Auntie Rachel-Central American B. imperator

[dannybgoode]

Shows just how long it is since I've posted a proper update on Auntie Rachel-the original thread is now locked out!

She's doing really well-great temperament and getting a lovely body tone to her. At 14 mo she pooped yesterday so I weighed her at 316g. She did get 2 large mice at her last feed in readiness to move to weaner rats.

I know others think this is unnecessary but it does give them the choice to refuse the second serving particularly on the second larger feed if they realised they over did it the first time round. So, she get another 2x large mice on her next feed and assuming she takes them I'll move her to small weaner rats.

Whilst I'm not entirely sold on the high humidity thing (high by my standards for a boa imperator) I have been keeping her humidity in the high 60's low 70's for a few weeks now to see if I notice a difference.

She doesn't seem unhappy at this so I'll continue for now as she does look really good at the moment.

No up to dates measurement but when I next have her out I'll try and get a good photo for SerpWidgets.

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Arhead.jpg

[JellyBean]

She is Beautiful!
I love how her stripe runs right through her eye :D

[dannybgoode]

She is Beautiful!
I love how her stripe runs right through her eye :D

I love that too. It's a feature of all boa constructors and imperators. Even the morphs seem to have it but in the same colour as the morphed makings.

[JellyBean]

I love that too. It's a feature of all boa constructors and imperators. Even the morphs seem to have it but in the same colour as the morphed makings.

One of my favorite sayings? "You learn something new everyday"
I just went on a stroll through the boa section, looking at all the pics and looking for the stripes...

Thank you, I like these little chats we have. :bouncy:

P.S. Yours still has the prettiest stripe ;-)

[Tsubaki]

Glad to know she's doing alright! she's looking good :D

[dave himself]

She looks sweet Danny ;)

[macandchz]

she looks like a very contented snake. it was probably the 2 mice that made her look that way. hey, when you feed 2 mice do you give the snake a chance to swallow the 1st or do you just immediately feed the other one? i've never given mac 2 mice in a feed. i use a feeding box and when mac's done he extends his neck up. that's my signal he's done and i put him back in his tank.

[dannybgoode]

Personally don't bother with a feed box. Added stress imo but I'm sure we've discussed this previously.

She only gets two of a smaller prey item twice assuming she doesn't refuse the second item at any point and yes I'll give her a good 15-30 mins to fully consume the first one.

After she has successfully eaten 2x smaller prey twice in succession (which so far she hasn't failed to do straight off the bat) then I move her up to 1x the next pretty 2 size up. In her case she'll get another 2x large mice and assuming no issues week be on to small weaner rats.

[dannybgoode]

Oh and thank you everyone for your kind words. She's a very special snake for a number of reasons-not least is that she is the last gift (Christmas '15) that my mum gave me before she died.

[JellyBean]

She's a very special snake for a number of reasons-not least is that she is the last gift (Christmas '15) that my mum gave me before she died.
Awww, Sorry about your Mom.
Very special indeed :)

[dannybgoode]

Awww, Sorry about your Mom.
Very special indeed :)

Thanks JB.

With regards to the hobby and learning I guess that's what attracts me to it. I generally get drawn to hobbies that have a high degree of learning-drives my wife mad that I'm in to so many things!

[bigsnakegirl785]

I generally advise against multiple prey items even if the combined weight is less than the goal rodent in mind. Snakes are meant to digest prey in a specific way, their digestive juices are strongest in the very beginning to aid in digesting the head, which means when it gets to the second mouse the juices have already been depleted some or they have to ramp it back up. Which is very consuming on their bodies. They essentially go from zero digestive activity and within the space of a few hours they go into hyperdrive for lack of a better term, whereas a mammal such as ourselves always have digestive juices ready to go.

I've also noticed that multiple prey items, even when the weight is less than the goal rodent in mind, results in more extreme length and girth growth.

For these reasons I prefer to stay on a single smaller prey item until they can take the next size up. Less stressful on their bodies, and better for their health in the long run. This is mainly for boas, I have a strict protocol in place for them, but I'm fairly lenient with my pythons.

[dannybgoode]

I generally advise against multiple prey items even if the combined weight is less than the goal rodent in mind. Snakes are meant to digest prey in a specific way, their digestive juices are strongest in the very beginning to aid in digesting the head, which means when it gets to the second mouse the juices have already been depleted some or they have to ramp it back up. Which is very consuming on their bodies. They essentially go from zero digestive activity and within the space of a few hours they go into hyperdrive for lack of a better term, whereas a mammal such as ourselves always have digestive juices ready to go.

I've also noticed that multiple prey items, even when the weight is less than the goal rodent in mind, results in more extreme length and girth growth.

For these reasons I prefer to stay on a single smaller prey item until they can take the next size up. Less stressful on their bodies, and better for their health in the long run. This is mainly for boas, I have a strict protocol in place for them, but I'm fairly lenient with my pythons.

I did consider this but have also spoken with the breeder (40 odd years experience) and they had equally strongly of the opinion that only when moving up a size feed 2x smaller prey a couple of times to give the snake the option to refuse the second item.

In their experience snakes have sometimes took both items the first feed but refused the second item the second time around or resurged one of the items the first time because their eyes were bigger than their belly so to speak (don't know if you have that saying in the States).

If either of these things happen then you hold of for a few feeds before trying again.

They nor I are advocating feeding multiple items over a prolonged period. Perhaps 3 feeds at most to be sure that the snake is ready and capable of 1x larger prey.

This I guess is a matter of balancing two views both with credible and sound reasoning and having to decide which to go with...

[bigsnakegirl785]

Even those few feedings can make a large difference, as I've learned with my retic and saw with Sanji. A boa can grow just fine eating a smaller meal, after all when they're in between sizes they only have to put on a tiny bit of size.

I personally wouldn't take the chance of a regurge quite so lightly, if feeding multiple prey items is well known to cause regurges it seems a bit ill advised to do it anyway. Regurges are hard on their systems and if they get into a loop of regurges it can kill them quickly. All around a risk I wouldn't advise you take if you can help it. Even if it is on the owner's part accidentally feeding too much - that's difficult to determine while doing it.

[dannybgoode]

Even those few feedings can make a large difference, as I've learned with my retic and saw with Sanji. A boa can grow just fine eating a smaller meal, after all when they're in between sizes they only have to put on a tiny bit of size.

I personally wouldn't take the chance of a regurge quite so lightly, if feeding multiple prey items is well known to cause regurges it seems a bit ill advised to do it anyway. Regurges are hard on their systems and if they get into a loop of regurges it can kill them quickly. All around a risk I wouldn't advise you take if you can help it. Even if it is on the owner's part accidentally feeding too much - that's difficult to determine while doing it.

I think you miss the point on regurges. This is to ensure that the animal is absolutely capable of taking the larger meal. Better time regurge a small one then a large one and at no point have I remotely suggested that multiple prey increases the chance of a regurge or is known to increase the chance and I don't believe this to be the case. I wouldn't do it if I thought it did.

This is about being cautious when moving up a prey size. To categorically state this is the wrong method is short sighted imo as there are sound reasons for doing this. These guys have been keeping and breeding snakes for far longer than you or I and are recognised as one of the uk's leading reptile sellers when it comes to ethics and animal welfare.

Absolutely you're entitled to your opinion and I take on board a lot of what you and other experienced boa keepers say on various matters as it has been invaluable knowledge to me but occasional I feel that opinion is stated with the implication it's fact and this could prevent someone from looking at other sources and considering other, contrary points of view.

As it happens the breeder pushes his boas along a little quicker than you or I do. Not much quicker and certainly not into the realms of power feeding but leaves them on a 7-10 day feed cycle for longer than has been suggested by you and others and that's one area I disagree with the breeder.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Yes I understand, it's just the way you worded it it seemed like you were waiting for a regurge to tell if it was too much for the snake. Which isn't a good practice. If that's not the case, then that sounds a bit better. I personally just try them on the next size up if I think they're ready. If the bulge is too large, I step them down. If it seems good, I move them up.

[dannybgoode]

Yes I understand, it's just the way you worded it it seemed like you were waiting for a regurge to tell if it was too much for the snake. Which isn't a good practice. If that's not the case, then that sounds a bit better. I personally just try them on the next size up if I think they're ready. If the bulge is too large, I step them down. If it seems good, I move them up.

No quite the opposite! From the experience of the breeder quite often if they are not ready whilst they'll take the two items the first time the second feeding they'll refuse the second item as the snake is more cautious the next time round.

If it does refuse then they wait a few weeks on 1x the existing prey before trying again.

If the snake happens to have taken more than it can cope with and regurges then they keep to the smaller item for even longer before attempting again.

As I say these guys aren't your average pet shifters-they read the latest scientific papers, books etc and have written articles themselves on for example viv design with a view to reducing stress in reptiles.

[JellyBean]

... and have written articles themselves on for example viv design with a view to reducing stress in reptiles.

ooh, Danny, I would love to read that article :)

[dannybgoode]

ooh, Danny, I would love to read that article :)

I'll try and find a link to it...

[dannybgoode]

Since I fitted the uv bulb Auntie Rachel has been basking under it plenty. During the day she used to be curled up under the piece of bark. Now she'll spend a couple of hours on it.

She's deep into her shed cycle in this pic, I'm expecting her to have a nice new shiny coat any day. Still impossibly pretty (yeah I know I'm biased!).

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/aruv.jpg

[Tsubaki]

She is incredibly pretty, i love darker imperators :D

[dannybgoode]

She is incredibly pretty, i love darker imperators :D

Thank you. She's a stunner for sure. I had the pick of 6 or so Colombian BCI's, a motley CA and her. It was literally love at first sight-instant decision, no thought required.

I'm interested to see how the uv affects her colour-I've only heard positive things about how much it improves things.

I'll post another photo when she's freshly shed...

[MartinD]

She looks absolutely gorgeous, can't wait to see her when she's shed

[dave himself]

She looks good even in shed Danny

[bigsnakegirl785]

+1 to Dave's comment. I think once I have the main collection put into permanent enclosures I may work towards getting at least a few of them set up with UV lights. As of right now, I don't think my house has the power, though, the snake room is running nearly capacity with the heater.

[dannybgoode]

+1 to Dave's comment. I think once I have the main collection put into permanent enclosures I may work towards getting at least a few of them set up with UV lights. As of right now, I don't think my house has the power, though, the snake room is running nearly capacity with the heater.

Thanks bsg. Uv is definitely worth investigating but appreciate the constraints you have. I'm lucky that I have a separate ring main in the attic that I actually got installed for my hi-fi and won't overpower that with my modest collection. Be something to factor in when I move but don't see it being an issue.

Will beef the feed up if I need to.

She's teasing me with this shed though and im just wondering if she wasn't in blue when I thought she was. She is very much due to though. Ah well, we'll said abs and see :)

[bigsnakegirl785]

Thanks bsg. Uv is definitely worth investigating but appreciate the constraints you have. I'm lucky that I have a separate ring main in the attic that I actually got installed for my hi-fi and won't overpower that with my modest collection. Be something to factor in when I move but don't see it being an issue.

Will beef the feed up if I need to.

She's teasing me with this shed though and im just wondering if she wasn't in blue when I thought she was. She is very much due to though. Ah well, we'll said abs and see :)

If that photo is recent she's definitely in shed! Sometimes they take awhile, had shed cycles last anywhere from 1 week to 3 weeks. Once she clears up, if she hasn't already, it won't be long.

[dannybgoode]

If that photo is recent she's definitely in shed! Sometimes they take awhile, had shed cycles last anywhere from 1 week to 3 weeks. Once she clears up, if she hasn't already, it won't be long.

Thanks bsg. I was pretty sure she was in blue when I checked her. When I notice she is I then leave her above except basic maintenance so then generally don't see her again until her eyes have cleared as she's hiding.

Looking at my log she has usually shed within 6 days of going in blue but I guess she's just taking her time this cycle.

[dannybgoode]

Auntie Rachel shed a week or so ago and she's been out again basking under her uv. Since fitting it her colours are just amazing and her skin so glossy. As bsg has mentioned-whilst she is a CA Boa she is not very dwarf by any means! I'd put her around the 3' mark currently and at last weigh in she was 390g although I expect that to have increased a little.

[dave himself]

Auntie Rachel is looking in top nick and that last pic of her and your wee fella is class ;)

[Tsubaki]

She looks great :D again love that last picture!

[bigsnakegirl785]

She's looking great! About the same size as my Nymeria, too. She's stopped growing since I put her on jumbo mice, hasn't grown any length in 4 months. I haven't measured her yet, but I think she may have grown an inch or two since putting her on weaned rats and feeding monthly. Since I haven't actually measured yet I'm just going to assume she hasn't grown any. She's gaining weight though and is right around the 400 gram mark.

I think you're going to have a decent-sized girl on your hands. ;)

[dannybgoode]

A. Rachel she'd about an hour ago so managed to grab some photos straight after. Stunning girl and so well tempered.

She's doing great - up to around 3.5' I'd say, maybe a hair longer and haven't weighed her for a while. Currently on a weaner rat every 3-5 weeks randomly spaced within that timeframe.

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Rachel1.jpg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Rachel2.jpg
http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Rachel3.jpg

[EL Ziggy]

Beautiful critter. I love how those eyes.

[whistlepig]

Great pictures, the patterning is so crisp and distinct. Beautiful snake.

[dannybgoode]

Great pictures, the patterning is so crisp and distinct. Beautiful snake.


Ty. She is the perfect example of why I like wild types over morphs. Imo the natural beauty just can't be beat.

[richardhind]

Great pics,love the speckles in her eyes

[dannybgoode]

Had Aunty Rachel out again the other day mainly as Finley wanted to see all the snakes. She thought she'd add some ambience to our lamp.

I love this snake so much...

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Arlight.jpg

[Scubadiver59]

Auntie Rachel? Named for a living or deceased aunt?

My neighbors across the street, the wife portion of the neighbors, is squeamish about snakes; and when I was unpacking my viv, after transporting it back from BoaMaster (Bedford VA) yesterday, drove there and back with three large dogs in a pickup, one in full shed, she was outside and I told her I was going to name one of my snakes after her. She repeatedly thanked me for the honor but vigorously asked me NOT to, between my laughs and my insistence I was going to. I still think Tamika sounds like a good name for a snake...maybe I'll get a female viper after all...:rolleyes:

Had Aunty Rachel out again the other day mainly as Finley wanted to see all the snakes. She thought she'd add some ambience to our lamp.

I love this snake so much...

http://www.dannybower.co.uk/photos/Arlight.jpg

[dannybgoode]

No, my little boy named him after his favourite nursery tutor. They called them all aunties!

[richardhind]

She's coming on really well,looks lovely and square with great markings

[dannybgoode]

She's coming on really well,looks lovely and square with great markings

Ty. Tbh I go by eye these days when it comes to meals and have pretty much given up on feed charts, weighing etc - don't see the point for a healthy snake.

If i suspected a problem I'd keep specific of course but it gives me more time just to enjoy my animals :)