Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey folks,

I was wondering if any of the mussurana breeders would be willing to share weights of their animals before they consider breeding Boiruna maculata. I would love to throw a pair together soon, but with some of the pictures I see of massive animals, I am thinking my female especially might not be ready despite her being 4-5 years old. Since 2009 she has almost tripled her weight and I think I am getting too excited.

Thanks for any feedback.

The smallest female I've bred was a robust 4.5' long. She produced six viable eggs, and later laid a second clutch of five viable eggs without reintroduction of the male. She's well over five feet now and is gravid...

Hope this helps.

Thank you,

Every bit of information helps. Unfortunately you threw in the word "robust." This girl meets the 4-5' mark in TL, and by her body proportions I would call her "robust." The problem sits in that we (or me at least) do not see enough representatives of this slightly smaller, but still large, mussurana species. If I was comparing this snake to a cal king, I would say it is a big breeder female. If I were comparing it to an eastern indigo, I would say it is a good sized young snake that I would not be looking at breeding soon. This is where I try and use age, length, and weight to make the judgment call...but weight seems to be the hidden secret out there. I suppose if someone gave me a water displacement measurement to give me an idea on the mass, that would work, but my guess is that is an ever more rare number : )

Between you and other suggestions from another breeder via e-mail, I think I have the answer I am looking for. I just hope it isn't in part because it is the answer I wanted to hear.

Thank you very much again!