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I have a columian boa constrictor that I finally decided to breed (after 10 yrs) and this is my first time breeding something live bearing. I noticed some odd behaviors that I thought were sorta funny. She is heavily gravid and I notice ovulation back on 10/26/2004 and she had a shed 1/5/2005. She coils back on her body and lightly tongue flicks and nudges her lower 1/3. I hope this is a good size of reaction to movement in her body and not discomfort over slugs or dead babies. I was just wondering whether others have notice this behavior and also whether the shed date appears correct. I have observed ovulation in pythons and my boa had what was definitely swelling indicative of ovulation...it really is hard to miss!
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This is a very interesting subject, and I was also going to share my findings or should I say thoughts on this matter. One thing about yours is did she shed after her ovulation? Or was it the only shed as you said in Jan.? Andy

Here are the details of the breeding:

Last fed 9/26/04
Intro male 10/2/04, freuquent courting but no copulations observed until 10/18/04 and throughout October.
Ovulation observed 10/26/04--posterior swelling reached max at around 9pm.
No further copulations or courting observed.
Mid December, skin darkening, basking more frequent until shed on 1/5/05.
Post Shed: Continued basking and observed tongue flicking and posterior caressing by female. Body positioned along cage areas with undercage heating with obvious attempt to maximize heated surface area at night. Also utilizing basking lamp and heat element spot basking area continuously. Lower half of body swelling and doubling in diameter.
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I have also noticed this tougue flicking through the area where the babies are. Andy