Switching feeding times?

[unluckyseventeen]

I was really considering lengthening the time between feedings for my Brazilian BCC. Ever since I got her she's put on some serious girth and muscle, to the point where if you had a good picture of her when I first got her, and her now, you'd notice a really big difference. You can especially tell when you handle her. When I first got her, it seemed like she wasn't used to grasping onto objects or having to hold her weight on a perch, which is understandable coming from a very busy breeder. In the few weeks I've had her she's gotten really buff, and maybe added about 15-20% to her girth, which is probably all muscle mass... but that's beside the point.

The reason I'm considering lengthening is because she always seems to be full and ready to poop. She has a weekly regiment of eating and pooping it out a day before she is scheduled to eat again (7 days). It seems to me that she is always struggling to get the food digested, and out of her body, and after she does, she seems a lot more perky and happy.

She is a little older than 9 months, about 26 inches long, and she's on fuzzie/pup rats. I was considering easing her into the whole 10-day waiting periods, by putting her up to invervaling between 8 and 9 days between feedings.

Do you all think I should bother with it? Should I stick to 7 days, or should I go straight to 10? I've never made the transition with a Boa before, and I wasn't old enough to remember what me and my brother did with our Burm.

Think the 8/9 day waiting periods is a good idea?

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

[unluckyseventeen]

Hm, I guess nobody has anything to say to this...

[Rust316]

I feed my BCCs of similar age every 8 to 14 days and they are doing fine. I do not stick with such a strict schedule and I keep handling to a minimum until after about 6 or 7 days from a meal.

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

[Sponger05]

unlucky- how many days is it after you feed her until she gets active? Mine usually get active about 3 days after so I stick to the 7 day for now.

[gjmccag]

you dont need to wait 6-7 days to handle the snake, normally about 2 days with suffice. As far as feeding schedule, that should be your call, if the snake appears to be getting fat, then reduce it to ten days, you will want to do this eventually (next year or so) so i would just make a judgement call. Also, feeding the snake every ten days will not harm it in any way if you think it should be bumped back

[unluckyseventeen]

Yeah, I was just considering how much of a difference it'd be. Both of them seem a tad overfed and they are nearing the 1 year mark. I was just seeing if I should even bother. I'm going to give Bella a good few more days before I feed her (it's already been 6), just to assure her system is cleaned out and ready. Plus I just moved her to a bigger tank... so all is well.

Thank you for the input.

[Rust316]

gmjccag,

I disagree with your two day rule as applied to young BCCs. That's bad advice pal.

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

[munkyboy]

Originally Posted by Rust316

gmjccag,
I disagree with your two day rule as applied to young BCCs. That's bad advice pal.

As well do I. BCC are a bit more of an advanced keeper animal than BCI. You must considder that BCC are a bit different in terms of feeding and digestion than the BCI most of Us keep. Especially with Young BCC, it is wise to wait a few more days before handling before disturbing them to avoid seeing and smelling the prey item again. Regurgitation issues are more common with BCC if not fed moderately and everything possible done to avoid stressing the animal during digestion. Also, it is wise to feed undersize items as well. I mean slightly thinner than the thickest part of the Boa. This may be the way to go with the snake in question. You may want to considder keeping the seven day schedule for a few more months, and just feed smaller prey items. Monitor carefully to see how it does and make changes accordingly. This has worked flawlessly with Mine, never a problem. Good Luck!

	Boa Constrictor Constrictor Red Tail Boa Constrictor (Boa constictor constrictor). Refers to "true" red tail boas such as the Guyana and Suriname locales.

	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[unluckyseventeen]

Cool, thank you.

[Rust316]

Well said Munkyboy. I would only add that feeding every 10 days will allow you to maximize your handling time.