Reptile & Amphibian Forums

...over and over I see questions about how to get a Dumeril to eat. Over and over I see the same responses with very simialr suggestions to acheive a "feeding" status. My turn to ask a question or 2 for those who so generously reply in hopes we as new comers "get it right".

I am considering a trade for an adult male dumeril that has breed the last 2 seasons and no viable offspring was produced. I am not interested in breeding this type Boa. I understand that he is being sold because he MAY be responsible in some of the reason no offspring has been produced. If he is eating and doing well and the current keeper can tell me all of the details in the last 4 years, is there any reason I should expect him not to feed once the breeding season and acclimatization period is over, assumming I keep proper requirements for this species?

Are they anything like my BRB's that require fairly accurate husbandry standards if they are to eat, shed, and breed? I understand all sPecies require certain near-correct environment...but, was wondering if dumerils are like what I'm familiar with in that if the environment is right they are thriving....or they just a pain in the a$$ no matter what?

Thanks,
Linda

Not meant to offend....just checking out the details before acquistion. I am not opposed to moderate or high maintenance....just want to know before hand.
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When the student is ready, the teacher appears. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. When the student is ready, the teachers appears.

Well, the breeding history won't mean anything to you if your not planning on breeding, but it may if you could eventually plan on breeding....which most people do down the road. It's difficult to guess if the male is the problem or not without real accurate breeding info for him and the females. I'd guess it's a husbandry issue causing the females to not cycle or slug out whichever is the case, but it "could" be the male. Sounds like he's not feeding currently, impossible to say if he'll go back to feeding after "season" or not for sure. He should, but there's no guarantee of anything, and personally I'd rather start with a feeding animal than a non-feeder. In general, Dumerils are EASY to keep, moderate humidity, moderate feeding schedule and average "snake keeping" temps. are your basic requirements. Many dumerils are sold as soon as they're born, or as soon as the BROKER receives them. Just look at the "other boas" classifieds....I see "these JUST came in" all the time and people buy them. Why they go that route rather than from the breeder for at or near the same price is beyond my comprehension, but anyway.......Sometimes baby Dumerils take a little while to adjust to being moved, they can be great feeders for the breeder and stop when relocated to a new owner. If given time most will settle in within a few weeks, others can remain stubborn for quite some time. But, as you've noticed this is the main concern from new owners, and even this is relatively low. The number of people with the problem vs. the number of people who own dumerils and read these forums should support that statement. So, in general they should not be a pain in the butt for you, but that's going to depend on your starting point. I'd start with an animal which is currently feeding and you should have very few problems due to the animal. Possibly from your husbandry, but rarely from the animal itself. Well, not sure I helped you at all, but good luck. Take care

Paul

...you have answered my not so well asked questions and more. I appreciate your time and experience in the detailed answers you provided.

Paul, thank you.

Linda Misch