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jintalli · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 06:19 PM

really stupid question, dont flame me too bad, lol. just bought a nicaraguan boa at local pet store. i looked him/her over a bit before i bought, but now i see a very small slit a few inches above the anus, about 6 or 7 belly scales are slit. is this the sex organ, or did i miss a cut when looking the snake over? this is my first snake in years. i used to have a red rat that i cought in the wild and tamed. had him for about 3 years before i had to move and couldnt take him along :/ thanks for any help

pathfinder36 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 06:37 PM

Sounds linke you missed a cut. Boas have 1 in and 1 out. Pics of what you're describing would be best. No question is stupid... stupidity would be not to ask.

LdyDrgn · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 06:53 PM

That would be the umbilical slit. It's where the baby was connected to its yolk sack. Nothing to worry about at all.

pathfinder36 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LdyDrgn

That would be the umbilical slit. It's where the baby was connected to its yolk sack. Nothing to worry about at all.

True. I've only seen the umbilical slit on a boa before its first shed though. I would assume (maybe incorrectly) that this boa has already had its first shed. How old is it? Like I said, pics would be good, but Ldy is probably right... especially if it is VERY young.

jintalli · #5 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 07:34 PM

ive no idea if the snake has shed yet or not. its about 20 inches long. id assume at that length that it has shed before. the pet store gave me no info on its age, they did however give me a feeding record. im at work right now so i cant check, but if i remember right theres about 6 entries on the chart (they fed him weekly). this last week, last thursday, they said he didnt eat. his eyes are a bit hazey as well, i figure this may mean hes getting ready to shed. ill get some pics and see if i can get them posted. ive got a digital cam, but not quite sure how to post pics(in all of my infinate computer knowledge, lol). thanks again for the help

toker · #6 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 07:57 PM

I have had year old boas still have the yolk scar... it will fade over time, but really it will always be there.

pathfinder36 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toker

I have had year old boas still have the yolk scar... it will fade over time, but really it will always be there.

Really. Like I said, I've only seen them on boas who haven't had thier first shed. Learn something new every day.

pathfinder36 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2004, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jintalli

ill get some pics and see if i can get them posted. ive got a digital cam, but not quite sure how to post pics(in all of my infinate computer knowledge, lol). thanks again for the help

Instead of using the quick reply, click "post reply". Once you've entered a subject and body text, select "manage attachments" then one of the "browse" icons. Select the image you want to attach from its location on your computer and you should be good to go (after clicking submit).

python04slayer · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2004, 09:09 PM

my ball and my colombian both have yolk slits, I had a Nicaraguan for a while he was about a year and he lost his yolk slit over a while.

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