What kind of Rainbow Boa is she?

[Iphigenia]

Hello, I just have a question for some of the more experienced folks out there. I recently bought a BRB from a local seller and after having her examined by both my vet and some very reputable breeders I buy from, they both stated that she is very strange and doesn't quite look like a pure BRB. Her colors aren't as bright as my other boa's was and her saddles are very strange (not quite saddles but just...spots), hence my reason for inquiring. Regardless, I love her and she is a big sweetie but I don't think I'll be including her in my breeding plans since I'm really unsure of what type of Rainbow Boa she is (or if she is a hybrid). If anyone has any ideas or input I would love to hear it. The seller told me she is barely a month old so she is pretty young, if that helps. I have recently contacted the seller asking for information on her parents etc. but so far they haven't answered any of my questions and I have a feeling that I won't get any help from them.

[SnoopySnake]

Looks to be a normal brazilian rainbow boa to me, I see no evidence of hybridization. The cirlces on her back look like they should for a normal of her age/size, and her oceli (side spots) look like a normal Brazilian rainbow boa's would also. What do they state is strange about her? Her colors will brighten up as she ages, babies are generally not as brilliant/colorful/bright as adults. They become more red as they age.

[Iphigenia]

Thank you for the reply! I thought she looked normal too, but I guess I got a little spooked. She is really young so I think waiting around will probably yield the best results. I got my last Brazilian Rainbow Boa when he was significantly older so I don't have any experience on how they should look this young, hence my concern.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Maybe they were put off by the spots in her saddles or something? Imo she looks BRB to me, too.

They do change quite alot, and although it's next to impossible to tell when they're that young, this one will probably grown to be a mostly brown color with little to no red. I have seen some crazy stuff, though, like a breeder who had one that was brown all it's life and then all of a sudden turned red. Mine started out reddish, and he's turning into a reddish-brown adult. Looks pretty red in the sun/with flash, and blackish-brown in the shade.

[Snakesitter]

Looks like a normal/full (if color muted) Brazilian to me as well. I've seen dorsals very similar to that, as well as side ocelli. Note that dorsals of that type tend to darken (sometimes a lot) as the animal ages. Good luck with her, and please keep us posted!

[Andy_G]

Another vote for brazilian here.

[Iphigenia]

Thanks for all the kind replies! My vet said her head was abnormally shaped and when I was getting her sexed by the reptile breeder he mentioned that he thought she was a hybrid, although he never gave a reason why. It's very strange to me that two people, both with a lot of experience, would say something like that but maybe they don't come by Rainbow Boas often! I'm sure they meant no harm. She's been a good girl and just ate a big hopper a few hours ago no hesitation, she struck as soon as I dropped it in there. One thing I love about Rainbows is they never seem to go off their food :) I'll be keeping an eye on her to see how she develops, maybe she will have some nice coloring as an adult who knows. Would love to see the parents but the seller still has not contacted me so I guess this girl will remain a mystery until she ages up.

[Snakesitter]

Head looks normal to me....