With lovely colours and markings, spectacular musculature, and alluring conduct, true red-tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor, or “Bcc”) are probably the most esteemed reptiles in captivity. Nonetheless, their husbandry could be difficult, particularly for newbies. After preserving quite a lot of completely different reptiles, I made a decision to focus particularly on red-tailed and different locality boas about 20 years in the past. As a Bcc newbie, I used to be guided by data in books and thru experiences of different keepers shared on-line, a lot of it unsuitable and/or irrelevant to my state of affairs. I made errors, noticed what labored, and refined my husbandry and procedures over time, resulting in repeated profitable breeding of a number of various kinds of Bcc. Right here, I wish to share my expertise to offer a basis for profitable preserving and breeding of true purple tails, in addition to suggestions and tips which have elevated my general success.
What’s a “True” Purple-Tailed Boa?
Boa constrictor constrictor are giant snakes, though their typical dimension is commonly misunderstood. Most captive adults are within the 6- to 8-foot vary. A lot bigger specimens exist, with a most dimension of about 13 to 14 toes; nevertheless, specimens over 10 toes are uncommon. Females are typically a foot or so longer than males. Markings on these snakes encompass 14 to 22 saddles of darkish pigment over a lighter background colour.
Surinamese Bcc are the epitome of true red-tailed boas for a lot of keepers. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Some Bcc have a pointed extension on each side of every saddle, generally known as “peaked” saddles (as a result of the saddle resembles a widow’s peak). Saddles change into oval towards the tail and the colour of tail saddles ranges from brilliant hearth engine purple to darkish blood purple to maroon. Purple tails usually have distinct head markings, generally known as “eyelashes,” and a wedge-shaped head with a pointed snout. The physique is usually very muscular, sq., and laterally flattened.
True red-tailed boas have a definite wedge formed head and pointy snout, typically with “eyelash” markings. Above is a captive bred Surinamese specimen with significantly symmetrical peaked saddles. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Though all true purple tails are of the identical subspecies, there’s appreciable bodily variation in look over the geographic vary. Boa constrictor fanatics typically designate animals by their particular location of origin, usually outlined by South American nation. Because the overwhelming majority of Bcc within the reptile interest in the present day are captive bred, typically a number of generations faraway from the wild caught breeding inventory, cautious and correct documentation of every era is crucial to help locality claims. Within the absence of documentation, no definitive locality identification could be produced from bodily description alone.
Nonetheless, completely different Bcc localities are identified for particular bodily traits. For instance, these from Suriname usually have lengthy, brilliant purple tails and a pinkish tan to buckskin physique coloration, typically with peaked saddles. These from Peru typically may have a lemon yellow to golden brown coloration, usually with spherical saddles, whereas the variability from northern Brazil is understood for asymmetrical peaked saddles on a greyish yellow background with speckles and different background markings.
Surinamese Bcc. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Nonetheless, there are various boas originating from a verified locality and not using a typical look for that locale. As well as, selective breeding for desired traits has amplified naturally occurring bodily variations. Appreciable debate exists amongst red- tailed fanatics in regards to the legitimacy of sure localities, equivalent to whether or not the animals from Guyana are phenotypically distinct from Surinamese specimens.
There may be a lot confusion surrounding the time period “red-tailed boa.” In any case, isn’t any boa with a purple tail a red-tailed boa? This has led to the emergence of a associated time period, “true red-tailed boa.” Strictly talking, a “true” red-tailed boa is of the species Boa constrictor constrictor, occupying a wide variety in South America east of the Andes, from the Guyana Protect by means of the Amazon rainforest.
Bcc from Peru are identified for golden yellow physique colour and brilliant purple tails. A farm bred specimen from Iquitos. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Many boas within the pet commerce, which can have purple tails, are a distinct species, Boa imperator, starting from Mexico by means of Central America and into Colombia. The sort from Colombia, also known as a “Colombian purple tail,” is especially typically confused with “true” purple tails. Compared, Colombian Boa imperator have a distinct head and physique form, larger saddle rely, and tail that tends to be extra of a rusty brownish purple. Because of this, utilizing scientific names with correct locality data is the easiest way to establish your pet boa. Though bodily variations could also be refined, by finding out images of true purple tails and different boas out there on-line and in books you’ll quickly be taught what to search for to distinguish the 2.
Housing Purple-tailed Boa Constrictors
Purple tails typically do effectively in PVC snake cages out there commercially. The size and width of the cage ought to be equal to or larger than the size of the snake, so a cage with a 4’ x 2’ foot flooring space might accommodate a boa as much as 6 toes. Nonetheless, it’s preferable to have a cage so long as the boa. For many adults, a cage with a 6’ x 2’ foot flooring space that’s 18 to 24 inches excessive, will work effectively. The biggest animals require an 8-foot enclosure. Additionally it is potential to construct your personal boa enclosures from quite a lot of supplies. I exploit rack techniques to keep up child and subadult boas. Grownup boas would require the bigger enclosures.
Locality particular Bcc from Venezuela. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
An appropriate substrate ought to line the underside of the enclosure. A number of choices exist, every with professionals and cons; there isn’t a one excellent substrate for all conditions. Coconut coir works effectively for many of my boas, offering a nice-looking, long-lasting, substrate that maintains excessive humidity and boa consolation. Nonetheless, I usually use paper towels for child boas in rack techniques and newspaper in conditions the place frequent modifications are wanted.
Boa imperator from Colombia will not be true purple tails however could be simply as lovely. A locality particular specimen from Barranquilla. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Bcc in my assortment thrive with a sizzling spot of 88 to 90 levels Fahrenheit (31.1 to 32.2 levels Celsius) protecting about 25% of the underside of the enclosure. The cool facet stays at 75 to 80 levels Fahrenheit (23.9 to 26.7 levels Celsius), about 5 levels above ambient room temperature. I exploit Flexwatt or comparable warmth tape/mats as the only warmth supply in most enclosures. A number of bigger enclosures have a warmth emitting panel put in within the ceiling on one facet. A reptile thermostat maintains the new spot temperature, and the cool facet robotically falls within the right vary given the ambient temperatures in my snake rooms. Humidity is stored at 60-70% with room humidifiers and by misting the substate. Not less than two hiding locations are supplied in every enclosure (on the new spot and funky facet), in addition to climbing branches and an 8-inch plastic water bowl. No particular lighting is used aside from ambient fluorescent room lights and pure mild getting into by means of home windows.
Feeding Boa constrictor constrictor
Within the wild, purple tails eat quite a lot of prey, together with mammals, birds, and lizards. In captivity, they usually feed with gusto on mice, rats, rabbits, chickens, and quail. I begin neonates on dwell hopper mice shortly after their first shed at about 2 weeks of age. They transition to frozen thawed mice inside just a few feedings, though some newborns eat frozen thawed from their first meal. Rodent dimension is elevated because the boa grows. An appropriately sized meal leaves a barely noticeable bulge. Most subadults eat full grown mice by a yr of age after which transition to rats of acceptable dimension. When approaching maturity at 4 to five years of age, most purple tails eat giant to further giant rats. Quail and chickens are eaten enthusiastically and supply dietary selection. The overwhelming majority of purple tails eat thawed frozen prey with out problem.
When approaching maturity at 4 to five years of age, most purple tails eat giant to further giant rats. Quail and chickens are eaten enthusiastically and supply dietary selection.
True purple tails develop slower than many different snakes and ought to be fed much less typically. Typically, a meal ought to be supplied each 10-14 days for the primary few years after which the feeding interval decreased to as soon as each 2-3 weeks. Adults ought to be fed typically sufficient to keep up a lean, muscular, however not skinny, physique situation. Beginning the second winter, meals is withheld for 1.5 to 2 months to cycle for breeding. If Bcc eat too often, or too giant of a meals merchandise, regurgitation of {a partially} digested meal might happen three to 4 days publish feeding. On this occasion, most often encountered in animals underneath a yr previous, meals ought to be withheld for 3-4 weeks, after which a smaller than regular meals merchandise supplied.
You will need to examine the enclosure temperatures to ensure the new spot shouldn’t be too sizzling or chilly, the primary explanation for regurgitation. Dealing with also needs to be stored to a minimal to cut back the possibilities of a second regurgitation. If a second regurgitation happens, it turns into tough to cease the cycle; that is the commonest cause that child Bcc die in captivity. When choosing a Bcc, particularly your first, ask the vendor about its feeding historical past. Additionally, buying an older animal might cut back the possibilities of regurgitation.
Breeding True Purple-tailed Boas
Bcc are difficult to breed in captivity. There isn’t a set formulation that works in all conditions, and success is equal elements artwork and science. Many breeders are profitable utilizing a method just like the one I exploit, described right here. Male Bcc are at the least 4 years previous, and females 5, earlier than breeding. Most animals are 5 to 7 toes lengthy at this age. The simplest approach to purchase effectively ready breeding inventory is to acquire prime quality captive bred offspring from a good breeder and lift the animals to maturity with optimum care.
Though a very long time is required to lift a child boa to breeding age, the next success charge is probably going in comparison with beginning with adults.
There isn’t a higher sight than getting into the snake room to see a wholesome litter of child purple tails! That is the reward for a few years of labor and planning.
Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Many breeders use environmental biking to induce breeding. Temperatures are usually dropped by 10 to twenty levels Fahrenheit (-12.2 to -6.7 levels Celsius), beginning in November or December, for twenty-four hours a day or at night time solely. Temperature drops are maintained for 1.5 to 2.5 months earlier than and/or throughout the begin of the breeding trials. The temperature is decreased progressively over a number of weeks till the complete drop is reached. A reptile thermostat which could be programed with a nightly temperature drop could be very helpful to perform biking. Whereas some breeders wait till the complete temperature drop is reached, I often pair up breeders firstly of biking to permit for the utmost interval for breeding to happen. Some breeders cut back the photoperiod presently, and/or alter the humidity. Different profitable Bcc breeders don’t present any temperature or environmental modifications.
The final meal for the yr is given two weeks earlier than beginning biking, usually mid-October to early November. Since males could also be reluctant breeders, pairs are launched by putting the feminine within the male’s enclosure. Breeding exercise might begin instantly, with the male aligning with the feminine and wrapping tails to copulate. Different occasions, little or no breeding exercise is noticed. Predicting profitable pairings could be tough, as even well-matched animals in optimum situation might present no real interest in breeding. Different animals will begin to copulate shortly after introduction and mate continually for a number of months. It’s possible that there are compatibility points with sure male-female pairs which can be imperceptible to the breeder.
Locality particular Bcc North Brazil. Photograph by Brian Vuillemenot
Most Bcc breeders pair up one female and male. Lack of profitable breeding is actually because the male reveals no curiosity. To handle this, multiple male could also be paired with every feminine both in succession or concurrently.
The presence of a second male might induce the reluctant male to breed extra vigorously. As well as, use of two males gives a backup in case of infertility or incompatibility with the feminine. A shed pores and skin from a second male boa positioned within the breeding enclosure with the reluctant male might have an analogous impact as an precise male and can eradicate uncertainty as to the parentage of the ensuing litter. Different tips to incorporate reluctant animals to breed embrace misting the enclosure and pairing up in stormy climate throughout a drop in barometric stress. Utilizing a number of females with a single male is unlikely to lead to success and isn’t advisable.
Temperature biking is maintained for about two months by means of January or February, after which temperatures are progressively elevated to regular. At this level, I separate pairs for a few week, and supply meals.
Animals are then paired again up for 3 to 4 weeks, adopted by a one-week separation for feeding, repeated till the feminine is gravid or the top of breeding trials in late spring. Most animals will feed throughout breeding trials. Due to the lengthy period and enormous power expenditure a feminine places into breeding, I feed gravid females till about 45 days earlier than their due date.
Ovulation in females usually happens a number of months after the beginning of breeding trials, and belly swelling could also be noticed. Females will then often (however not at all times) enter a shed cycle lasting roughly 10 days and shed about two weeks after ovulation (the publish ovulation shed, or POS). As soon as gravid, a feminine’s coloration might darken and she is going to usually coil immobile above the hotspot and keep a excessive physique temperature, usually 86 to 89 levels Fahrenheit (30.0 to 31.7 levels Celsius). You will need to monitor the new spot temperature (88 to 90 levels Fahrenheit or 31.1 to 32.2 levels Celsius) to offer optimum circumstances for the event of the infants. The male will usually lose curiosity in mating when the feminine is gravid.
I hold pairs collectively till I’m certain the feminine is gravid, or till early June if not showing gravid, at which era breeding trials finish. About one-half to two-thirds of my Bcc breeding trials lead to gravid females. Females that didn’t change into gravid are sometimes paired up the next yr with a distinct male.
A Peruvian purple tail with significantly effectively fashioned, “bowtie” formed saddles.
Child Bcc are usually born 105-115 days after the POS, or 120-130 days publish ovulation. A number of days earlier than start, the feminine will usually begin to transfer and discover the cage, searching for an acceptable nesting web site. As well as, she might move an abnormally coloured “waxy” stool, typically yellow to inexperienced in colour with a plastic look. On the day of start, the mom will line up her physique with the facet of the cage and contract her stomach to expel the infants by means of her cloaca.
Delivery takes from a couple of minutes to a number of hours. Unfertilized ova, generally known as slugs, are sometimes current. There may be stillborn and/or malformed younger. Delivery typically takes place at night time or early morning, so a breeder might not witness the method and will uncover the start when a child boa is noticed. Litter sizes can vary from 1 to over 60, however a typical dimension litter is 12 or 15 neonates.
After start is full, mom and infants are faraway from the enclosure. Protecting moms might act defensively after start, so they need to be gently restrained and moved to a separate container. The mom is soaked in lukewarm water for 30 to 60 minutes after start to wash her up and take away traces of the birthing course of. Whereas soaking, infants are inventoried and the mom’s enclosure completely cleaned. Mom boas are fed a smaller than regular sized meal the day after start, after which a usually sized meal every week later.
Relying on physique situation, mom boas are sometimes fed an accelerated feeding schedule for just a few months after start to permit restoration to a wholesome physique situation. I strongly advocate in opposition to breeding females extra typically than each different yr since it could possibly take many months to get well from producing a litter.
Neonate Bcc are communally housed in plastic tubs for 10 days or so, till shedding. A paper towel substrate is used with crumpled paper towels for hiding locations, misted to keep up excessive humidity.
A warmth mat underneath one half of the bathtub is thermostatically managed to offer a temperature of 88 to 90 levels Fahrenheit (31.1 to 32.2 levels Celsius), with the opposite half on the ambient room temperature of about 75 levels Fahrenheit (23.9 levels Celsius) and humidity of roughly 80%.
Most child Bcc shed at about 10 days of age and are then moved to particular person 16-quart tubs in a rack system with a paper towel substrate, hiding locations, and water dish. A dwell fuzzy mouse is usually supplied for the primary meal shortly afterwards. Some Bcc will settle for thawed frozen prey objects as their first meals and nearly all will after just a few dwell meals. Child purple tails are fed each two weeks; extra frequent feeding might lead to regurgitation, as described above. When animals are two months previous and effectively established, they’re prepared to start life of their new properties.
Conclusion
True red-tailed boas are probably the most spectacular and rewarding species of snake to maintain however could be much less forgiving of sub-optimal husbandry than many different reptiles. Diligence in offering optimum environmental circumstances and cautious consideration to eating regimen will significantly enhance success. Producing a wholesome litter of Bcc neonates is a particularly rewarding achievement and often outcomes solely from a few years of exhausting work, persistence, and a spotlight to the husbandry wants of your snake.
With a sophisticated diploma in molecular biology, Brian Vuillemenot brings a scientific strategy to his work with reptiles. He focuses on preserving and breeding true purple tail, dwarf island, and different locality boas. Vuillemenot lives in northern California together with his animals and human household. For extra data on preserving and breeding true purple tails and different boa constrictors, you may watch his YouTube channel, Brian Boas, and observe him on Fb (Brian Boas) and Instagram (vuillemenboa).
