boa help?????

Question

ok guys i got a boa about 16 months ago and i'm worried that he isnt as big as he should be hes about 2 foot long and about 6 inches around at his thickest... I know im feeding him right could he maybe just be a runt

he was only 2 weeks old when i got him... thought i should add that in

Answer 1

It sounds like your snake is dead on. You're doing fine. Red tails grow anywhere from 6 -10 inches per year, depending on temps and how much they are fed. My red tail was born in October of '05. I got her in March, and she was 29 inches long, being fed every ten days or so. She came from a breeder, so he was feeding her to maintain, and not to grow. Today, she is 44 inches long and 6 inches around. I've fed her twice a week since I got her trying to plump her up some since she was so thin when I got her. It hasn't worked out that way, though, she just keeps getting longer intead. I guess she'll slow down when she's ready. Once a week should be more than enough of a feeding for your snake, though.
As for what you're feeding her, you should NEVER feed live, if you can avoid it. It's extremely dangerous to your snake, especially when they start eating rats, as rodents have a very powerful bite of their own and can easily kill your snake. Do what's best for the snake and stick with frozen/thawed or prekilled. There is also no need to suppliment their water.
Good luck with your snake, and don't worry, he'll grow before you know it.

Answer 2

If hes 2 inches thick and 2 feet then he should be eating one large mouse a week. Every week, if you are doing this he will be fine. He does seem normal zize because my baby 2 month old boa is a little over 1 foot, and 1 1/2 inches at his thickest. It could be that your boa may be a runt or dwarf. Is he a red-tailed????? If he is then he does seem sorta small.
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Answer 3

Give him time, the first 2 years of a snakes life they tend to stay in the small side. If you are feeding him live food, try feeding the live food some vitamin rich food before they go to your snake. If you're feeding frozen, then add some supplements to his water. And make sure you have the correct lighting for him, that is so very important and often overlooked. Also, how often does he shed? If he sheds on a regular basis, you know he's growing. Hope that helps.

Answer 4

What kind of boa? Snakes are kind of slow growers, but it depends on species. If your setup and temps are correct, he's eating well, shedding regularly, and has been checked for intestinal parasites, then he's probably right on schedule.