Reptile & Amphibian Forums

She is still kind of up and down. The mite problem is all taken care of and I believe the respiratory problem if there was one is taken care of. I do hear her sneeze every now and again but that’s not to abnormal is it? She however appears to have gone off feed for some reason. Today was her feeding day and she wasn’t even interested. I will try each day for the next week or so before I determine that she has infact gone off feed and report back. Another problem is like I said before she has not shed since I got her. She went blue and back about a week ago but still has not shed. Her skin for lack of a better term looks like crap, it looks as if it really wants to come off but I don’t see her making any attempts to get it off. I took her out of the 55G and put her in a 40G that is visible no matter where you are in the room, this will help me keep a closer eye on her. Any suggestions where to go from here or is it just a waiting game now. I must confess I have yet to take her to the vet but maybe its time to give them a call.
My Research and Collection

Wait for the snake to shed then try to feed it. It is not a good idea to offer food every day because it will stress the snake out. Wait a week or so and then try to feed. It will eat when it is ready. As humans we like to have everything on a schedule, unfortunately nature does not work like that.

Good luck
Bob

Ok thanks for the info. I just talked to the vet on the phone and will have her in there in the next week. I feed my snakes every 10 days, Should I just consider this a skiped feeding and offer it agan 10 days from now? Any advice if she dose not shed soon? As I said she went blue about a week ago and then back to normal but I am still waiting. Normaly all my other snakes shed within 48 hours of going blue, Even my other Boa. Thanks agan for the help.
My Research and Collection

wait as long as it takes to shed...this sometimes happens, it normally happens for two main reasons:

1. Mite infestation
2. Poor health

In either of these situations the snake is already in a stressed state, feeding or attempting to feed them can and probably will make it worse most of the time.

My suggestion is to just wait it out keep your husbandry perfect and see a vet if needed.

Bob

Ok thanks, Its kind of amazing but sine I posted this she is trying to shed now. I put her in the other enosure like I said and she is coiled around the large water dish and rubbing her nose very hard agenst its rough edges. Then every now and then she looks up and opens her mouth a few times then right back down to pushing, If I am lucky I will maybe get to see her shed before I leave in about a half hour. She did have a mite infestation but it apears to be resolved now.
My Research and Collection

what did you use for mites? If you used reptile relief it does dry out the boa and makes it harder for them to shed. In my opinion this is outweighed by the fact that it is not harmful and can be sprayed right on the boa.

Caden

Yes I used Reptile REliefe as well as provent a mite. Its been about 3 weeks since her last treatment. Thats a bumemr about the sneezing she seemed to be doing so well in that respect. Do you think rasing the humidity will worsen any resperitory problems she may have?
My Research and Collection

Good call on the vet!
Yes skip feeding until she sheds.
Soak your boa now because she whould have shed already. You can soak her for a while but make sure the water doesn't get too cold. It should be slightly less than your body temp to start. The reason for not shedding yet is lack of humidity. Spray the whole inside of the cage twice a day (not to the point where it rolls down the walls, and cover part of the vent with a wet towel. Did you know you can make a humidity bin cheap out of a small tupperware type container? It can even be an old margarine tub or anything plastic. Cut a hole in it, put some moist moss in there or even a towel that is moistened. Bet if you do that your boa will be inside it in no time.

Caden

I don't know how long you have been treating for mites, but it takes a month (since you saw any evidence od them) to be sure mites are all gone, keep cleaning until a month has passed or you will need to do it all over again. It is NOT normal for healthy boas to sneeze, it's a sign of an RI.

Good luck,
Caden