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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
 Posted - 26/06/2012 : 21:21:29
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Hi all. I only just posted on here recently about my Boas inactive behaviour. I put the temp down to 88 but it hasn't made a difference to her inactivness. Also, tonight we went to take her out of her usual hiding place and she started to squeak and maybe hissed? She shyd away from being handled. Do you think it's possible for her to shed again considering she only shed on the 9th of last month? Her eyes look slightly milky too.
This snake keeping is hard work!! Paranoid that we're doing it all wrong :\ |
Dee |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 26/06/2012 : 21:47:10
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Tried to edit my previous comment but couldnt so i gotta do ie here :/
We are pretty convinced she is near shed. This might explain the squeaking? Just thought it was strange considering she shed on the 9th of last month. Also, she is due a feed tomorrow. Is it ok to feed her considering her eyes are a milky/grey colour? Will she be stressed or will she be glad of the food?
Thanks :) |
Dee |
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Blackcat
Hatchling
United Kingdom
341 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 12:10:48
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Hi, I'm new to keeping rainbow boas, and agree it can be quite stressful trying to get the conditions just right.
Is it a typo error in your first post regards lowering temp to 88, as mentioned in your post regards inactivity your max temp should be no more than 82.
I have no idea regards the squeaking, but my juvenile BRB of about 8 months old has shed twice with me with approx 5 weeks between each shed so if yours shed on the 9th of last month I would imagine she is shedding again - they are growing as youngsters so will shed more regularly then adult snakes.
With regards to feeding - I don't offer food if they are in their shed cycle, but that is just a personal thing. It wont hurt her to go without until she has shed, and as you said it may stress her as her vision will be impaired due to the cloudiness.
Hope this is of some help, but I'm sure the 'real' experts will be along to give advice - they have been invaluable in advice for me - even if it is only from me reading answers to other peoples' questions  |
1.1.0 BRB's 0.0.2 CRB's
0.1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 House snake
0.1.0 Crested Gecko |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 18:08:49
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| 88F is TOO high, you have GOT to get that temp down quite a bit or you risk killing your BRB. These snakes do NOT do well under higher temperatures and this is one of the main reasons your snake is probably stressed out. As Blackcat said, 82F should be the maximum of your warm side. I'm not 100% sure on the shedding, but if your snake is very young, it is to be expected. As mentioned above, they are growing and will shed a lot more often than an adult will. :) If her eyes are milky/grayish, then I would say she is heading into her cycle and you should just leave her be. While some BRBs will eat when they are in shed, I have found that Marius shuns all forms of food until a week after he has shed. It will not hurt her at all to go without, so I would say just leave her alone and let her shed. The squeaking is my only concern.....are you certain that she has the proper amount of humidity? Youngsters require a lot more moisture than an adult, and if it is too dry, your BRB could be getting a respiratory infection (RI). If you do not have a hygrometer in her tank, you need to get one ASAP and make certain that her humidity is at 88% at the very LEAST. There are many ways to accomplish this, but the way I've found that works the best is to get two different water dishes and put one over the heat source. You can also mist the enclosure a couple times a day with a spray bottle and some people have had mixed luck with foggers. Best of luck, let us know how it's going and if you have any other questions. |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 23:53:07
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| What they ^^^ said. 82F max, 90%+ humidity, shed is pending, feeding in shed is OK but not if they're stressed like she is. |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 07:21:54
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All that info is so helpful. I feel a bit crap now because the shop we bought her from (which is a very reputable one), gave us all the wrong info. They said humidity isn't that important and that 89f is an ok temp for the warm side. They said there's no need for a Hygrometer either. Clearly we've been doing this all wrong. I really hope we haven't made her ill or stressed. I'm really quite upset about this. I am going to get the humidity sorted ASAP.
She didn't feed last night but is most definitely in shed. Her skin is a dull colour and her eyes are milky grey. I really hope the previous incorrect temps and humidity doesn't affect her shed.
I'll keep you posted as to how it goes. Thank you all do much for the invaluable information.
Hopefully she'll be ok :( |
Dee |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 17:38:57
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Don't beat yourself up too much, Nathair. Unfortunately, most shops (even reputable ones) don't know at all how to care for Rainbow boas. They figure they are just like any other boa and can only go off of the info that they receive from their providers....who also know nothing when it comes to taking care of Rainbows. A good, caring, responsible pet owner never goes off of what just one person (or group of persons like in a pet store) say about care for an animal. They go and get all of the information they possibly can and make the best decision based off of what a whole bunch of people are saying. :) You have already done this by joining this site and learning from some of the best Rainbow breeders/keepers out there. By learning what can harm/help your boa, you are taking a step in the right direction!
Your boa should be fine, so long as you correct the too high temp and the humidity. No matter what that employee said, humidity is one of the most important things you must monitor when caring for a Rainbow. Even though you don't have a hygrometer at present, you can still keep your snake in a high humidity environment by misting with a spray bottle. May I ask what sort of substrate you are keeping your little one on? If you're using aspen, I'd get rid of that....as this wood sucks humidity out of the air, doesn't hold it well and it will defeat your purpose. If you can't go get some orchid bark, cypress mulch or even ground coconut husk (cypress or orchid are best, though, IMHO), then I would suggest keeping your boa on paper towels until you can. Having the moist moss hide will definitely help, too (use Sphagnum moss). With the right humidity, your Rainbow should have no trouble shedding. :) Just remember, the higher the humidity at this point, the better...because it is very likely that your Rainbow has not had the correct humidity for a while and really does need it.
Just know that you are doing the best you can and with the right info, you are well on your way to having a healthy, happy boa. ;) |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
Edited by - IncurableFlirt on 28/06/2012 17:40:47 |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 22:02:31
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Thank you so much. We spoke to the shop again today and they said their temps are what they've always kept their rainbow bo
as at but quite clearly she doesn't like it. We went and got a hygrometer this evening. It's currently at 82 but it's only been in there about 4 hours. I haven't tried to handle her tonight because I don't want to stress her out. I'll check on her tomorrow and make sure she's ok. The temp is currently at 83. Hopefully this will solve the issues. It's mainly the squeaking thats freaking me out :\ it sounds like a mouse. I was afraid that I was hurting her :(
I'm so glad I signed up for this site. It really puts my mind at ease and I really have got some invaluable and priceless information. Thank you all so much :) |
Dee |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 22:21:41
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| The squeaking could possibly be that she's in her cycle and the skin in her nose is tight and uncomfortable. It could also be the onset of a RI, so I would keep on top of it. Watch her closely, if you notice any sort of mucous coming from her nose/mouth or if she starts blowing mucous bubbles....best to get her in to the vet asap. I'm not saying that she has an RI...only that it could be possible, so just watch her and be aware. :) 82% humidity is still pretty low, though, so I'd try to get it up a bit more. At 4 hours in, it should be giving a pretty accurate reading already. ;) Mist with water if you have to....88+% (Snakesitter suggests even higher, so maybe even 89, 90). I think you'll see definite improvement in her demeanor and everything. You certainly have a better handle on her care now, so major kudos to you! :) |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 29/06/2012 : 00:56:19
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| Incurable, well done! Nathair, as she said, not your fault, and you seem to be on top of it all now. If you are showing 82% humidity for the full cage, you are probably right on track, as the humid hide should be another 10% over that. Spray morning and night til she sheds, just to make sure, and keep her water bowl full. Fingers crossed for you! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 29/06/2012 : 13:33:01
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| Thank you so much. Think I needed a bit of positivity. :\ I got the humidity up to 89% before I left for work this morning so I'm hoping we'll see some improvement soon. I'll deffo keep an eye out for mucus or bubbles around her mouth. Really hope she doesn't have an RI. I would be devastated :( Don't think I'll be going back to that shop in a hurry tho :\ All of your advice has been of so much use to me. Without you guys on this forum Arco-Iris would be in a much worse state. I cannot thank you enough for all of your help! :) x x |
Dee |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2012 : 19:51:43
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Would like to let you all know that Arco-Iris shed last night!!!! I picked her up today and there was no squeaking at all!! She looks STUNNING!! Hopefully she's on the mend now. she seemed quite happy when we got her out. Really active and 'seemed' happy!! She did make some 'shhhh' noises but I'm presuming that's normal? She did shed in one really long piece then two smaller pieces. I know it's better to shed in one full piece but there was no residue on her eyes or anything?
Thank you all for your invaluable info. We really couldn't have done this without your advice and help. Thank you thank you thank you!! : ) xxxxxxx |
Dee |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 02:12:47
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| That is wonderful news! :) The broken shed isn't a bad thing, just a sign that she had not been getting enough moisture. You probably saved her from having the worst shed ever by bumping her humidity just in time. ;) I am so happy to hear that she is doing a lot better now, congrats! Nothing to worry about with the shed, so long as she got it off her eyes and the tip of her tail. As far as the shhh noises, I'd just keep watching her, but more than likely she is just fine now and re-adjusting to having the proper amount of moisture and a lower (and better for her) temp. ;) Best of luck, keep us informed! |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Nathair2012
Hatchling
United Kingdom
158 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2012 : 21:48:18
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| Well our little one had no problems feeding tonight so we're really pleased. She seems much more active also. Think we're on the right track. Thanks again for all your advice Incurable, Snakesitter and Blackcat :) Forever grateful :) x |
Dee |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2012 : 00:40:36
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| Woot glad to hear all is looking up. The "shhh" may have been a soft hiss, hard to say. Good shed + good feed = great signs! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 04/07/2012 : 03:27:36
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| Awesome news! :) I agree with Snakesitter, these are great signs that your boa is doing 100% better. Great job! |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Topic |
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Squeaking Boa????
