Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 7 month old female Suriname red tail boa, so I was told, not positive exactly her age. I was told 5 months by one person at the pet store and 7 months by two other people working there. Anyways, I have had her since November 12th so a month in a half and she is eating small f/t rats (no bigger than the widest part of her body) and feeding every Friday. I have already taken her to the vets and she is healthy. My question is, do you think she is an above average size boa? One month ago she was 35" long and weighed 12 ounces. Now she is 40" long and weighs 19 ounces and just had her second shed in one month! (both perfect sheds). The only thing I can think of is that she is older than 8 months and at the pet store they were under feeding her (but she didn’t look skinny or malnourished and the vet thought she looked healthy too, or could I have a really big boa on my hands? Which I’m happy either way. And is it normal to have two good sheds in one month time?

Thanks,

Mike

A boa of that size especially being a suriname, id bet its at least a yearling or older.
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Richard Ceniceros
Tap or take a nap

She is most certainly older than 7 months, at 3 feet she is more than likely over a year of age.

This is just my opinion as far as feeding, slow down my friend. I would recomend an appropriate sized meal every 10 to 14 days, she will be a much healthier snake if she is not grown too fast.

Every week for now is probably not all to harmful because she is in a strong growth period, but it is just better to grow the BCC slow.

I take great pride in the fact that almost all my animals shed in one piece, you should take pride as well. Having two sheds in a months time is not unheard of but is an indicator of fast growth or healing.... again just my opinion slow down the feedings. Enjoy her and post some pic's.

Joel

Thanks for the replies. I was talking to some boa breeders and they were advising to feed that size boa two small rats every week but I will slow down her feeding schedule. I thought once a week because she is under a year old but if you guys think she is older than a year than 10-14 days would be better. After I feed her she does burry herself and pokes her head out of the aspen bedding waiting for another rat to walk but I don't want to over feed her. When I do feed her I feed her in a box out of the cage. I will get some picture up soon.
Thanks,
Mike