size and eatting habbits

snakekid6996 · 07-23-12, 06:41 PM

Hey everyone,
I have a common boa constrictor. He is about 1-2 years old and he is about 2' 11" in length. Is this the right length he should be at?? I'm trying to figure out how much to feed him right now he's eatting a large mouse every 10-14 days. Also, what should his weight be??

Norm66 · 07-23-12, 06:48 PM

My boa is less than a year old and eats a medium rat every week. He's well over 3' and last weigh-in he was 1049 grams and solid as a rock.

buffcoat · 07-23-12, 06:48 PM

Varies on size. If you post a pic next to something like a remote or a pencil or paper towel tube Im sure we can get a better idea.

As for feeding, you want to feed him something thats 1.5x its size at the snakes largest diameter. So, if yer snake is as large around as say a quarter, you'd want to be feeding it something as big as say a 50 cent piece. Id also be upping his feed to once a week until he gets to be eating large and jumbo rats/small rabbits.

snakekid6996 · 07-23-12, 07:11 PM

that ruler is 1 1/12 inches in width and 12 inches in length. I'm worried he isn't growing enough :/. I've had him for about 4 months and the lady I bought him from said she had him about a year. She claimes to have been feeding him a full grown mouse once a week.

buffcoat · 07-23-12, 07:18 PM

I'd feed him a small/med rat instead of a mouse. It may take a bit, or he might be hungry and take it with no problem

If you insist on feeding a mouse, feed him one every 7 days. 10-14 is usual for larger prey. My guy will eat an extra large/jumbo every 14 days.

BTW, he looks healthy. Don't rush their growth, just feed them proper. When its time to grow, its time. No two are alike.

Jack C · 07-23-12, 07:25 PM

My common pastel boa is a late 2010 and is just over 5ft, getting an order of large rats tomorrow and I feed him every 2 weeks.

snakekid6996 · 07-23-12, 07:32 PM

Could I feed him two mice every 10-14days and then eventually move him up to small/medium rats??

Jack C · 07-23-12, 07:41 PM

I was always told to get them onto rats as soon as you can. He should be able for rat weaners at that size.

bigsnakegirl785 · 07-23-12, 09:04 PM

My boa's growing slowly too. He's about a year, give or take a few months. He's about 2.5 ft, and I'm going to be stepping up to weanling rats for him. I feed him every 5-7 days.

KORBIN5895 · 07-23-12, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm66

My boa is less than a year old and eats a medium rat every week. He's well over 3' and last weigh-in he was 1049 grams and solid as a rock.

Those are my thoughts and experiences.

I would go with a small rat for that snake and see how he takes it.

**millertime89** · 07-23-12, 09:55 PM

He's small but nothing to worry about. I agree with Korbin, a small rat looks like it would be a good meal for him. Sure you can feed him 2 mice but the sooner he's on rats the better. The switch might be difficult since he's been on mice for so long. If he refuses, don't give in and toss him a mouse, wait him out, he'll take a rat eventually.

Jendee · 07-23-12, 11:07 PM

He is 100% fine yes he should be on rats at that age but I have a ton of Boas and my 2 ye olds average the same size they are all on small rats. If you this.k about in the wild they don't reach breeding/adult length until around 10 yes old just goes to show how much our weekly feedings changes that. Take it slow its healthier for your boa in the long run!

Jendee · 07-23-12, 11:11 PM

And since he has been on mice all this time I'd start him on the equilevent which would be rat pups for a few Wis then weaned the rats even though the same size as mice will give him a nice growth bust and he will be on smalls in no time..I don't recommend jumping him up to smalls right away

Gungirl · 07-24-12, 04:43 AM

My Boa is also on the smaller side, I like a healthy slow growth rather than a fast forced one. Switch to rats of equal size and you will be fine. When you stop seeing a good food lump up the rat a size.