i just inherited a 5 foot red tail boa O.o

i feel like im getting in a little over my head with just getting 6 new geckos (now up to 10) and now im inheriting my aunts 5 foot red tail boa because her health issues are acting up and she cant care for it properly, and ive never owned a snake before (cept a garter snake or two).

he is:
his name is thor (hehe)
a 5 year old montana red tail boa
he is 5 feet long (his growth was stunted a bit due to a small enclosure)
he is supposably very sweet when he is handled regularly

i just got a 55 gallon enclosure with a snap on lid (i will get bigger when i can, looking into a 120 gallon enclosure, but havent heard back), his heating stuff comes with him, he eats one large rat or two small ones every 3 weeks.

any advice????????

When I had a corn snake much smaller then yours we had a hide for him to lay under and filled the bottom with wood shavings you put in a hamsters cage.
A heat lamp on top and thats it. Oh the clip on lid you have just to be on the safe side put a couple heavy books on top cause mine still pushed the lid off the tank.

dont let the power of the snake scare u. If ur small have some one there just incase. And in all honesty that snake at that age should be 7-10 ft. A snap on lid, unless its a slide on. Isn't enough. A few cynder blocks maybe. There awfully strong.. and bigger than a 55gal yes soon. They seem to prefer heat mats over lights.. just wat I've noticed. Pics would be cool!

I only have a ball python, and I'm not sure of the husbandry differences, but I have an excellent supplier for frozen rats (http://www.bigcheeserodents.com/) and buy every few months or so. I've tried a few methods for defrosting and feeding (I'm not fond of feeding rats as I used to have pet ones) but I find leaving them for a few hours in a dish of tepid water until fully defrosted, then running them under a warm tap, especially the head, before feeding with tongs, seems to work for me and for her. Some people use a 'zombie dance' for reluctant snakes, but I've only had to do that a few times, now she's bigger and has possibly outgrown the fuzzies I'm still feeding her, she's hungry and strikes immediately.

I have a heat mat for mine too, as she's nocturnal and doesn't need lighting. IF you are using one, I'd also recommend a thermostat to control the heat, otherwise it can be a fire risk. I got a cheap one for heating seedlings (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/).

She has two identical hides, one at each end of her tank, one end is warm and dry, one end is cooler and more humid, because ball pythons will absolutely sacrifice health over a feeling of security if they prefer one hide to another.

Your 55 is okay for now, if you get a 120 that would be perfect. I use cypress mulch with mine and sometimes use jungle floor. Have a big eenough water bowl for him to soak in on the cool side of the tank and a hide (hollow rock) on the hot side. You will need to cycle his lights too unless your house gets below 60°. Spray his cage twice a week just a fine mist. And I would offer him a medium/large rat every other week.

I have such a fear of snakes it's disgusting. They freak me out!! Lol when I see a snake I think of pythons and even just the name is scary!

reptilover said:

dont let the power of the snake scare u. If ur small have some one there just incase. And in all honesty that snake at that age should be 7-10 ft. A snap on lid, unless its a slide on. Isn't enough. A few cynder blocks maybe. There awfully strong.. and bigger than a 55gal yes soon. They seem to prefer heat mats over lights.. just wat I've noticed. Pics would be cool!

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yes, the snake's growth has been stunted because his owner has not been able to get him a larger enclosure, that is why i am getting him...i also purchased a 100 gallon and stand for $30 :3 it has a clamp on lid as well, but that will deff be reinforced.

Trillian said:

I only have a ball python, and I'm not sure of the husbandry differences, but I have an excellent supplier for frozen rats (http://www.bigcheeserodents.com/) and buy every few months or so. I've tried a few methods for defrosting and feeding (I'm not fond of feeding rats as I used to have pet ones) but I find leaving them for a few hours in a dish of tepid water until fully defrosted, then running them under a warm tap, especially the head, before feeding with tongs, seems to work for me and for her. Some people use a 'zombie dance' for reluctant snakes, but I've only had to do that a few times, now she's bigger and has possibly outgrown the fuzzies I'm still feeding her, she's hungry and strikes immediately.

I have a heat mat for mine too, as she's nocturnal and doesn't need lighting. IF you are using one, I'd also recommend a thermostat to control the heat, otherwise it can be a fire risk. I got a cheap one for heating seedlings (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/).

She has two identical hides, one at each end of her tank, one end is warm and dry, one end is cooler and more humid, because ball pythons will absolutely sacrifice health over a feeling of security if they prefer one hide to another.

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thanks for the help! he is feeding on one fat rat every 3 weeks, and will only eat live, so the frozen will not be an option (plus my mom wont allow it). he has had a heat lamp on him for about 3 months since his heat mat died, but she has added a rock in there to absorb the heat from the lamp and give him some belly heat. i will be investing in a new heat mat though. ill do more research online to see how similar their care is to ball pythons.

twatts704 said:

Your 55 is okay for now, if you get a 120 that would be perfect. I use cypress mulch with mine and sometimes use jungle floor. Have a big eenough water bowl for him to soak in on the cool side of the tank and a hide (hollow rock) on the hot side. You will need to cycle his lights too unless your house gets below 60°. Spray his cage twice a week just a fine mist. And I would offer him a medium/large rat every other week.

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i actually just bought a 100 gallon and stand for $30, so i cant complain i was wondering about a substrate, so thanks. any idea how often it should be cleaned/replaced? i heard from an online source they do not like temps below 75 at night..and that can get iffy in my house..if the night temps are okay for my jackson's chameleon, would they be okay for him? i also have extra timers, so the light cycling is not an issue. will he need lights or heat at night? my friend said she has been feeding him one large rat every 3 weeks, but after he gets into a larger tank, should be every 2 weeks, sound accurate?




THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE INFORMATION!!!! This is my first ever snake and the size is quite intimidating, but he is absolutely beautiful and has a very sweet personality! (when he is not shedding and can stretch out )

Sell it lol

Seeco said:

Sell it lol

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ima smack you -.- im not going to take in my moms friends snake that she trusts with me because she has health issues..and sell it...not cool man...not cool...

amanda509 said:

yes, the snake's growth has been stunted because his owner has not been able to get him a larger enclosure, that is why i am getting him...i also purchased a 100 gallon and stand for $30 :3 it has a clamp on lid as well, but that will deff be reinforced.



thanks for the help! he is feeding on one fat rat every 3 weeks, and will only eat live, so the frozen will not be an option (plus my mom wont allow it). he has had a heat lamp on him for about 3 months since his heat mat died, but she has added a rock in there to absorb the heat from the lamp and give him some belly heat. i will be investing in a new heat mat though. ill do more research online to see how similar their care is to ball pythons.



i actually just bought a 100 gallon and stand for $30, so i cant complain i was wondering about a substrate, so thanks. any idea how often it should be cleaned/replaced? i heard from an online source they do not like temps below 75 at night..and that can get iffy in my house..if the night temps are okay for my jackson's chameleon, would they be okay for him? i also have extra timers, so the light cycling is not an issue. will he need lights or heat at night? my friend said she has been feeding him one large rat every 3 weeks, but after he gets into a larger tank, should be every 2 weeks, sound accurate?




THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE INFORMATION!!!! This is my first ever snake and the size is quite intimidating, but he is absolutely beautiful and has a very sweet personality! (when he is not shedding and can stretch out )

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Yes that sounds accurate. As long as you have a nice solid rock that his under that direct heat at night you are okay to turn the lights off at night and it is needed. They will get fatigued if they have a light at night. I would highly recommend a heat mat as well but make sure you have the substrate deep enough so he doesn't bury his belly on the glass and ssinge his belly. Also coordinate the temps with the mat and rock. Other then that everything looks good

Well out of obligation you should do what's right. I just can't understand why anyone would want a 5 ft long tube of meat for a pet.

Seeco said:

Well out of obligation you should do what's right. I just can't understand why anyone would want a 5 ft long tube of meat for a pet.

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Same reason for wanting a piece of meat that just sits on a stick and eats bugs.... compassion for the animal. Not all snakes are mean. In fact most snakes (captive bred) are not aggressive. Especially if you handle them regularly. I will post a video of my 4 foot albino redtail boa and how she cuddles with me and I can get nose to nose with her and kiss her on the nose and she wont do anything but come back for more love.

twatts704 said:

Same reason for wanting a piece of meat that just sits on a stick and eats bugs.... compassion for the animal. Not all snakes are mean. In fact most snakes (captive bred) are not aggressive. Especially if you handle them regularly. I will post a video of my 4 foot albino redtail boa and how she cuddles with me and I can get nose to nose with her and kiss her on the nose and she wont do anything but come back for more love.

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I think he was being sarcastic and that's his specific opinion, personally I had a Ball Python for about two weeks, I ended up giving it away to another person because I don't care for the tubes of meat that don't really do much, in this case, this snake was very active and was good with handling. I don't think that he was hinting in any way shape or form that all snakes are aggressive such as the Burmese Pythons you see on Animal Planet that are being taken out of the wild for being invasive and are massive snakes. I don't think you will really care for your animal if it would turn on you and bit you on the face (if that would happen, ever animal has some sort of wild side to them), you wouldn't love it so much after that would you? I'm sure that you would use a bit more caution, I find that when people get so connected to an animal they let their guard down and then something horrible happens to them from that specific animal because you did something they didn't like. That is also from personal experience.


Anyway, back to the OP, congratulations on your new family member, I'm sure that you will give it a proper home as it deserves.

ChameleonRave said:

I think he was being sarcastic and that's his specific opinion, personally I had a Ball Python for about two weeks, I ended up giving it away to another person because I don't care for the tubes of meat that don't really do much, in this case, this snake was very active and was good with handling. I don't think that he was hinting in any way shape or form that all snakes are aggressive such as the Burmese Pythons you see on Animal Planet that are being taken out of the wild for being invasive and are massive snakes. I don't think you will really care for your animal if it would turn on you and bit you on the face (if that would happen, ever animal has some sort of wild side to them), you wouldn't love it so much after that would you? I'm sure that you would use a bit more caution, I find that when people get so connected to an animal they let their guard down and then something horrible happens to them from that specific animal because you did something they didn't like. That is also from personal experience.


Anyway, back to the OP, congratulations on your new family member, I'm sure that you will give it a proper home as it deserves.

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I don't agree entirely. I understand there might have been a hint of sarcasm and I agree he is entitled to his opinion like you are as well. However, if you would care less for an animal because they bite you or show a little aggression then I think you might not want to keep a pet anymore. Not meaning to sound nasty or aggresive in any of my comments by the way. Just most people are very misinformed about a lot of animals and especially reptiles. When it comes to snakes also it just comes with experience how you handle and interact with them. Just like anything with a mouth a snake can bite. My saying I always stick to, if it has a mouth then it can bite. Having this mentality when handling any animal whether it is a snake, a cham, or right down to the friendliest dog you have had for 10 years. At one time or another they will be in the mood where they will bite whether it is out of stress, sickness, or just plain aggression. Now about Burmese pythons. These creatures are not aggressive and only seen to be aggressive by the media because they are invading the Everglades. There are certain snakes that are more aggressive than others like a green tree python. It is just their nature. And yes my fiance and I have had a green tree python and an emerald tree boa.

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Generally a very aggressive type of snake (green tree python) is friendlier here than most ball pythons I see. Which tells you something because most ball pythons are very docile in nature. This green tree was tamed down to a degree just by being patient, understanding signals and movements and not stressing it out. After a while it was handleable and even able to start walking around with it and handle it like a ball python. So once again, coming from a guy who has several years experience with several kinds of reptiles. If you understand the nature of an animal, understand its signals, and respect them above all else. Then to a degree you can tame them and make them more than just a tube of meat or an "aggressive invading species". Just like other people who don't understand chameleons, most would say they are pointless and don't do much. But in the eyes of almost everyone here, they are far more than that. A stunning creature, a work of art, and more character than most reptiles.

Once again this isn't to be aggressive or negative but rather to show you and others that other animals/reptiles can be more than just something slimy or something that is repulsive to someone if you just give it a chance and understand the animal. I am not naive to know that they are still wild animals and never will be the cute cuddly animal that some claim their reptiles to be. However, with the right understanding and training they can be far more than what the media portrays them to be.

Seeco said:

Well out of obligation you should do what's right. I just can't understand why anyone would want a 5 ft long tube of meat for a pet.

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haha, same reason anyone would want a furry rodent, or any other insulting thing i can say about pets i dont like ive always liked snakes, as a little kid i never sat down and played with barbies, i was out in the woods, or the old softball field catching snakes all by my lonesome and naming them and letting them go and visiting them tomorrow! but i was always turned down for having a "pet" snake because my mother never allowed them in the house..till now even if it is a 5 foot long beast, its still a snake, and if i want to open my dream store, i have to have experience with large snakes

twatts704 said:

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tree pythons and boas have always been a favorite of mine! despite their naturally semi aggressive nature, i hope to one day own one and possibly breed!

amanda509 said:

haha, same reason anyone would want a furry rodent, or any other insulting thing i can say about pets i dont like ive always liked snakes, as a little kid i never sat down and played with barbies, i was out in the woods, or the old softball field catching snakes all by my lonesome and naming them and letting them go and visiting them tomorrow! but i was always turned down for having a "pet" snake because my mother never allowed them in the house..till now even if it is a 5 foot long beast, its still a snake, and if i want to open my dream store, i have to have experience with large snakes



tree pythons and boas have always been a favorite of mine! despite their naturally semi aggressive nature, i hope to one day own one and possibly breed!

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The more and more I talk to you on this thread and find out more about you, the more and more I really hope you do open your store. I can tell it will be a success. Long journey and hard work but it seems that is what you are looking for.

twatts704 said:

The more and more I talk to you on this thread and find out more about you, the more and more I really hope you do open your store. I can tell it will be a success. Long journey and hard work but it seems that is what you are looking for.

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thanks ted i really appreciate hearing that from you!

amanda509 said:

yes, the snake's growth has been stunted because his owner has not been able to get him a larger enclosure, that is why i am getting him

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His enclouser size doesn't matter he'll keep growing if properly fed. Which I think is where the neglect came in.. good thing u have him now!

reptilover said:

His enclouser size doesn't matter he'll keep growing if properly fed. Which I think is where the neglect came in.. good thing u have him now!

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On the contrary, I believe you are correct that he will keep growing if fed well (personally I feed my younger snakes once a week and my older ones every other week) but the enclosure does play a key factor as well. A big snake in a small cage is problematic. If they are cramped and can't move around much then they will stress and cause health issues like stunting. Not to say they wont reach Max length but it will take longer if this occurs. Rule to remember is, if a snake can reach around the cage all 4 sides and their head does not reach their tail then the cage is fine. If it does though or gets close then you need to upgrade.