How to sex

[Marica]

As for the original question of how to sex your snakes, I would recommend taking them to a reputable herp vet or breeder to have them probed as they appear to be too old to be popped. Popping and probing are useful skills for a breeder to learn so that they can sell their offspring sexed correctly. There are also some visual indicators that are unreliable such as the size or visibility of spurs, the length/shape of the tail, etc. Also, I've heard of males attempting to dominate each other, so them entwining may not necessarily confirm opposing sexes.

Any and all new reptiles should be placed in quarantine for at least 3 months if not more prior to being introduced in to the same room where another reptile is housed. I believe viruses such as Crypto and Paramyxo are slower to affect and show symptoms in boas compared to pythons, so a quarantine period of up to 6 months is often recommended. Making sure you have healthy animals and that they are being giving the correct care should be confirmed prior to even considering breeding.

With regards to breeding, boatloads of research should be done prior to attempting a pairing. Just because there aren't many Dumeril's available in your area does not mean that there aren't breeders out their working with them. They are a protected species and exporting them from their natural habitat is illegal and transporting them between other countries very difficult, so the ones in captivity are pretty much all we have to work with. Care should be taken to breed healthy, unrelated specimens (though inbreeding does not always lead to immediate complications in reptiles and has helped with providing new morphs, it is best to be avoided if possible). There are many complications that can occur during breeding and having available vet care and/or the knowledge/experience to deal with any issues that arise can mean life or death for your snakes. Since [most] boas are livebearers, with a Dumeril's you will be looking at taking care of a gravid female for about 8 months. This can be quite strenuous on their bodies and therefore they need to be of adequate size (neither over or underweight) prior to breeding to ensure minimal risk of complications. From my research Dumeril's are slower to sexually mature than other comparable boas, and often require an additional year to reach breeding size. Size and overall health are primary factors as opposed to age when it comes to determining breeding maturity. There is also the issue of being prepared to care for the young, housing however many you end up with, dealing with non-feeders, finding good homes for them and caring for ones that may not sell.

There's a wealth of information out there, though some is incorrect, the more research you do and communication you have with other experienced breeders/keepers the better chance your snakes have of successfully breeding and leading healthy lives. If you ever get an aggressive response it is most likely because you have said or done something to upset someone who is extremely passionate about responsible care. There are too many animals out there not receiving adequate care to the point of neglect and/or abuse. So it is best to consider their advice whether you like the tone or not, which in this medium of text is quite often open to interpretation.

[Aaron_S]

I had responded that I was done with this thread and I made one last defensive post. I didn't want to post again but a few people came here on my behalf so I felt I should thank them.

So thank you to the ones who responded. You know who you are.

I won't respond to anything else in this thread. I'll leave this with a simple saying everyone should know, the truth hurts.

[Reptile_Reptile]

ok well i had just read 2 seperate posts where he was being hard on people and i guess i did have tunnel vision on aaron_s i understand that now that its not 3 in the morning i know you said you werent going to post but i assume your subscribed to the thread and will see this so... my bad

[Will0W783]

I just found this thread, and it's old already, but I've been away for a few days and wanted to say I have to agree that quarantine is a MUST. There are a lot of bad viruses that can incubate for 3-6 months or even years in some cases. NEVER should one throw two snakes together right after getting them. I've bought snakes as a pair from a vendor before and had them breed in the bag on the way home from a show, but they were separated and quarantined apart once I got them home. Breeding snakes is a big responsibility- there are potential complications for the female (calcium deficiency, weight loss, egg-binding, to name a few) that can result in a very sick momma snake and huge vet bills, or a dead snake. You really can't do too much research. IMHO one should never investigate with breeding- you should have all your research done and equipment for housing babies, keeping mom healthy during her pregnancy, etc before you ever put two snakes together. There's just too much at stake. I lost a female GTP a few seasons ago because my fiance put the male in her cage while cleaning and he immediately locked up with her. That one time was all it took for her to become gravid and she somehow didn't have enough calcium or dumped too much into the eggs too soon and she died of hypocalcemia even with vet care. I know several breeders who have been breeding for 10+ years have lost females to egg-binding. So much can happen- you really need to do research and be prepared and know what to expect so you can tell when something isn't right.

I am not trying to be hard on you or a downer or anything of the sort, just a dose of reality. I always quarantined my animals for 1-2 months, and I still had something get one of my snakes that I've had for years sick. I lost her and I am kicking myself, wishing I'd maybe been just a bit more careful in the past. I am now at 3-6 months for quarantining ANY newcomer, even if it came from the best breeder in the world. But I can't change the past. All I can do is try to help others learn from my mistakes.

[infernalis]

I'm in a tough position here...

Sure the exchange of information here has stirred a bit of emotions in the replies.

No need to look for hostility, the information is good, let's try not to lose the conversation in argument.

Please keep the replies civil folks.

Any more personal jabs, I will shut down the thread.

[Swan]

Brother your not qualified to have those snakes! I'm a bos keeper, for one if your feeding a three year old boa mice your starving them and it's no wonder they are so small! A boa that age should be on jumbo rats or rabbits! You need to find someone that can help you, your snakes shouldn't suffer because of your negligence. To put a new snake directly in with your collection is, for a better word, pretty dang stupid. Remember we all have to learn, don't get ahead of yourself. Also with the little knowledge you have you should not worry about breeding. Like the other response said "dead snakes".

[Jay]

WOW i used to enjoy this forum but how can you guys down this kid remember when you first started ...or were you all experts ...probably and all of you probly have done worse but didn't post it let the guy do what he wants its his not yourrs
good riddance

[NennaMeerkat]

I agree with ya Jay the atmosphere in this particular thread is rather demeaning and hostile. Now not everyone is being that way but there is more than one person who could have said things in a much better way.

[Jay]

what every ist
ts just a ***** forum there are 1000 more just like it

[infernalis]

Sorry folks, putting this one to bed.