Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We're going to go ahead and rescue this little girl. I would rather not pay for her, but I know the girl who has her now has put out quite a bit of money for food and even took her to the vet. So I'm giving her $75 for the snake, the heat lamp, and a mouse.

Tomorrow we're going to get some misc. supplies that we don't already have. We'll spend the evening setting it up, then on Friday we're bringing her home.

I'm figuring on waiting 3-4 days before trying to feed her. Does that sound about right? Remember, she hasn't eaten in about six weeks... not a big deal for a medium-sized snake, I suppose, but still worrisome. She was attacked by a mouse (rat?) about that time and hasn't eaten since. I plan on feeding pre-killed and using a feeding box. I don't know if the mouse she's giving me is live or frozen. If it's live, I will be feeding her fresh killed, I suppose. I only know of two methods of killing a mouse: I know how to (but don't have the materials to) set up a dry ice kill box, and I know about putting the pencil behind the mouse's head and pulling on the tail. Any other, better, ways of doing it? Also, is it better to feed in the dark or in the light? I know quiet is good, but the rest I'm unsure of.

I'm going to use newspaper for a substrate... at least for now. I've been doing my research. Some places say to use dirt for them to burrow in, and others don't even mention it. For the time being, I am planning on using newspaper and giving her a cardboard box hide with a large shallow pan of water. Thoughts on dirt?

Also, the consensus on temperature seems to be 80-90F ambient, 90-98F basking. Is that right? 60% humidity, but she'll be housed in the same room (oppposite sides) as our iguana, and we humidify the entire room for him, so that shouldn't be a problem.

We'll be using an incandescent bulb for heat, and most likely buying an undertank heater to keep her warm at night. My iguana has a CHE, but that seems like overkill right now... maybe when she gets bigger and we build her a larger enclosure.

She's free roaming right now, with only one small basking spot set up. It's my belief that she hasn't been eating because she's been too cold. The reptile guy I know adds that it doesn't help that she was attacked several weeks ago and the inconsistency of feeding box vs. no feeding box (her original owner used one, her current owner does not) doesn't help. Any other possible solutions?

If I understand correctly, she's got another six weeks of no eating before I really need to worry.

Overall, it sounds like she will be a bit easier, and probably cheaper overall, than my iguana. I think we'll be just fine with her. I'll be sure to get some pictures up once she's well acclimated. And please please please post suggestions! I've been reading through posts, and it seems like there are a lot of experienced boa people here... even breeders!

Thanks again,
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~Alika~
1.0.0 green iguanas
0.1.0 cockatiels
1.0.0 senegal parrots
0.1.0 blue-fronted amazons
0.0.1 red belly piranha

By far I prefer to purchase prekilled. It was years ago, but the way I used to do it when I had live was to take it by the tail and smash it's head against the pavement.

It sounds violent.....I know...But it is instantaneous death and far more humane than dying by slow asphyxiation.

- damian

Wellll... first off i want to congradulate you on doing your homework, It sounds as if you have really looking into the care of this animal and that you are getting all prepared for the upcoming arrival. I am assured that you will find a great home for this lost little friend of yours, first off i wouldnt try to feed her for a week or so, i know that she hasn't ate in a while but you are going to be alright to let her settle in and relax before you try and "stress" her out with a feeding session. Secondly, i run my tanks hot, but as long as you have a reostat to control the temperature you will be fine, i try to allow the cool side of the tank to be room temperature which here in california is about 75-80 degrees, the warm side i run my freedom breeders tanks at 92-100, BUT this is only done since i know it will not get hotter than that in the cage. I also would suggest you check the temps offen for the first few months to make sure they are staying level and consistent. Next... Well next is just time, i would cover the tank for the first 5-7 days to just let the animal settle in, no worry about people walking by and staring at her, not stress her out at all, and then make sure there is an adequate hide box for her, it really really calms down my jumpy babies to have somewhere that they can return and feel safe, Lastly.. Good Luck.... Rescue animals are never easy, they take alot of time and patience but it sounds like you have educated yourself enough that you will give this animal everything she could need... If you need any extra help please just post up here or email me and i would be glad to offer any advice i could... good luck with your new best friend!

Sincerely,
Rose Hipskind
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www.srsnakes.com