Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have just got a few new corn islands, one of them is all kinked and coiled in the tail - he can straighten it but its looks rear of the spine is kinked- like little lumps on his back. He is wolfing down fluffs and is the cockiest of the bunch - I have no worries about his health but I am a bit worried about future breeding projects and would just like to know why its like this and if it will grow out.

Does anyone know if this will effect his love life?

cheers

sam

Well Sam, first of all I wouldn't accept an animal in that condition if it was represented as being in better shape. Second, although the animal may be able to breed fine some day how can you assume the problem is just a physical deformity and not a genetic one that could be passed on to the offspring? Another point is although a spinal deformity may not appear serious now as the animal matures it could become much more debilitating. For this reason it's difficult to say what will be the case a few years down the road. I'd request a refund if I were you unless this condition was disclosed prior to the sale.

Oh I was definately aware of this before the sale and have no problem with the person who sold me the snakes as to their discription. He is a very reputable dealer and told me all about the snakes. I will wait and see how he does as he grows as to wheather I breed him I think - if not he will just have to stay a funky looking pet - it was more just wondering as to the reasons why this has happened.

I was also wondering about the growth rate and what to expect - anyone keep dwarf boas?

I want to know how old when they will breed? - What is a good size to start them breeding? They are late '04s - any chance of breeding the back end of the '06 season?

Sam

Dwarf boas have the same maturation time as Colombians, so the first year I woud try them is '07, the male could go in '06 though.

Chris

What about feeding - they are on 1 fluff about every 5 days (ive only had them a couple of weeks and a couple have yet to eat - been in shed etc) the ones that have eaten look like they could go for more but I dont want to over do it - do you know of any guidlines for size of snake to prey etc? Same sort of ratio as common boas?

cheers

Every five days is way too much for a Corn Island. I feed mine every two weeks. I would feed max every 10 days. They will not grow faster if you feed them more, they will just become obese.
Corn Islands do have great appetites, mine is almost like a pituophis when it comes to eating. You just have to forget about that and do what is in the best interest of the boa.

Chris

Thanks loads for the advise - Im feeding 1 fluff at a time - is this about right for a late '04?

cheers

sam

I am not sure how big a fluff is. I am assuming it is the size of a hopper. I would step up to a small mouse every ten to 14 days. Again, this depends on the size of your boa. Don't give it anything bigger than what you think it can handle.

Chris Canada-Smith

I'm sure Gus is most qualified to answer since he breeds these so I think it best he respond if he chooses to do so. In the meantime here's a link to his site on these animals. http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/boas_island.htm I hope this helps.

great site for these little boas - found it quite hard to find decant info about them..

sam

Vinnie Russo is one other person I know of with experience breeding Corn Island boas. Another source of information. http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/