My long tail boa

[BryanB]

Well I just got her/him it's my first snake I have done a ton of resurch but there's just a couple things I can't find and figured this is a good place to ask.
1. Do the prefer a basking light or under tank heat pad.
2. I was told this is a semi rare snake is this true. I know import is almost imposibe do to politics in Peru and Columbia and their are just not a lot of them.
3. It is eating full size mice but how often.
4. Is it possible to tell age?