Female Advice.... for my boa that is

[joseigh]

OK, so first I'm a long time reptile enthusiast and have owned different breeds (albino corn, rosy boa, and now columbian boa) throughout the years strictly as pets. After purchasing my BCI (I'm pretty sure) last year at a local reptile show here in Houston, I began researching housing knowing that he would soon outgrown the 20 gal tank I had. Anyhow, as I've read and learned I have really gained a stronger interest in the hobby. I would like to try my hand at breeding, but am obviously very green. My current boa, according to what I've read, is mature enough for a male for breeding (he's an '04). The next logical step I suppose would be to get a female for my stud I have some different morphs that I really like, but I'm not opposed to breeding norms at least the first time through. My problem is I would rather not wait 3 years for a female to reach sexual maturity. I read these forums and your posts about all your breeding success, but did everyone start with babies and wait it out until they were ready or is there another way of going about finding a suitable female to get started? Also, I live in Houston, TX and one thing that has been rather illusive in the things I've read is if there is in fact a time of year that boas breed in exclusively. Any information on the questions above and other information I should know is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Josh

	Geek Auto Linker or Gallon Geek Auto Linker Gallon - United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters

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

	Morph A morph is a color or pattern variation that is proven to be genetic. Common morphs include albino, anerythristic, gentically striped, Hypomelanistic, and many others. Morphs also include combinations of simple traits such as "Sunglow" which is Albino and Hypomelanistic. These traits may be recessive traits, co-dominant traits, dominant traits, or created through selective breeding (ie Pastel).

[Ranger]

Don't forget Josh, with most morphs, your normal male cannot sire visible morphs; only hets (gene carriers that look normal).

	Heterozygous Heterozygous - the animal carries the gene for a genetic trait but does not outwardly demonstrate the trait. Example: A boa that is het for albino looks normal but carries the albino gene. When it is bred to another het for albino boa or an albino boa, a percentage of the offspring will be albino.

	Morph A morph is a color or pattern variation that is proven to be genetic. Common morphs include albino, anerythristic, gentically striped, Hypomelanistic, and many others. Morphs also include combinations of simple traits such as "Sunglow" which is Albino and Hypomelanistic. These traits may be recessive traits, co-dominant traits, dominant traits, or created through selective breeding (ie Pastel).

[joseigh]

Well, eventually I plan to get a male(s) with a nice morph, but at first I figure I could breed him with a dom/co-dom morph and I should get some morphs right?

	Morph A morph is a color or pattern variation that is proven to be genetic. Common morphs include albino, anerythristic, gentically striped, Hypomelanistic, and many others. Morphs also include combinations of simple traits such as "Sunglow" which is Albino and Hypomelanistic. These traits may be recessive traits, co-dominant traits, dominant traits, or created through selective breeding (ie Pastel).

[BWSmith]

kingsnake.com classifieds are still the biggest marketplace. Just research any morphs before hand so as not to perpetuate a line with proven or probable issues.

	Morph A morph is a color or pattern variation that is proven to be genetic. Common morphs include albino, anerythristic, gentically striped, Hypomelanistic, and many others. Morphs also include combinations of simple traits such as "Sunglow" which is Albino and Hypomelanistic. These traits may be recessive traits, co-dominant traits, dominant traits, or created through selective breeding (ie Pastel).

[Ursa Minor]

All I can say is good luck!