I think my boa is sick

arcticpaint · #1 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 03:39 AM

Hey everyone,

I have a redtail boa, and I think he's really sick. I'll describe the basics and conditions, then the symptoms. I've had him for about two months or so, maybe a little longer. He's young, and he's about 21 inches long. I keep his temps and humidity regulated at about 88-90 daytime, night time about 72-74. Humidity between 50-60. I've bought the supplies to build an enclosure I found through this website, but haven't found a way to heat it yet so he's still in his original aquarium style enclosure.

Now the symptoms. Basically, he's more docile than he's ever been. He doesn't move a whole lot, doesn't even flinch when I mist him anymore, seems to be dehydrated and he won't eat. I had a problem with his first (and only since i've had him) shed, it took him forever and it came off in pieces. I make sure his home is clean, and he has fresh water every day. He has a place to hide, and he uses it about half the time. So, is it vet time? This is my first snake, and my pride and joy, but he seems so unhappy. It breaks my heart. What can I do? Any advice, as always, is greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

owen.richards · #2 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 03:52 AM

during the day when you have the heat at 90 degrees, do you have half of the cage at 80 degrees? also do you have hides and stuff?

arcticpaint · #3 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 04:10 AM

I don't think his home is large enough for a temperature gradient. It's a 5.5 gallon aquarium. That's the main reason I bought the materials to build him an enclosure, because I was having a #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& of a time with the temps and the humidity. He has one hide on the left side, and his water dish is on the right side. He has an UTH that is centered on the right side, in attempt to hopefully keep the left side a little cooler. And I have a dome bulb on top to keep the temp up. That's the other reason I wanted to build him the enclosure, because I hate relying on bulbs for heat, but right now I have no other choice.

I also think he has mites, because I see one or two little white/clear bugs in there. And he appears to be very dehydrated, his skin is very wrinkled, and the color of his skin seems to be more transparent than it used to be. Please help me, he seems to be declining. What do you think?

owen.richards · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 04:35 AM

those sound like wood mites to me. They arent really harmful to the snake, but they arent good either. They prolly came from the substrate. If I were you I would at least upgrade to a 10 gallon for now, it will still be a bit difficult to manage a temp gradient, but way easier then the 5.5. A 10 gal and lid should cost about $35. He needs to have a spot to cool down

arcticpaint · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 05:14 AM

You think maybe that's all it is, just environmental factors? I hope so. I have a 10 gallon tank here, it's just not being used. I can try it, I'll try anything.

EricIvins · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 06:30 AM

Better yet, go to Walmart, get a 32 quart Sterilite tub and some Equate lice spray. Set it up and treat the thing for mites, when mites molt they are white. I get the feeling that the animal is starting to shutdown so you may be fighting the inevitable. Some Boas are comfortable with high ambient temps, some aren't. It's stressed out to the max, so you need to start over with some different husbandry ideas and hope you still have time to work with it.

arcticpaint · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 03:54 PM

Okay, i'll do that. I just switched his substrate and soon after I started noticing a difference, but I didn't think of a correlation between the two. I'll try anything. Thanks for your help.

arcticpaint · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 05:15 PM

Well, my red-tail boa died.

I posted a thread in the boa section about the details. On the upside, I do appreciate everyone's help on this issue and the many others i've had over the past few months. As I posted in the main thread in the boa section, if anyone can recommend a good and reliable source to get another red-tail, such as a breeder, I would greatly appreciate it. Many thanks to absolutely everyone!!

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