Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi i'm new here and i just got a Dumeril’s Boa and i would like to get some info i have a ball python and my husband thought that this one looks cool so ge got it for me and i love it but i need some info on them if you don't mind??

thank you melissa
i will post pic's when i can

Well congratualations, Dumerils make great pet snakes.
First off , I would keep them seperated( ball & Dume) I have had some canabalistic dumes, also the size of the Dumeril now is important to know they will grow to be 7-8 feet in length. For more info you might want to get a book from the pet store on husbandry of boas.

I would not allow the temperatures to reach over 90' and no lower than 70', always have clean water available at all times, they like hide boxes .
this is at least the best to keep it alive, you might want more info so I'm sure if you wait long enough it will come.

Good luck and enjoy your new snake.
Nick

yes they are in seperat cages and i'm going to a show this next weekend i know that there i got her from they said about the same set up as the ball

melissa

Congrats, Dumerils boas make great pets. You did not mention how old your new dumerils is. I will assume it is a 04 baby. One thing about young dums is they need more privacy than a young common boa. Not sure about ball pythons. So a plastic shoebox or sweaterbox cage is best for them. Aspen bedding is a great substrate, they like to hide in it. Keep them around 80 degrees and a once a week feeding is good. Good luck with your new pet and I look forward to seeing your pics posted.
Chuck

i have been thinking of getting a boa an the dumeril's look neat. i read they get to be 4-5 foot then i read they get 7-8 foot. how big are they really? and are they big around. i have a jungle carpet python that is 6 foot but is a lean snake.
also what size cage would an adult need?

I have had a male reach 8 feet long and 6 inches thick no joke!
the ones I have now are not yet full grown but are in the 5-6 foot range and about4-5 inches thick, they eat like crazy , but still make great pets dispite their full grown size capabilities, it will take several years, unlike common boas that can reach 5 foot in a year and a half.

Dumerils boas average adult length is 6 to 7 feet long. I have heard
that some males will stay between 5 & 6 ft. I'm sure there are some boas when heavily fed will reach the 8 ft mark. Check out the Dec 2004 issue of reptiles mag. Dumerils are featured. The author claims
that after finding a few dozen in the wild they averaged between 4 & 5 1/2 ft. Another cool point he makes is after more than a decade in the field in Madagascar, he had yet to find a boa that attempted to bite or defend itself in anyway. Claiming they must be the planet's most mellow serpents.
Chuck

yes it is a 5/04 baby.

In lieu of a hide box, you can use a heavy layer of Aspen shavings over the under tank heater. If the snake wants more heat it will bury itself deep under neath. If not it will come to the top. I keep mine this way and have no problems. As to the mellowness of Dumerils, I'd agree. Mine in the close to two years I've had her has yet to exhibit any disagreeable temperment.