a quick scan around the room to look for potential hiding spots, which is pretty much everywhere in a 17 year old boys room. I decided to start close to the cage and work from there. The snake was curled up in the first drawer I pulled-right under the tank. Took me less than 20 seconds.

No idea what shape this guy is in now. I'll post pics when I get it.

[Kid Boa]

Congrats, Boas are Da best. :)

Boa Info.
Boa c. imperator Colombia - colombian redtail boas | Stöckl - Die Nr.1 Boa constrictor Seite im Internet (http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/boa_constrictor_imperator_columbia)

Boa Care.
boa-constrictors.co.uk - care sheet (http://www.boa-constrictors.co.uk/care)

If you have any question, dont hesitate to ask. We are here to help. :)

[pdomensis]

Thanks for the links.

[thinkbig317]

Looking forward to pics! And congrats! Boas are wonderful!

[pdomensis]

Is there a tub big enough to hold a grown boa? Biggest I can find is 116 qt. Also can an RHP be attached to a plastic tub or would I be better off with a UTH? Not sure if a tub is the route I'll take but I want to check my options. I'm assuming that he's in something too small for him and will need an upgrade. I may just do a quick build instead.

[Sharlynn93]

the xmas tree totes from walmart would work...idk if they still have them at yours, but I picked up a couple just a few weeks ago for $20 apiece...but ended up getting my boamasters instead, so didn't even need them...

[Kid Boa]

If money isn't a issue. This is your best solution.

Plastic Reptile Cages, Tanks and Racks. Snake, arboreal, lizard and turtle light weight custom flexwatt heated enclosures. (http://www.boaphileplastics.com/cages.html)



If money is an issue you could use something like this with a UTH till you could a ford a proper set up.

Sterilite 99.4 L Latch Box (Blue Eclipse) | Walmart.ca (http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/sterilite-994-l-latch-box-blue-eclipse/6000083361075)

[pdomensis]

Yep, that's what I was looking at. I've got my carpet in one now and it works really well. It might be a bit small though.

[crum222]

I've been looking for the Xmas tree totes with no luck. Kicking myself for not getting a couple.

[Sharlynn93]

I actually wish I had gotten a few more..I could make a killing reselling them in the off season! Lol...well, since im not using mine for my snake now I guess I can take my xmas tree out of the decrepit, cumbersome box and use it for its original use...lol

[TurboChris]

I don't know what state or area you are from but there is a place near me called The Container Store which should carry the large Christmas tree style bins year round. Maybe there is a container store in your area or can order one online with relatively cheap shipping since they are pretty light weight. Also can check maybe Walmart.com still has them available online as well even during the off seasons.

[IW17]

Here's a link you can try. Not sure what shipping would cost. NeatlySmart.com (http://www.neatlysmart.com/mobile/item.aspx?itemid=107329&catid=1521)

[pdomensis]

So I got the little guy on Friday afternoon. I found him in a 20 gallon screen top in a basement bedroom. The heat lamp was off, so temps were about 65, shed and poo all over the aspen bedding, water dish empty. Not a great situation.

I don't know boas so all of my judgements are based on comparisons to my carpet, but he looks underfed and stunted to me. As I understand it he was only getting a wild caught live mouse every month or 2. The snake is maybe 3 ft long, lots of loose skin, especialy around the neck. Bits of loose shed around the head and upper body, but only from the last shed so far as I can tell. NO eye cap problems, and no mites I can see.

His markings are very faint and he's got a lot of orange tint to him. I know he came as a "red tailed boa" but he looks like like a lot of hogs I've seen advertised.

Since he was so much smaller than I expected I was able to put him in a 2x3ish tote. I don't want to dump a bunch of money into this guy since I don't expect to keep him long, so yes there are old dial type thermometer and hygrometers with him, but I'm using my temp gun and my digital hygrometer from my carpet enclosure to get comparison readings. I also ddin't have a spare thermostat so I did a lot of fiddling with different wattages with a CHE and some "night time" bulbs I had. It's not ideal but it's way better than it was.

After I had him heated up I got him to eat a FT small rat, so things are looking good there. My plan is to keep him through a full shed before I start looking for a home for him. I thought I might keep him, but he just isn't that attractive a snake to me and I don't want to put a bunch of money into a snake I don't really want. I'd rather put my resources in doing a good job with what I have instead of stretching things too thin.

[Mikoh4792]

Awesome job, that tote seems to be a much better place for him then that 65f basement.

Who knows, once you get him plumped up and healthy in a few months his new appearance may resonate with you.

[thinkbig317]

I agree, great job!!!! That boa is in a much better place now! Congrats and enjoy! ;)

[Sharlynn93]

I think he is beautiful! sending goodwill your way that he thrives and you either enjoy him or find him a wonderful home! :D

[Snakesitter]

I'll second the top link.

[Snakesitter]

Well done. Who knows, he may manage to charm you yet. ;-)

[pdomensis]

Thanks for all the support.

[Tsubaki]

It's a nice looking animal, i hope he gets into better shape soon :D

[Kid Boa]

Good job.

I just got one a couple weeks ago that was not SUPPOSE to be permanent.

I was told she was semi aggressive and nervous.

After three days of settling in and getting comfy in her new PROPER home. I started handling her almost every day for a few mins. She is puppy dog tame, NOT nervous at all and never bits.

The pervious owner said it would only eat every three weeks or so and you have to feed her in closed dark tube or she would eat.

Pffffff, I had to do that once. After her settling in, cleaned, bathed and handling a bit she is VERY secure now and takes rats right from my hand.

To make a long story short. :) I'm keeping her. :)

[purplegeyser]

Poor guy, I'm glad you took him in.
Boas tend to charm you, I think you will thoroughly enjoy him. <3

[pdomensis]

Just measured this guy in at 39 inches using serpwidgets (the paper was my reference size). He's doing very well, eating small rats now, and he pulled off a perfect shed a week or two ago. He's got a really nice personality, a bit more chill than my carpet. I'm still not sure how long he'll be staying with us, simply for logistical reasons as he gets bigger, but he's doing his best to win me over.

[Tsubaki]

He is looking good :D , I don't think he will become very large.

[jpsteele80]

Glad to see he is doing better, normally I'd be the first to say I'll take him off your hands but I've grown to be more of a python guy. Hope you find him a good home.