New member, but issue - Page 3

SnakeyJay · 02-18-13, 11:39 AM

If you can handle 2 pitbull's you should be fine with a single boa lol.. 10ft is a big bci, not that common from what I've seen but they do happen.

KORBIN5895 · 02-18-13, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decesare23

Hey all! I'm the wife in this thread, Monique. I have read all of the posts in this thread and really do appreciate the information and advice posted. Just to clarify a couple of things: I am not afraid of snakes, have always liked them, and admit I was wrong for not researching her breed prior to just accepting the breeders offers (had he mentioned she is one of the heavier breeds, we would not have got her); however, it was our fault for not researching her needs and cares prior to the purchase. And initially, I also thought I'd be gifting Shelly a Sand Boa because that is what she wanted.
When Callopie had her "hissy" striking fit, not going to lie I was startled, considering she struck right at Shelly's face and hitting her in the eye. Um, Shelly is my wife and anything "striking" her is going to make me nervous. I have however, held Calliope since (after reading about how these are some common behaviors), and I am working on trying to understand her, more. I participate in feeding, handling, and, for a lack of a better word, raising her.
My initial worry after doing the proper research on her was "Holy ****, this chick is going to be HUGE, and where the hell are we going to put her." Not only that, if she got to 50 plus pounds and needs two people to get her out to "handle," clean, etc. is that really fun? I want the experience of owning a snake to enjoyable, not stressful. I am a realistic person and was just trying to do right by Callopie. I am not talking about releasing her into the wild, or doing anything inhumane. I am trying to take responsibility for my actions.
I have researched other boas that run on a "smaller" scale, and really like the Rosy's and Sands, but for now we will raise Calliope.

0.1 Wife, 0.2 Pit Bulls, 0.1 Boxer, 0.2 Cats, 2.1 Argentine Boa

Well hello Monique! I am very glad you decided to join.

First off though purchasing an animal before research isn't always the best idea, almost all of us have done it. Secondly to admit that you may have bitten off more than you can chew shouldn't be shameful. If you feel this one may be too much then rehoming it will be in the snakes best interest and again their is bo shame in that.

Now for size concern I purchased a female boa last summer that was around 8' long and 35-40 pounds. Now she was morbidly obese, literally. She died from kidney failure that I believe was caused by her obesity. She was at least ten pounds over weight and I had her on a diet.

Where your girl may truly become a monster I highly doubt she is going to get over 8' or 30 pounds. Now that is just a complete guess of course but really big bci are just not common anymore.

shelly2314 · 02-18-13, 05:49 PM

Thanks guys...we are in discussion about her

KORBIN5895 · 02-18-13, 05:54 PM

Good luck! If you have any questions just ask.

shelly2314 · 02-20-13, 11:17 AM

So far so good. Monique keeps wavering. I think she might be getting more comfortable with the idea of it all. We had Calliope out yesterday and she was loving the time out with Monique and I! Posted a few pictures of her in the Boa forum. Will definitely post more when I can.

On a side note, one of my pits have discovered her in the cage and was very confused! I explained that they were friends, but never going to "hang out." I think they were both ok with that LOL

SnakeyJay · 02-20-13, 11:20 AM

Noooo, a fish tank!! Lol

nice boa and congrats on being able to keep her.

shelly2314 · 02-20-13, 11:22 AM

I know

but it was free and will do until we have her larger enclosure built

SnakeyJay · 02-20-13, 11:26 AM

Just teasing you mate, it's personal choice. How do you find keeping the temperature right in it? One thing I will suggest is that you cover the sides aswell as the back.

decesare23 · 02-20-13, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

Just teasing you mate, it's personal choice. How do you find keeping the temperature right in it? One thing I will suggest is that you cover the sides aswell as the back.

It is an ongoing practice to look at the temperature and adjust if needed, to include the humidity. It has become habit now, and we have been able to sustain the appropriate temp; however, will definitely try covering the sides. Could not pass up a free 55 gallon, especially after paying all the "start up" costs with adopting her.

decesare23 · 02-20-13, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelly2314

I know

but it was free and will do until we have her larger enclosure built

ummm, in a couple of years...

**lady_bug87** · 02-20-13, 11:38 AM

Honestly I just moved my yearling bci into a tub I bought from Walmart. She's about 4ft long

SnakeyJay · 02-20-13, 11:50 AM

It's all on thermostats tho yeah?

Lankyrob · 02-20-13, 11:57 AM

Our dog was quite interested whenever the snakes moved when we first got them but now he barely notices them at all. One even struck the glass as he walked by and he didnt even look around

Theweinz · 02-20-13, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

It might also help to remind her that the snake will grow slowly, and when you see them on a day-to-day basis, you don't notice the growth that much.

Otherwise, good luck finding the snake a new home

This is a very good point! So true
JW

decesare23 · 02-20-13, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

It's all on thermostats tho yeah?

Oh yeah, 4 of them - temp gradient, warm side between 90-95 and cool side mid 80's / another in the middle of the tank w/ humidity guage and then the last positioned at the bottom near the floor