Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings

Will anyone who has seen it please tell me about star-gazing in boas? Our baby Brigid, born 2/2/08 has been resting up against the side of the tank, last night, and again this morning against the cool side of the tank, at least the first 1/3 of her/his body (we haven't sexed this baby-- I'm hoping it's female). I had her out last night, she's very quiet, will stay wrapped around my wrist for a half hour easy, but did explore some, is not completely limp (i.e. has good muscle tone) and generally seemed to know which way was up and down.
She also has not showed any interest in frozen pinkie mice offered, and so has not eaten at all since her birth.
This baby had an IBD positive dad; status of mother is unknown. Both were put down for severe URI. I've left a message with the vet, but she's not in until tomorrow.
Is she stargazing? Is there any reason why she would have NO interest in mice (as opposed to rats--- which we will hopefully be able to pick up this weekend)?

hoping I'm just seeing things,
Antigone

The mice offering might be to large, especially if you're considering rats. Try fuzzies, first F/T, then live if still not taking them.

Or, she could not be eating because she's ill.

Star-gazing boas will look up, and up, and over. Often swaying while trying to keep a balance. It'll progress to complete uncoordination even while not up and star-gazing.

The next 24-48 hours will give you your answer. It will become obviously abnormal if this is indeed what it is.

Is this snake in a smaller cage, or the large on that the other boas were in? Use a smaller cage, and give an 80-95F temp range. Hides on both ends, ect.

Ian

Thanks Ian.
Actually we've been offering f/t pinkie mice, but unlike our previous pigs who ate, I think, even before their first shed, or at least were gobbling right after, she took a while to fully shed, even with help (we had a tip of the tail left too, but didn't end up with the same problem as that other poster), and she has no real interest. Right now, I think she's still ok weight, but I'm hoping for a first meal soon.

She's in a smaller tank. I've asked my bf, who is home today, to keep an eye on her and up her heat-- it's usually 75 cool- 87/93 hot end, with the hide more on hot end but not directly under the ceramic heater sitting an inch or so above the tank.

Have NOT noticed/heard any breathing issues, and have NOT seen her "rearing up" unsupported---I've only noticed her up against the glass....and not like she's trying to get out like the ball python:/
Thanks again,
Antigone