Polar Bear Boa

Concept9 · 06-20-13, 06:13 AM

So my new little BCI Columbian is fine but I have a little concern with her.

I know Boa temps should be around 90~ warm side and 78-80 cool side and my temps are in that area.

She, for some reason likes to hang out at the top of her enclosure on top of her plants. Now knowing Boas this doesn't surprise me. What does concern me is that the temp at the top where she hangs out is only 72-75~ and I know Boas shouldn't be below 75~. I'm concerned that if she keeps doing this that she may get a RI.

I keep the temp probes on top of the aspen on the warm and cool side to get accurate surface temps. She has a hide on the warm side and the cool side plus plants to hide in. I've checked the temps with a temp gun and they are all accurate.

Is this normal for a Boa to stay in an area of low 70s ?

Don't mind the temp reading on the thermometers, they 5deg low because I had the lid off.

smy_749 · 06-20-13, 06:22 AM

I don't have enough experience in boa behavior to say whether or not its normal, but I'd double check all her temps with the gun, and check her head temp as well. Maybe theres something on the ground bothering her if she never comes down, but the enclosure decorations look very nice.

Concept9 · 06-20-13, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

I don't have enough experience in boa behavior to say whether or not its normal, but I'd double check all her temps with the gun, and check her head temp as well. Maybe theres something on the ground bothering her if she never comes down, but the enclosure decorations look very nice.

Thanks mate.

I have triple checked all the temps everywhere. I have not checker her head temp, I'll do that first thing when I get home.

I don't know what could be bothering her. The tub is brand new and cleaned, new aspen, new cleaned water dish, and new cleaned hides.

smy_749 · 06-20-13, 06:34 AM

Does she try to escape the tub frequently? The new tubs have funny smells. I rinse mine and leave them outside for a bit in the fresh air because they smell funky. Maybe there just isn't enough hides/ cover for her. All 4 sides are clear, and the top.

Mark Taylor · 06-20-13, 06:40 AM

What's the humidity?

Concept9 · 06-20-13, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

Does she try to escape the tub frequently? The new tubs have funny smells. I rinse mine and leave them outside for a bit in the fresh air because they smell funky. Maybe there just isn't enough hides/ cover for her. All 4 sides are clear, and the top.

I had the tub several days before I got her and rinsed to out a couple time and let it air out and dry. She has lots of places to hide including shrubs.

She moves around sniffing and exploring like any snake does, I wouldn't say anything out of the norm. She just returns to her high plants after she is done.

I'll cover her side tonight as well. I didn't bother at the beginning because she has so many dark places hide including her cave hides and doesn't use any of them, she just sleep and lays in the open.

Concept9 · 06-20-13, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Taylor

What's the humidity?

58% Sir.

Mikoh4792 · 06-20-13, 07:39 PM

Maybe she just feels more secure up in that plant. I would try taking those plants down and positioning them a little lower to the ground, that way if she wants to hide she might actually use her warm hide instead of choosing to hide up in the "trees"

Concept9 · 06-21-13, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikoh4792

Maybe she just feels more secure up in that plant. I would try taking those plants down and positioning them a little lower to the ground, that way if she wants to hide she might actually use her warm hide instead of choosing to hide up in the "trees"

I was thinking about doing that. I think I will this weekend.

Concept9 · 06-21-13, 11:33 AM

I measured all the areas she hangs around in last night with my temp gun, including her head. Temps are all good. Guess I was just being a paranoid father.

moshirimon · 06-23-13, 10:51 AM

Yes your being too concerned. Your boa will happily move to warmth if she is too cold. 58% sounds alright but I like to keep it at around 65-70 for boas. But she's fine all boas are different, some climb more than others and if yours likes to climb, don't take that away from her.

RyanReptile · 06-23-13, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshirimon

Yes your being too concerned. Your boa will happily move to warmth if she is too cold. 58% sounds alright but I like to keep it at around 65-70 for boas. But she's fine all boas are different, some climb more than others and if yours likes to climb, don't take that away from her.

^^^ This!

Concept9 · 06-24-13, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moshirimon

Yes your being too concerned. Your boa will happily move to warmth if she is too cold. 58% sounds alright but I like to keep it at around 65-70 for boas. But she's fine all boas are different, some climb more than others and if yours likes to climb, don't take that away from her.

Thanks man.

Question: Every thing I have read says that Boas should be kept at 50-60% humidity. Should I raise it to 70% ?

smy_749 · 06-24-13, 06:50 AM

Keep it at 60 and add a humid hide :P