Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone had a boa's eyes go blue, then go back to normal without having them shed? My boa's eyes went blue, then back to normal about a week or so ago and he hasn't shed yet. Not even tried, don't know if I should be concerned. My other question is....I normally get a live rat once every 10 days or so from petco, (I know, everyones favorite) I try and get the healthiest rat as I can, but this time when I brought the rat home she started sneezing really bad and making noises a normal rat wouldn't. If the rat is sick, could it be transfered to my boa? Could he get something from the rat or would the acid in his stomach take care of most of it? Just curious. I haven't fed him the rat yet.

Your snake should shed within the week, they generally go blue...back to normal then blue and shed. so nothing abnormal there. And as for the rat, depends on what it "had" or "has" if it is a zoonotic disease that is transferrable to the snake then it definately can be "caught" by the snake. My suggestion would be by the food elsewhere.
TOM

Well, although it does not happen often, I have had a couple boas do the same thing. Then they shed regular the next time...just keep humidity checked...they will be fine. I also had some babies from a new litter go blue and then clear and not shed at all till the next shed.
As for the rat. I never reccomend feeding live. There is just no reason to do it...in my opinion unless trying to get baby balls to feed or some other hard feeder started. Freezing rodents kills bacteria or protoza or diseases that could potentially harm your pet. There are other problems with feeding frozen as well, but I still think frozen is better. I know there are those who like to feed live, I just choose not to. Hope this helps, Andy
AJF Reptiles