New and need help

usako · 09-30-14, 08:04 PM

I am new here. I have a ball python I have had for six months now and today we brought home a red tail boa. Unfortunately she came from a not so great situation as it turns out, she seems very skinny and underfed (the guy said he had tried to feed her a few days before but "it wasn't fully thawed so that's probably why she didn't eat") she had a huge scar/scrape on her nose and I just now minutes ago found out she has mites. I am quarantining in separate parts of the house but I am also a little out of my element so any advice would be greatly appreciated. We bought a rat for her because we were so concerned about her being underfed but I got a live rat for her because I've only ever fed live and it seems she doesn't know what to do with it, I'm guessing she has only ever been fed frozen/thawed.

**Tsubaki** · 10-02-14, 03:18 AM

Try to search the forums about how to deal with mites, there have been countless topics about it. It would be wise to get rid of the mite infestation asap. Could you post a picture of the animal where we can see what shape it is in? Boa's have quite a different build to their body, and if someone has only owned Bp's a slim boa might look skinnier than it actually is.

Best thing to do is treat the mites, but otherwise leave the animal alone. Make sure the tank is set up properly, and that is has load of places to hide (you can use cardboard boxes etc for easily disposable hides). A snake feeling secure in a proper environment should start eating on its own. I know it can be very tempting, especially if it's only you second snake and your very first boa. But the animal really needs to feel completely secure, and will not benefit from handling. If the snake has only been fed f/t it would be wise to continue with that, best time to feed would be after the mites are gone and the animal has settled in. Try offering a completely thawed out rat, if the snake doesn't take it you can choose to leave it in the enclosure overnight. If it still has not eaten, leave it alone for another week then try again. Especially when you're still working on the mites, it might take a while. Do not try live rats unless it is a last resort, especially if the animal is a bit weak the rat could do some serious damage.

Taking on an unhealthy animal with limited experience is hard, sounds like she came from a horrible person. It's not impossible if you do it right, good luck! Don't give up, they can recover from a lot.

Snakesitter · 10-02-14, 01:32 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about the condition of your new arrival. Kudos to you for giving her a chance at a new and better life.

There are many remedies for mites, but the "Provent a Mite" product is best if you can find it. I would treat the area around your BP too, just in case mites hitchhiked on you to his/her enclosure before you knew about them, as otherwise it could force you to start the whole treatment process all over again. Make sure you follow the directions precisely.

I'm not sure what to say about a (prior) keeper that offers food when it's "not fully thawed." Some people should never have pets. :-(

When you get a picture or three up, the forum will be better able to advise you on specific feeding practices and other issues.

Good luck!

bigsnakegirl785 · 10-02-14, 02:00 PM

Pictures would definitely help. As said, if you're used to the robust shape of a ball python you'll think a healthy weight boa is underweight, and even so, many boa constrictors are kept overweight and even obese so that's what you see in a lot of boas creating a false image of what they should look like.

If she's eating f/t there is no reason to switch to live. F/t is safer for you snake. Not to mention f/t allows you stock up on them and is more humane for the rat. A young rat will outgrow your snake after only 1 or 2 weeks.

How old is she, or how big is she? Boa constrictors eat on different schedules at different parts of their life.