In the original thread, the boa was described as 33" with a 1" GIRTH (around the body). This does not compute. Either the length is way off or the 1" is body thickness rather than girth. I'm inclined to say that even a hatchling should have more than a 1" girth.

Rule of thumb: feed enough to produce an obvious bulge in the belly. I don't have any particular preference for one rat vs. several mice as long as the mass is right. On the other hand, there may be price advantages to one food item the right size in comparison to several smaller items. Having to kill or thaw one rodent is certainly preferable to doing the same to several.

If the 33 inch length is correct, I'd go with a weanling rat or three adult mice. Unless the snake has been starved and is rail thin. Then I'd work up to that point over a couple of months.

I've seen boa constrictors that had rodent bite trauma. Even if the snake survives, it is never the same. Feeding dead is the way to go. If the snake has a hiding box, as it should, just putting the dead rodent's head in the door should be sufficient.

Paul Hollander

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