Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello

I'm babysitting the most precious rosy boa over the summer. Theres a few things: shes a...um, she. About 28" long, and i was told to feed her juvenile mice w/ a little bit of fur, which the intelligence at the pet store interpreted as a fuzzy. That was June third, well over a month ago. Since then she's gone through a nasty shed, since she has a burn on her back, probably from a heating lamp from previous owner. So, yea-month and a half later, under council from my intelligence at the pet store, attempt to feed her another fuzzy (i forgot to mention shes been through a fuzzy, pinky, and adult, all of which she killed or half killed, but did not eat) That was two days ago, and i;ve had a pet mouse for about two days. The guy at the pet store said she is not dehydrated, nor is she malnourished, but other resources i have read say that if a snake has not eaten in 4 weeks, bring it in. Would damp sand have anything to do with it?(she soaked herself in her water dish when she was gonig through her shed.) Can anyone help me? I'm sure there is one teensy thing im missing, is it alright if she goes the whole summer w/out eating?

Sarah

how are the temperatures?

is there a warm side and cool side? hiding places?

not sure on the wet sand..most people use aspen, newspaper, reptile bark. I know the kenya sand boas prefer sand.

could be she has mites. some snakes will soak in order to get rid of mites.

if she has a bad burn could be it hurts her to eat. don't rely on pet store people. they know nothing. I'd find a good reptile vet and get her checked out.

if you post a more indepth message about your set up someone with more experience will get a better idea. I'm just a pet owner I think the only time a snake should go that long without food is during burmation (cool period in winter).

weeell, thanks so much for responding. She has a hide cave which she stuffs herself into quite often. there are two low ridin' branches on the opposite side, the terrarium is about 30x12x13, however many gallons that is, and the bedding is sand, though i replaced it w/ storebought reptile sand because it was pretty stinky.

There is a heating stick-um on the hide cave side, and the shallow dish of water goes on the opposite side. temperatures at their lowest are usually about 76-78, and sometimes go up to 85, since my room is the warmest room in the house.

I've read that snakes may not eat due to stress- and she has been moved from her home to mine for the summer. Plus, that burn of hers could be causing her some stress, as well. I made a mistake on the post, she is actually about 26", could she still be growing?

Is there any way to tell if she has a nutrition issue? I also read that if she's not getting enough sun, which i admit theres none of, she might be lacking the UVA and UVB rays she needs to metabolize her energy, which would make her more inclined to feel hungry again. I'm going to get a low-wattage heating lamp to use during the day- maybe introducing her to a schedule of photo periods might get her into some routine she'll understand, and might feel like eating again?

Then again, i could be completely missing the target. Any advice, anyone? ¡Las gracias de mi corazón!

Sarah

heating stick...did i say that? oh, what i meant was heating 'stick-um,' like its a sticky thing that you stick underneath the terrarium, and it heats it. but, yes. i bought a lamp for the heated side, and i am pretty confident that will work. i'll let you know.

boas are great snakes from what i've observed. go for it!

Posting your message on the Forum for, Boa's:Rosy,Rubber,Sand way more info. there, for Rosy Boa's. Good Luck Sarah !
Have A Good One !
Kenneth

I can tell you what I think but I'm no expert. This is how I have my corns, milk and jungle python set up...each have an under the tank heater on one side of the tank with light on SAME side. This will provide a heat gradiant. She can choose to be warm or cool. I have never heard of a 'heat stick'? What is that? (It is dangerous to have any heating device in with the snake, as you found out by her burn.) They also have hiding places and water bowls.
All my lights are on timers. At night they go out to give them a natural day/night cycle. I have read snakes don't need the UVB lights. I just have regular incandecent lights on my corns. My python has a basking light for day and red light for night. She likes temps warmer.
I have never owned a boa so not sure on their paticular care requirements or temp ranges. Althought I'm thinking about getting one.
Any snake as far as I can tell will get stressed with being moved. And since she has a burn I can see why she might not be eating.
I think I would still take her to a vet...