Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I have a RedTail named "Bob" I bought him as a newborn and have had him since June 2001. He was my first reptile. As much as I hate to do it I am thinking of finding him a new home as I am not able to spend as much time as I would like with him but care dearly for him. I have a few stupid questions, hopefully someone can indulge me and answer them? Bob has been a pet to me, I never bothered to find out what sex he/she is (bobbete?). Is there a way to visibly sex a RedTail Boa or does it require probing? Bob would not like that Also, he is 4' long, maybe a little longer, is this a normal size for a 3 year old RedTail? Also, what would indicate what type of RedTail he is? I figured anyone interesed in him would want to know these things and I simply can not answer with any certainty. Any info appreciated.
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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

You need to post a pic in order to ID it, no way around that.

You MIGHT get different answers, but here is mine on sexing. There are visible characteristics that make a female diff. from a male. Problem is they are NOT 100%. In fact, I would bet they are not 75% accurate.
The only way to tell a snake, at this size, to be a male or female is by probing it. Now, if you were to give it away, maybe it would not matter, but if you were selling it, I think it is a must do to find the sex. Maybe you will find someone who just loves boas and would buy it no matter the sex, most here would not though.
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Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net

Hi,

Thanks for responding. I have included a photo to see if he is BCC or BCI. IF I do decide to part with my little buddy he will not be given away free so I will take him in and have him probed for sex. However I would be interested in knowing what if any visible signs of sex there are for my own info.

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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

On males, the tail (below the vent) is longer.
On males, the spurs are more 'pronounce', longer, more visable, more of a curve to them.

Again, the above traits are NOT proof of anything. The only accurate way to sex a boa any older than a hatchling is to probe it.
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Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net

thanks. Now any idea if he is a BCI or BCC?

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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

Definately a BCI (Columbian), no doubt about it.
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Brian Oakley
Phoenix, Arizona
BrianOakley@cox.net