Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my red tail Boa.Its 17 1/2 inches long.How old would that put it? As far as I know, the pet shop I got it from only feed it frozen mice.It was not kept at the correct temp,it just wasnt care for right. Its a long story,but I got it for free.

I know a little about taking care of them, but I want to learn any and everything you all can teach me.

I hope I post the correct URL so that you can see him.His head is really dry feeling compared to his body.

he was very hungrey, they hadnt fed him in 2 wks. I gave him 2 frozen fuzzies (mice,all they had).the pet shop was closed down so now I have to find someone that breeds rats. I can get some mice (adults,pinkies or fuzzies)

Since he had went so long w/o eatting.........should I feed it again this week?
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that URL didnt work, how do I post a picture? I am using photobucket.

Judging by its size I would imagine your boa was produced last year...although like you said not feeding as it should would explain its smaller than typical size. As for an image you can just copy the image url and paste it into the Image url shown below this box or you can use this format:

and put the URL between those brackets.
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Brandon Nixon

this is the whole URL from photobucket.com

I'd suggest feeding this guy 1 mouse frozen thawed or prekilled every 7 days for about 6 weeks. At that point he might be ready to go up to small frozen thawed rat. Do to the bad feeding practices with this Boa.It might and probably will affect his ability to shed properly for a while. Until his body and skin get proper nutrients built up he might have problems shedding. Just keep feeding him one mouse(Mouse should be size of biggest part of his body or slightly larger).I'd actually go with a mouse just slightly smaller then the largest part of his body for the first couple feedings.Just to be on the safe side. Can't be sure what kind of digestive fluids he has in him at this point. You might want to go to this website RedTailBoas and read the Ultimate Care Guides .In fact I suggest you do, I'll leave a link below.
. . .. . . Lar M

RedTailBoas forum

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Boas By Klevitz

ok,so you suggest frozen mice instead of frozen baby rats? When do I switch it over to rats.(I thought rats were better for boa's)

if mice are fine,then I'll get a breeding pair.

Read LarM's last post again!

"I'd suggest feeding this guy 1 mouse frozen thawed or prekilled every 7 days for about 6 weeks. At that point he might be ready to go up to small frozen thawed rat."

LarM is telling you that since the snake hasn't been cared for well, it is better to feed smaller meals rather than to over load his system right now. You have a baby on your hands, and they have more sensitive systems anyways. If you have easier access to rats than mice, try feeding a pinky or small fuzzy rat. These are equivalent in size to a hopper or small mouse.

Please read through the link that LarM gave you, it is a good caresheet!
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Thanks,
Amy

My Boids