One of my first rescue boas was not really a rescue, altho now thinking on it...maybe he was. Pepe is a Sonoran male purchased thru a local reptile rescue from a private couple who had too many snakes to feed properly. I was told Pepe was 8-10 yrs old when i got him in 2000. He is showing his age now i believe as he doesnt eat but live small rats and then only once a month or so. When younger he ate weekly and was quite active. Now he enjoys coiling over the heat spot or hiding in his bark log. He still comes to the front to great me but he looks like an old man, a bit wrinkled and saggy. Question is...what is the expected life span of a Sonoran Boa and what should i be doing differently for aging snakes? I pamper him since he is one of my VERY favorite old men, but i wonder if there is anything else i should do for Pepe? He is the oldest snake i have or have ever had. Any responses appreciated. Yours in Boas, susan
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Longevity Question.....
Replies (2)
Most boas should live to 20 years when they are properly taken care of. There should never be saggy skin, this is a sign of dehydration. He may have contracted round-worms from the live prey. Round worms, and other intestinal parasites live off of the nutrients in the hosts digestive tract, depleating reserves in the host.
Get the snake to a vet, do a blood test and fecal smear. You will probably find there is something wrong.
The fact that he only eats once a month is not anything to worry about, weight loss however is. I had a 2001 6.5 ft Anery Colombian male that ate every three weeks at most, and he was solidly built, meals consisted of one large rat.
I hope you are able to discover the problem.
My vet has checked him within the last month and gave him a glowing bill of health. The sagging skin is only on his head and he has adequate water available at all times. He just looks like an old man! His stools (when he has one) is as normal looking as can be. Could the saggy head skin be a delayed shed? He is due for one. Thanks again for your comments. I will get him checked again. susan
