How do I tell if my Red Tail Boa is pregnant?

PDXErik · 10-05-07, 10:01 PM

My male and my female visit A LOT, my female has been a little bit weird, not too much, when I handle her.

I've read that I should watch for a lot of basking, and I've seen some, more than normal, but I don't know if it's <a lot> or not. She still soaks, a little less now than normal. As in, she used to soak for almost a day and then lay off for a couple. Now she hasn't soaked in almost a week. This may be due to mites (tomorrow, the mites get dead).

What should I watch for and how should I react?

This is kind of a NOOB question regarding a very serious situation, and I regret that, but I'm certain that I can meet any needs that arise. I want baby boas, omg that would make me so happy.

Thanks for putting up with me

PDXErik · 10-08-07, 01:56 PM

I can't edit that to say "Gravid"

She hasn't eaten in about 10 days, she's a little sulky.

Here's a picture of the lump I'm talking about

I didn't want to get in there and stretch her out, but I'm sure you can see what I'm talking about (I hope).

reptilenut4sure · 10-08-07, 02:05 PM

Im not sure how you can tell, but good luck!!

PDXErik · 10-08-07, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reptilenut4sure

Im not sure how you can tell, but good luck!!

Neither can I. All I have to go on is what I've read on the ultra-reliable internet. She does have a good sized bulge, just behind where her head is pointing in the picture. It's not food.

ken123allen · 10-08-07, 08:18 PM

You said your snakes "visit" alot right? Let me ask you this, is it ok for a male and female boa to live together in the same enclosure always?

PDXErik · 10-08-07, 09:35 PM

There are different thoughts on that. As far as killing each other, no male-male stuff.

The primary reason to NOT do this is that you can't tell (without DNA testing) who pooped, who regurgitated, who hasn't pooped, etc. So if you have a problem, it becomes multiplied because which one has a problem? Or, if one has a problem (mites, virus, etc), so does the other.

If the enclosure is large enough, I'd imagine that space wouldn't be an issue, if it were me, I'd probably prefer to "visit" than to, well, marry the girl.

I do think it's cute when they soak together, though. I almost want to draw the curtains and put some soft music on. Turn the lights down, break out some nice white wine. Or some Jager, depends on how much time you've got.