Long time no post^^

[rico]

I havent posted in a while. How u all doin?

Got a quick question.

When feeding my boas, i put them in a large container to feed (red tail is 4-5 ft). When i put the rats in and they strike at them they do the usual constricting act..but then let the rat go after a while and dont start eating it.

They sniff roun it but dont start munching.

The only way i can get them to eat the rats is if i dangle it above their heads so when they strike they get the head in their mouth. Then they start eating strait off.

Just wondered if anyone has the same thing and/or if they got any advice...as i dont want to be dangling the rats infront of them whne they reach 9ft+.

[John Pilling]

My Dave and zeus will both strike, constrict then let go, Dave tho will go straight for the head and eats straight away, every time, zeus can stay constricted for 10-15 mins whilst having a look around before deciding to eat the rat.

I put zeus's actions down to natural instinct, in that in the wild their may be 3-4 rats together and she's checking to make sure it's safe to eat. I honestley do believe this, and that it's an instict they all have, but some have stronger natural instincts then othes.

I believe your boa is showing those same instincts. Also, once your boa's hit about 6 foot shed size, i would start feeding in the viv, simpley because the bigger they are, the more dangerous when being feed (you'll haave noticed the feeding responce now, is very very strong).

As to feeding a big boa, Daves over 7 about foot now (about 8 foot shed size), and he still preferes a rat dangled then 1 placed in his viv, i use 18 inch tongs with him and zeus because of their feeding responce, but i'll soon be moving to 24 inch tongs just as a bit of extra security for me.

Glad to see you back btw.

[rico]

Thanks for that information...now you have said that about the instinct it does make sense and i agree with you. Have fub with your slithery friends

[rico]

fun sorry