What Size Rat to Feed Your Boa
WouterWhen deciding what size rat to feed your boa, there are several factors to consider. First, it’s best to keep the snake at a healthy weight. Boas have a slow metabolism, and they need a consistent amount of food. Otherwise, they’ll become triangular and lose muscle tone.
Redtail boas typically feed on rats or young rabbits. Don’t feed your boa chicken or turkey, as the feces are mushy and smelly. Also, boas are very selective about what they eat. If they can’t find prey animals that they like, they’ll starve to death.
In addition to knowing what size rat to feed your boa, you must also know how to read its body language. If it seems like it’s constantly hungry, it may be time to adjust its diet. A boa will hunt after a meal, so you need to make sure that it’s getting a large meal. You can also check its tone and weight to determine the ideal feeding schedule. The chart above is a general guide, but you’ll have to be very attentive to your snake’s body language to get the most out of your efforts.
It’s also important to remember that boas are viviparous. This means that pregnant females need additional feeding than usual. That’s why it’s important to provide food that is proportional to the snake’s size. Generally speaking, baby boas start with pinkie mice, while full-grown adults feed on larger rats.
