My B.c.i Common boa constrictors.
I have five common boas at the moment, all of which are morph's/colour/pattern mutations. I wont go in to great depth on their care on this page, instead I will give a brief description of my animals, add a few photos and leave the detailed care for another page.
I have been keeping common boas for probably close to 20 years now.
They are a excellent species to keep. In general they are docile, but there are some exceptions.
I personally wouldn't recommend this species to a beginner, they are more suited for the semi experienced to the experienced keeper.
Unless one of the Dwarf Locality species are chosen, which stay at a very small size, generally under 5' in total length.
They can and will grow to a very large size. On top of this they are an extremely powerful constrictor, In my opinion they are probably one of the most powerful, much more so than a Burmese Python of twice their size.
Below is a picture of how big they can and will get given time and correct care. As you will see they are not for the faint of Heart.
I have been keeping common boas for probably close to 20 years now.
They are a excellent species to keep. In general they are docile, but there are some exceptions.
I personally wouldn't recommend this species to a beginner, they are more suited for the semi experienced to the experienced keeper.
Unless one of the Dwarf Locality species are chosen, which stay at a very small size, generally under 5' in total length.
They can and will grow to a very large size. On top of this they are an extremely powerful constrictor, In my opinion they are probably one of the most powerful, much more so than a Burmese Python of twice their size.
Below is a picture of how big they can and will get given time and correct care. As you will see they are not for the faint of Heart.
Kahl Albino.
This is my female Kahl strain albino Boa. She was born in 2010.
It will take about another two years before she will be ready to breed with.
She is an absolute Angel, she has never struck out at me, or shown any sign of defensiveness.
She feeds on Rat Weaners at the moment but it will not belong before she'll be on larger Rats.
I remember when these where first bred. They had a massive price tag, £50,000 + was paid by breeders for these stunning animals. But now days, even though they are bred in reasonably large numbers, they still fetch a few hundred pounds each.
There is two main genetic strains of albino B.c.i the Kahl Strain and the Sharp strain. Neither of the strains are compatible with one another, So do not try to breed a Sharp strain with a Kahl strain, as the young will not form fully, if they form at all.
How do you tell the difference between the strains? well you need to see the Adult forms of both to see the difference. the Kahl strain will loose its saddle markings along its back and become a cream colour all over, except from the red patches on the tail. Where as the Sharp strain Albino will look pretty much the same from a baby through to it's Adult hood.
Below is a Photo from when she was a hatch-ling. you can see that she is constantly changing in colour and pattern as she grows.
It will take about another two years before she will be ready to breed with.
She is an absolute Angel, she has never struck out at me, or shown any sign of defensiveness.
She feeds on Rat Weaners at the moment but it will not belong before she'll be on larger Rats.
I remember when these where first bred. They had a massive price tag, £50,000 + was paid by breeders for these stunning animals. But now days, even though they are bred in reasonably large numbers, they still fetch a few hundred pounds each.
There is two main genetic strains of albino B.c.i the Kahl Strain and the Sharp strain. Neither of the strains are compatible with one another, So do not try to breed a Sharp strain with a Kahl strain, as the young will not form fully, if they form at all.
How do you tell the difference between the strains? well you need to see the Adult forms of both to see the difference. the Kahl strain will loose its saddle markings along its back and become a cream colour all over, except from the red patches on the tail. Where as the Sharp strain Albino will look pretty much the same from a baby through to it's Adult hood.
Below is a Photo from when she was a hatch-ling. you can see that she is constantly changing in colour and pattern as she grows.
Pastel, 100% Het Kahl Albino.
This little Chap was born in 2011 and is going to be the Mate of my Kahl Albino female. Isn't he a lucky little chap.
He was bred by a friend of mine (Peter Rice) who is probably one of, if not the most successful Bci morph breeders in the UK.
He is 100% het for Kahl Albino and he is a Pastel. Which means when the time comes to breed with him, My female will have a clutch of Albinos, some normal looking Hets, some Pastels and some will be Pastel Albinos and all will be 100% het for Kahl Albino.
Below is a photo of the pastel colouring on his sides. My Photography skills are very limited so it is very difficult to capture the true colours.
He was bred by a friend of mine (Peter Rice) who is probably one of, if not the most successful Bci morph breeders in the UK.
He is 100% het for Kahl Albino and he is a Pastel. Which means when the time comes to breed with him, My female will have a clutch of Albinos, some normal looking Hets, some Pastels and some will be Pastel Albinos and all will be 100% het for Kahl Albino.
Below is a photo of the pastel colouring on his sides. My Photography skills are very limited so it is very difficult to capture the true colours.
Hypo pastel Jungle.
Here is my latest female. She is a Hypo pastel Jungle. Born in 2010 and bred by Peter Rice Again. I bought her this past weekend at the EHS (Eastern Herpetological Society) show, that was held at the Norfolk Show ground.
She will be paired up with my Salmon male in a few years time, once she is old enough. This pairing will create Hypo Salmon Jungle pastels.
Below is a Photo of her Tail to show her stunning colouration.
She will be paired up with my Salmon male in a few years time, once she is old enough. This pairing will create Hypo Salmon Jungle pastels.
Below is a Photo of her Tail to show her stunning colouration.
Salmon.
Salmon Male, Born in 2009 by Mike Wilbank from the USA.
Unknown genetic female.
Her name is Haze and was a friends pride and joy, but due to personal difficulties he needed to re-home her.
She was born in 2008 and is a little bit of a mystery as to where her genetics come from, as you can see from her photo, she is far from looking like a normal B.c.i, not only are her patterns different, but also her colouration. It will be interesting to see what she throws out next season if all goes well.
I will pair her to the Salmon male this coming season.
She was born in 2008 and is a little bit of a mystery as to where her genetics come from, as you can see from her photo, she is far from looking like a normal B.c.i, not only are her patterns different, but also her colouration. It will be interesting to see what she throws out next season if all goes well.
I will pair her to the Salmon male this coming season.