Auntie Rachel-Central American B. imperator

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

... 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]

Originally Posted by JellyBean

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!).

[Tsubaki]

She is incredibly pretty, i love darker imperators

[dannybgoode]

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

She is incredibly pretty, i love darker imperators

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

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]

Originally Posted by bigsnakegirl785

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