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I was close to 100% sure that my Argentine Female was pregnant. She is still fat, etc. to where the scales are spreading apart. What portion of the body will get the "fattest" during pregnancy? Is it the last 1/3rd of the body? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I have never bred boas before, just subocs. It seems the has gained the most girth around halfway on her body to the last third. I guess I am just a nervous owner...heh.

Sounds like she may be gravid. One thing I alwayd do to check in the early stages is to pick the animal up, hold her by the upper1/4 of her body and let the lower 3/4 dangle inthe air. Gravid rainbows (and probably most other snakes) will take on a very noticeable irregular lumpiness along their bellies. Do you notice anything like this?
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com

I will check when I get home. I do remember that if I look at her belly on the white part, I really see the sides sticking out in comparison to the white ventral side. She is also MUCH heavier than 3 months ago. Thanks for the help.

John

John,
....I am about 80% sure this one is gravid. She has a long lump that starts just ahead of mid body and runs to about three inches in front of the vent. She was bred by two different males on and off from august through december. She was very thin in august and slowly gained weight thru the end of the year. She got very fat without eating too much in january. She spends about 25% of the time lying on her side over the warm spot on the floor of her cage. With most Rainbow Boas this size I can pick them up like Mike describes and see lumpiness. This one just does not show the lumpiness and I cannot feel individual lumps of each baby trying to palpate her. She flattens her body sideways and stiffens up when handled which makes visualizing and palpating lumps difficult. If I could see or feel the individual lumps I would be more certain about her gravidity. I had three litters of Argentinians back 10 years ago and I could feel and even count each baby a couple months before they were born.
Good luck,
Jeff

I just took some pics outside, and now I think I am more positive she is. What do you think? She has gained about 300g since she bred with the male...definately heavier and thicker.
I noticed she moves around her cage a lot trying to get comfortable as well. I guess only time will tell for sure. Maybe I can take her for an ultrasound at my wifes gynacologist..lol.

You can't go wrong with Craftsman tools. Your snake does look gravid but nothing is for sure breeding snakes. This time of year just drives me crazy waiting.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>I just took some pics outside, and now I think I am more positive she is. What do you think? She has gained about 300g since she bred with the male...definately heavier and thicker.
>>I noticed she moves around her cage a lot trying to get comfortable as well. I guess only time will tell for sure. Maybe I can take her for an ultrasound at my wifes gynacologist..lol.
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