Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I picked up an 03 female boa from a very reputable breeder about 3 months ago.

When i received she looked in perfect health. She is about 6' long, and settled into her new enclosure quite well. She is currently in a tub that measures 48" x 24" x 7". She is provided with an adequate heat gradient.

My problem is that she won't eat! She actually ate once, and the breeder told me to just leave the rat in the enclosure with her overnight. and he also mentioned that she went through a cooling period prior, and that sometimes they just refuse food after this.

Well, I've tried feeding her weekly and she just will not take.

Should I worry, or is there something i should do, or check for? She really seems perfectly healthy.

thanks for any info.

3 year old 6' boa, went through cooling cycle and now won't eat.

Got a male to toss in with her? She may be going through a breeding cycle. Quite often they will eat little to none while in the breeding cycle.
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Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
2.7 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (adult breeders)
2.5 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (sub-adult from 2004)
4.8 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (sub-adult from 2005)
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI Albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Salmon (possible super)
1.0 BCI Albino het stripe
1.0 BCI Salmon
0.1 BCI Ghost
0.1 BCI Super salmon, possible jungle
1.0 BCI Salmon, possible jungle

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

yes indeed it could be a breeding cycle or...what temps are you running on both sides both night and day? Could be too cool. Boas digestion slows down when it is too cool. Perhaps providing a hot spot might work too. I know you think everything is right, but it never hurts to run the temps by someone else once in a while. Did you try different prey? Did you ask what she was eating before. Maybe she has a taste preference. If you are feeding rats, try a different color rat. If you are feeding frozen thawed perhaps you should try the dangle method a couple of times, make that thing move like it's alive. If that doesn't work try a live one. Try a rabbit, a chicken (no not from a grocery store, go to a farm). Did you get this boa checked for parasites? Did you try feeding at night or at dusk? Just some thoughts.
Caden