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The highs and lows of boa breeding......the saga continues

Yesterday was a bittersweet one for me. I have been waiting in anticipation for months for the results of my first BCC breeding. I had raised the female since she was a baby....almost 5 years in all. I have raised the father for 2.5 years. They were sold to me as Guyanan although I have no locality data or proof. You can call them Surinam if it is your preference. They were also sold as captive born.....although I have no reason to doubt it (these animals never gave me one hint of a problem) I don't know their history. What I do know is that I have looked far and wide for nice BCC and these two are my favorites. She was only 7 lbs when the breeding trial began but she was nearly 5 years old and had good structure and mass for her length. The whole breeding trial and preganancy went smoothly. She ate and thermoregulated all the way through. Yesterday was day 108 POS and I came home to find her in the birthing process. There were already live babies and unfertilized on the ground. Unfortunately, I was only able to witness the "birth" of additional slugs. The final count was 5 live babies and 7 unfertilized. I expected a small litter from my petite lady but the high slug count was disappointing. Furthermore, a fantastic looking baby died 30 minutes after I arrived. It was still carrying a huge yolk. Two of the remaining four also had decent size yolks but I am happy to report that after a day of little movement they are have now abandoned the yolks and are exploring their enclosure. They are good sized babies so I am optimistic that all four will be survivors. They also seem to have received favorable looks from Mom and Dad. I will include a few photos and a link to the rest.

The one that did not survive:

All of the Birthing Photos

Mother

Father

to stay positive with all these highs and lows. I know how the rollercoaster can be. You just have to hang on and don't lose hope. At least the four that made it look great!

Keep that chin up Gray!

Thanks,
Celia
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Celia Chien

www.BoaConstrictorMorphs.com

Celia Chien Photography

www.ExoticsByNature.com
www.BallPythonMorphs.com
www.CornsnakeMorphs.com

...watching these babies as they begin to explore their cage is making me feel better every minute.

I was planning on breeding my female Guyanan. My problem is
that, like you mentioned with yours she isn't anywhere near as
big as I'd like.

I've had her since she was a neonate but she is one SLOW grower.

Did you have to use multiple males or was the one male enough?

nm

...for you, Gray. You have experienced both the HIGHS and unfortunately the LOWS that come with breeding. First I would like to congratulate you on Jasmine's litter. The ones that survived look fantastic and I'm sure will thrive while in your care. Sorry about the infertile ova and that one that did not make it....what a looker too.

Keep doing what you have been....the boa world needs more guys like you. You have been an inspiration to me, that is for sure.

Denny

....I'm pleased that I have 4 healthy babies and Mom is doing fine (it was a LONG labor especially the 7th slug). I think I have gone over and watched them at least a dozen times today. They are magnificent.

.. sight.. the wasted eggs and premature babies.

Hold on to those nice boas, you will better next time. The ones you have are nice.

-----
Gus
A. Rentfro
RioBravoReptiles.com
www.riobravoreptiles.com

"Quality is not an accident. Perfectly healthy animals are a minimum requirement.. everything else is just salesmanship" gus

.....yes, I think that I should give that pair another chance. They made a good match in all respects. However, I think I will wait until next Spring to give her a chance to put on more weight.

You know Gray, I am looking to get into breeding snakes in the near future, and it always helps to remember the risks involved in this process. I know how frustrating it must be to have such an outcome like the one you had, but I think it is something all of us need to be prepared for.
When I first got into the hobby, I saw breeders posting photos of these amazing litters thier animals had and how it all looked so easy. I just couldn't wait to breed mine. As I've learned more, I've come to realize that breeding is a science and an art, and takes time to perfect.
Most breeders have dozens of animals, but I only have two. These two boas are my first and I am very attached to them, especially the female. I just couldn't bear to see something bad happen to her in breeding because of something I failed to do for her.
I guess what I am saying is that experiences like yours help to remind me of my priorities, to keep my expectations realistic and my knowledge current. By sharing your experiences, you help all of us to stay focused.
Personally, I think the babies look awesome, and I'd be proud of the Mom and Dad. I wish you luck my friend, and look forward to seeing the next litter, which I'm sure will be even better. Take care, and thanks for sharing.

.....the "not so good" results. There is a lot more death and slugs involved in boa breeding then most people would ever imagine. I think hobbyists need to be better informed about this so they can make good decisions in regards to their own animals. It sounds like you will make an informed and wise choice in regards to your boas.
gray

I agree, it is these posts, both the good and bad, that show a more balanced view of the hobby. When I first started looking and thinking about breeding I had visions of tons of babies every year, all the posts were showing huge beautiful litters. I had my ups and downs, one good litter, one bad. The perspective is good and I think it is very beneficial that you make these post, thanks, and congrats on the 4 lil beauties