Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'd like to get a juvenile Dumeril's this spring. I've read many care sheets, some stuff in books, and the threads on this site and a couple others. It's just going to be a pet and I'm going to set up some smaller plastic containers for juvenile snakes but I have some large cages free for when it gets large. I have some other boids. Any tips or insights before I get one?

Hello,

First off just enjoy you new dumeril's boa, I think that are a great snake. I would recommend doing some research on where you get you snake. Ask about the genetic history of their breeding pair, it is important to try to get offspring from as diverse as possible lines. Also make sure your dumeril's is feeding before you purchase it. Some young dumeril's can be slow to feed, it is a species that likes its privacy. Finally, try to get your dumeril's switched to rats or rat pups as soon as possible. They seem to prefer mice and can be difficult to switch later in their development. That's all I can think of now if you have any more questions just ask. I am not an expert on them but have kept a couple breeding pairs for about six years. I also wrote a magazine style article on them for a school assignment that I can email you, just let me know.

Erin

I agree with the previous message. Make sure to do your research and be prepaired for anything. (As with any animal). I did my homework and purchased a baby Dum a few MONTHS ago. ("Months" being the key word here). In that mine has STILL not taken a meal. They are indeed the most picky of eaters of any snake species I have owned to date. I think that my Dum might have previously developed a respiratory infection which has increased his lack of appetite. But even before that, he was uninterested in his food.

They are an awesome species of snake who are very calm right from the start and not to mention beautiful. I wish you good luck with yours.

~Nick

Everyone will agree that you should know your breeder. You want to know how your breeder feels about inbreeding, and neonate care.

Personally, I hand selected my 1.1 from two separate clutches. Unfortunately, due to a bad choice of pet sitters, I lost the male a few months later (1996). The female did well, and a year later I was able to afford another male. Both were from very different dealers and good bloodlines (as evidenced by the 20+ clutch sizes).

I have successfully bred these two twice and I anticipate my third clutch later this year (after giving them a year off for ethical reasons).

There are a lot of dumeri's out there; they breed readily and have large clutches. For this reason, the prices have come way down since the 90's. Average price these days looks like $125, which is comprable to other boas.

Young dumeril's will like a substrate that allows them to burrow in. They will disappear in aspen or pine shavings. I used to use pine bark mixed with shavings for a bit of a natural look. Neonates are happy in a shoe box sized rubbermaid container for a few months. They appreciate the privacy compared to all glass enclosures. They will frequently be seen caudal luring while almost fully covered in substrate.

I have had very little problems with feeding these guys (about 20 total). A previous post stated that they were among the hardest to get to eat, but I disagree. Having dealt with numerous imported ball pythons, I know what picky eaters are. Dumeril's require some patience, but are not hard to get eating. I have had all of my babies eating within one month of birth.

That said, in the 8 years I've had my female, she has gone off feed a couple of times. This generally coincided with cooler months of the year and/or agressive cage mates. My male has gone off feed a couple times also, but this has generally coincided with breeding. A couple months is nothing to worry about; six months is.

These are very rewarding snakes. Thier size and demenor are definite advantages. I'm sure you will be happy in your endevour; I was won over immediately. I haven't wanted another species of boa since (well, I do have an ATB on the way).

Good luck,

-----
Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Thanks for all the advice everybody. I've just set up a plastic bin and I'm testing the heating equipment and humidity I know the owner of the place I'm going to look at the baby Dumeril's at fairly well, he is a very trust-worthy and respected person and if he didn't breed them he'll put me in touch with whomever did. I'm going to him instead of trying to pick one up at a show for this reason. I'll be looking at the babies Saturday and may bring one home, I'll post some pics if I do Nice snake btw zoodude

Zoodude, please tell me what you do right as an experienced breeder of these amazing animals. As I'm sure you read my post, and problems concerning my Dum, I am very interested in knowing all of the minute things you do right. I as well am hooked on Dum's already. (Even though my first one is on his way out). I am interested in getting him back on his "feet" and to possibly get more Dums in the future. But not at this rate. Please contact me if you would at UaruNick@yahoo.com for details.

Thanks,

~Nick