Bolivian Short tail boas

[james7319]

Hi all

I have recently seen some picks of Bolivian Short tail boas (well BCI cross anyway) and think they look drop dead amazin. Just wondering if there are any particular things to be worried about with these boa or is there care and temerament on a par with my BCI. Sound like they don't really achieve the same size but this could be a plus.

any advise would be appreciated

thanks

james

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

[LukaTisus]

Bolivian Amarali's biggest issue, that I know of, is that they have a very touchy digestive system. My friend has one, and she and I were recently talking to the only breeder up here in Canada who's managed to successfully keep them. He says the first two years of their lives, he keeps them on mice, and after they're two and a half years of age or so, he switches them gradually from small adult mice, to fuzzy rats and slowly works up from there, because the ailment seems to improve and disappear after that age.

He said, basically, that the prey item shouldn't leave a lump that's overly visible. A very slight lump in the belly and that's about it, so don't quite follow any of the ground rules set for feeding BCI or most other snakes. The condition's similar to the Regurge syndrome that BCCs get, which I think mostly occurs from trying to stuff them full of prey items that are too large.

Also, too low of humidity can lead to this issue as well, as he pointed out, so make sure the enclosure you have them in, can keep the humidity upwards to about 65-70%, hot spot around 90, cool side in the high 70's, low 80's range and I figure you should be good. Someone on here who breeds the Bolivians, or works with them, could probably tell you as well, if not I could always get Big Dan's email, so you can give him a shout and ask any questions.

	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.

[Allysen]

Luka makes some good points, they absolutely can have touchy digestive systems!

I personally feed rats from the get-go, but not big prey items. As big around as the girth, but not a big lumpy kind of item.

what I have been told to watch out for in amarali is the other end, though. They can get blocked up very easily, so with my younger one, I feed twice and wait for poop, then feed again. My bigger Bolivians are absolute tanks, especially my bigger female. She's an eating, pooping MACHINE. Great temperments, too!

However, since they're BCI crosses, they might be a little hardier, it's really hard to say. Amarali generally do stay a lot smaller, but when you deal with crosses it's a bit of a lottery. You could possibly end up with giants!

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

[james7319]

Thanks for the quick response. sounds like the main thing to worrie about is feeding issues. Not to worried about the size as i know the one's i am looking at are crossed with a common bci and the viv space i have is 5 1/2 ft by 2 ft so even with a relativly large common think i will be OK, will prob try and get a male as well which should also help.
main thing i was worried about was there temprement. i have read about how hogg island boas are known to be aggressive and just wanted to make sure Bolivians did not commonly share this trait.
am going on holiday next week for two weks and i know the wife will not agree to me buying before so just hope they are still in stock when i return. Ned to go and have a proper look but they seem to be great looking from photos etc.
anyways
thanks and i will post some picks of my collection at some point and definatly soon if i do get the Bolivian cross (just wish i could afford a true Bolivian never mind).
james

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

[Allysen]

How much are they asking for the Bolivian cross if you don't mind me asking?

[james7319]

£150 (English), a normal common would prob cost around £60-70 mark (just for a guide).

[cameron15]

My Bolivians haven't shown any problems, I feed them small rat and it leaves a slight bump.
I guess I might have just got lucky, but they are awesome!!

Oh btw thats a good price.. I mine were running for $275.00 each, but i got the hook up and paid $430.00

[james7319]

Thanks for feedback. think i will give one a go if they are still in stock after my holliday. Will let you all know how i get on.

cheers
james

[RioBravoReptiles]

I think there is some truth to the reports of Amarali babies being a little more sesnsitive when small than some other boas.. they can also take an extra year to mature compared to something like a Central American boa. Otherwise they are pretty much the same as any boa constrictor in terms of care, temperament and so-on.
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Good luck.

[smilin-buddha]

Originally Posted by RioBravoReptiles

I think there is some truth to the reports of Amarali babies being a little more sesnsitive when small than some other boas.. they can also take an extra year to mature compared to something like a Central American boa. Otherwise they are pretty much the same as any boa constrictor in terms of care, temperament and so-on.
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Good luck.

Thats a great looking Boa Gus

[tmangt7]

Originally Posted by smilin-buddha

Thats a great looking Boa Gus

i would hafta agree 125%!! well done (as always!!)