Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Dear all:
I have a very nice looking colombian neonate that has quite the temper. Everytime I reach in the cage she hisses and strikes, until i pick her up. Once I handle her for a few moments, she totally calms down. Is this normal? Also, the past three times i have fed her, she has regurged twice. I feed her two small mice every 4 days. Is it because I am feeding her too much too often? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Eliot Stone

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0.1 Colombian Boa
0.1 Cape York Spotted Python
1.0 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
and always looking for more!

Hey Eliot.

It's often recommended to wait after feeding a neonate bci until the animal defecates before feeding again. For the first year their digestive system can be pretty sensitive. Also, one small mouse per meal would be just fine for a neonate.

Generally, bci do not have the tendency to vomit as some bcc like Surinams do. You'll need to follow the treatment protocol which is no handling or feeding for 14 days, then resume feeding with a very small prey item like a pinky or hopper mouse. Do not handle the animal until it defecates. Be sure to provide fresh water at all times.

There is a chance the animal was overloaded with food and was unable to digest it properly. But vomiting takes a lot out of a boa and repeated vomiting will eventually kill it.

Also, it's always good to double-check the cage temps, shooting for around 80 in the cool end and a warm end basking spot around 90.

Too hot temps can also cause vomiting if the animal cannot escape them.

If this protocol fails, it's time to see an experienced herp vet.

Good luck!

Bill

I'm going to take a stab at the aggressiveness, and say that there's a possibility that your snake could be overly stressed. Is it in a high traffic area? Does it have a decent hide?

You're boas aggressive nature will go away with time and consistent respectful handling. This should be the least of your worries right now though. You need to deal with the regurge problem first and immediately.

How long since the last regurge? You should wait 2 weeks before attempting another feeding. At the very least its a good sign that your boa still feeds enthusiastically.
Try smaller meals. A single thawed hopper mouse every 7 days should be plenty for a neonate boa. Also, to aid in digestion, pick up a product called Acidophiliz from PetSmart. It is a digestive tract conditioner which will aid your snakes digestion and hopefully prevent a regurgitation. A few drops on the back of your feeder mouse is all you need. This is NOT a substitute for the 2 weeks waiting period after the regurge though.

With all that being said, check your temps and make sure your snake has a decent hide spot. As a neonate it should be hiding frequently. If it isn't using the hide spot you've provided, there is a reason for it! Hopefully you know all the basics by now though... post up if you have any more questions. Good luck!
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David - Houston, TX
Young Red Tail Boa
Purchased 11/16/03
www.geocities.com/davidag02

Good luck with getting the regurgitation problem taken care of. I do not know if any one said it but you might need to have the vet check for parasites.

On the reaching into the cage part (once your main problem is fixed) do your self a favor and get yourself a small snake hook. It is something all boa owners should have. I had the same problem with my Hoggs. Then I got a hook. I bought a Midwest Tongs 24" mini hook. (I am getting another one tomorrow) I would not even think of picking up my Hoggs with my bare hands, but there is something about the snake hook that does not bother them.

I just reach in and touch them on the back to let them know it is me and it is ok, hook them and gently place them in my hands. It total changed their attitude.

Good Luck,
Jeff

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Jeff
0.1 Wife: Kim
2.0 Hogg Island Boas, Bob Sears Line: Ham-let and BLT
1.1 Smooth-Scaled Sand Boas: Xerxes, and Sa'rai
1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa: Solomon
0.2 Kenyan Sand Boas, 100% het anery: Sheba, Jasmine
0.1 Doberman: Princess Grace
1.0 Pitbull Mix: Popcorn
1.0 Rough Collie: Dante