Who feeds during courtship??

redtail2426 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 12:38 AM

I am trying to decide if i should feed my boas while they are courting.I currently have a small male about 38" long who has been courting my 8' 33lb female.Courtship has been constant over the last 3 weeks and i have seen copulation on 3 or 4 occasions.She is starting to get pretty thick too.He doesnt seem to let up much on courting so i dont think i should seperate them to feed...He last ate about 5 weeks ago and she last ate about 4 weeks ago.I introduced them about 3 weeks ago.What do ya think..I just dont want him to tire out,hes 18 months old,and was leaving sperm plugs around at 16 months.

morti · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 01:42 AM

We do not feed during courtship and copulation at all.

phillipswildbill · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:40 AM

Agreed!

redtail2426 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 01:27 PM

okay great,i didnt think so.I just keep reading other people saying that they seperate during courtship to feed,which doesnt make sense to me.thanks guys.

TheBoaGuy · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redtail2426

okay great,i didnt think so.I just keep reading other people saying that they seperate during courtship to feed,which doesnt make sense to me.thanks guys.

separate after ovulation/visual copulation feed then reintroduce is what I think they mean by separating to feed. Also some boas will court for weeks/months without actual copulation. In that instance separating to feed the male and reintroducing has been tried to get them in the "mood".

danktat · #6 (**permalink**) 12-20-2007, 05:41 AM

I separate once evey three weeks or so to give my males a small meal. I have noticed that after that they seem to be rejuvinated and get back to "work" with new vigor. I don't feed my females until after POS and that is only a couple of small meals durring gestation.

RioBravoReptiles · #7 (**permalink**) 12-21-2007, 08:32 PM

I do! and it is especially helpful to splurge at the Outback or even a better eatery.. really gets the gals warmed up to me (or maybe it's the giant beers?) ..

.
.. on the subject of boas.. don't interrupt courtship to feed. But feeding the female can be helplful if you see the male has lost all interest. Remove the male, feed the female a moderate meal, reintroduce the male after 3 or 4 days. Many times that will result in good breedings. Does it do better than just waiting and not feeding? I have no way of judging for sure.. but I feel a good meal at the right time has made a difference in some cases.
.
Hope that helps.

redtail2426 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-22-2007, 07:12 PM

quite a few different opinions here....I think what i will do is feed the male if i see him slow down at all,as if he is getting low on energy.But until then i wont feed either one.He is copulating with here every 3 or 4 days now,so he is doing great so far and she is in pre ovulation swell now.I am thinking she will ovulate in the next 2 or 3 weeks,after that i will offer the male a small meal.I did offer him a small meal about 4 weeks ago and he refused.Thanks for your ideas guys.,id does help to see what everyone thinks.

Advertisement