Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, I purchased a baby columbian boa one week ago today (last wednesday). She was born in July, so she's young. When I got her, I noticed that her eyes were a bit cloudy but by the next day they had cleared up. I assumed she was moving into the last portion of a shed cycle. So thursday/friday her eyes cleared. She hadn't eaten in a week, so on Friday I offered her a f/t pinkie mouse which she wouldn't take. I gave her two days, and tried again on Sunday. She fed willingly. I concerned because this is going on the 5-6 day since her eyes cleared and she still hasn't shed. She hides almost all the time and is very lathargic (I've read these are also indicators of a shed). But if shouldn't she have shed by now?? The cage is 24" long, 80 on the cool end and with a basking spot of 95 give or take 5 degrees (as per The Boa Constrictor Manual). I've been working rather diligently to keep the humidity between 50-60%. She has a hide on both sides, so she can thermoregulate... I dunno. I'm nervous because everything I've read says they will shed 3-4 days after they're eyes clear, and she's going on a week. Also, when I took her out to feed her on Sunday, I noticed that her skin felt dry and kinda rigid (like she was forming a cast). Any help/encouragement/feedback would be appreciated.

and I really should have proof read that before I posted it... sorry about that.

Don't worry, the shed is coming. Also, unless this is a particularly small boa, a mouse pinky is probably too small and has very little nutritional value.
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2.1.0 Kidletts
1.0.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 Okeetee Corn
2.2.0 BCI
0.1.0 Cat (Ginger)
1.0.0 Pughuahua (Ranger)

hmm... should I switch to pinkie rats then? the mouse was a bit smaller than her at her largest point.

Yes, I'd switch to pink rats. You know the rule of thumb? Same size as the snake's girth at mid-body. The food should leave a just noticable lump.
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2.1.0 Kidletts
1.0.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 Okeetee Corn
2.2.0 BCI
0.1.0 Cat (Ginger)
1.0.0 Pughuahua (Ranger)

great. thanks for the help.

i had a snake that went 7 days after clearing up before it shed, i wouldnt worry, and a young boa could def eat hoppers, my 3 month old eats full sized mice
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Vince Martino

1.0 Amel Cornsnake "Sunny"
1.1 Snow Cornsnake "Gary Busey" and "Slopes"
0.1 Okeetee Corn (2nd generation off the hunt club)
1.0 Spider Ball Python "Ceasar"
1.1 Colombian Red-tailed Boa "Big Jim" and "Sammy"
1.1 Albino Striped California Kings "mean" and "meaner"
1.0 Pastel Bearded Dragon "Norbert"
0.1 Anery Nicaraguan Boa "Smokey"

I think that you maybe have a retained shed. When you said she feels as if she has a cast on her, it made me think that this is a problem. You need to soak her overnight. You need to put her in a tupperware or plastic butter dish, with small holes cut in the top for ventilation. Put her in the container, and add 85 degree water, filling it til it comes half-way up her side.(not the side of the container) Then wet a wash rag and put the wet rag on her, leaving her head out. She will probably pull her head under, and it is ok as long as it is her choice. Then, put the lid on the container, and put the container in her snake cage, making sure it is not on a heated area. With any luck, you will be greeted in the morning with a full shed. Let us know how she does.
After she sheds, I would feed her a hopper mouse.
And, welcome to the wonderful world of BOA....best of all
Link

is in order, but I wouldn't do it overnight. Just a couple of 30 minute soaks a day until she sheds on her own should do it, or make her a numidity box with moist sphagnum most inside it. Humidity is tthe key to good sheds.

Good luck,
caden

thanks very much for the suggestion.. I actually didn't notice this post until today. She still has not shed fully (only her belly from moving around on the logs and substrate). I have her soaking right now... I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

Jord

i didn't feel comfortable soaking her overnight, so I've been soaking her for an hour or more each night. Tonight will be the third time and although there is still a great deal of loose shed... she still has not shed her face.