Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Just have a few questions about my BRB.

First, I've noticed that she "yawns" quite often, usually 3-4 times a day. She does this apparently randomly, whether in or out of her cage, and most of the time appears to be realigning her jaws, as she shifts the jawbone back and forth while doing it. However, I thought this was usually done after a meal? She has been yawning like this since I purchased her, regardless of being fed or not. I got a good look inside her mouth the last time that she did this, and I didn't notice any bubbles, mucus, etc. that would lead me to think RI, but the yawning does concern me nonetheless.

What about activity level? I know that she should be hiding during the day, but she is just as inactive at night as she is during the day, burrowed underneath the substrate in a cool spot. I saw her exploring the first two or three days, but after that, there's been little to no activity at night. In fact, the only time I've seen her is when I've taken her out to handle or feed. Is this typical behavior?

Lastly, how long should it take for the lump for feeding to go down? She was fed Monday night, and there was still quite a noticeable lump tonight around 10:00 pm, past midbody, but not near her tail yet. I'm assuming this is normal also?

Thanks for any advice, as always! I have a routine vet visit scheduled for her later this month, just to check her out and make sure everything is fine from the start. Thanks again!
-----
::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Nekomi,
...Mine are less active when digesting big meals. I had never really thought about it but Rainbow Boas do seem to yawn and stretch their jaws more than many other species. Be very cautious with the vet visit. You probably know more about the husbandry of Rainbow Boas than many vets do. These snakes are just uncommon enough that a typical vet may never have seen one and may think that their husbandry requirements are just like any other boid.
Jeff

>>Hi all,
>>
>>Just have a few questions about my BRB.
>>
>>First, I've noticed that she "yawns" quite often, usually 3-4 times a day. She does this apparently randomly, whether in or out of her cage, and most of the time appears to be realigning her jaws, as she shifts the jawbone back and forth while doing it. However, I thought this was usually done after a meal? She has been yawning like this since I purchased her, regardless of being fed or not. I got a good look inside her mouth the last time that she did this, and I didn't notice any bubbles, mucus, etc. that would lead me to think RI, but the yawning does concern me nonetheless.
>>
>>What about activity level? I know that she should be hiding during the day, but she is just as inactive at night as she is during the day, burrowed underneath the substrate in a cool spot. I saw her exploring the first two or three days, but after that, there's been little to no activity at night. In fact, the only time I've seen her is when I've taken her out to handle or feed. Is this typical behavior?
>>
>>Lastly, how long should it take for the lump for feeding to go down? She was fed Monday night, and there was still quite a noticeable lump tonight around 10:00 pm, past midbody, but not near her tail yet. I'm assuming this is normal also?
>>
>>Thanks for any advice, as always! I have a routine vet visit scheduled for her later this month, just to check her out and make sure everything is fine from the start. Thanks again!
>>-----
>>::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html
>>
>>::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi
>>
>>My Growing Zoo:
>>
>>1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
>>0.1 black cat (Shade)
>>0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
>>1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
>>1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
>>3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
>>2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Right, I'll definitely take that into account. I'm thinking that I may just be very general if the vet asks about husbandry to avoid having to explain myself. All in all, I'd just like her to check a fecal sample and give the snake a quick check-up, mostly for my peace of mind, and secondly so if anything goes wrong later, I can trace it to husbandry and be confident I didn't "buy the snake like that".

Thanks for the reply about the yawning! That's interesting that you've noticed it also. I wonder what its purpose is? Also, you're right, her inactivity is probably due to the meal she ate Monday night. Hopefully I'll see her exploring a bit tonight or tomorrow!
-----
::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)