How to choose a healthy Columbian red tail boa

When purchaseing a columbian red tail boa you want to take care to choose a healthy specimen. Many breeders out there are trying to sell sick or poorly cared for snakes. don't be a victim to these breeders.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. First of all take care to observe the living conditions of the red tail boa you are looking at. If the breeder won't let you come to his/her establishment it is usually a bad sign. If the snakes are living in dirty condition they may have contracted diseases from their surroundings. Ideal living conditions will be clean, well heated and free of parasites.

2. Next look at the apearence of the red tail boa you are looking to buy. If the snakes skin is loose and not appropriately stretched over it's body it is probably sick.(pay no attention to appearance of skin while shedding.)

3. The snake should be clam as they are quite docile in nature, and be curious and active when out of cage. The snake should be moving steadily when taken out and very actively flicking it's tounge to observe surroundings. If the snake is not moving when you take him/her out it is not a good sign.

4. Ask breeder to either demonstrate feeding or simply ask how well the red tail boa eats. If the snake is not willing to eat regularly it is a sign of underlying problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Never buy from breeders that won't let you see their establishment
• get to know the breed before making a purchase
• These snakes can become very large(6-12 feet by adulthood)
• If you don't want a pet that large don't but a columbian red tail boa.