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BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates Cenchria) are Intermediate-level pets that can live up to 30 years with the proper Husbandry and Care.
BP Husbandry/ Care Guide
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
Ball pythons (Python regius) aka Royal Pythons, are popular pets due to their manageable size and docile nature. Native to Western and Central Africa, they thrive in captivity for up to 25+ years with the proper Care and Husbandry.
Rainbow Boa Morphs
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
Rainbow Boa Morphs
The Genetic Mutation's aka Morphs currently found for Rainbow Boas.
Ball Python Morphs
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Rainbow Boa Morphs
The Genetic Mutation's aka Morphs currently found for Ball Pythons.
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Basics on how to Breed Rainbow Boas.
BP Breeding Guide
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Rainbow Boa Breeding
Basics on how to Breed ball Pythons.
BRB Husbandry/ Care Guide
Rainbow Boas
Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates cenchria) are fascinating snakes native to Central and South America. Here are key details about their characteristics:
Physical Description
- Size: 4 to 6 feet long
- Weight: 2 to 5 pounds
- Color: Ranges from red to orange to mahogany brown
- Distinctive feature: Iridescent scales that create a rainbow-like sheen under certain light conditions
Habitat
- Found in the Neotropical region, including:
- Amazon Basin
- Woodland forests
- Savannas
- Coastal rainforests
- Primarily terrestrial, with juveniles being more arboreal
- Can adapt to various environments, including disturbed habitats like pastures and rural gardens
Behavior
- Nocturnal predators
- Excellent swimmers, though they typically avoid water
- Hunt using heat-sensing pits on their face
- Camouflage through countershading, blending with forest floor and tree environments
Reproduction
- Ovoviviparous (give birth to live young)
- Breeding season typically from November to January
- Females give birth to 2-35 live young
- Sexual maturity reached at 2-4 years old
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Potential threats include habitat loss and illegal pet trade
- Important ecosystem role in controlling rodent populations
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years in human care, about 10 years in the wild.
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Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates Cenchria) are beautiful, iridescent snakes that make excellent pets for Intermediate keepers. Here's a comprehensive guide to their husbandry and care:
Housing
- Enclosure size: 10-gallon terrarium for juveniles, larger enclosures for adults5
- Substrate: Damp sphagnum peat moss, cypress mulch, or paper towels for young snakes5
- Provide hiding spots and branches for climbing5
Temperature and Lighting
- Daytime temperature: 80-85°F (27-29°C)5
- Basking spot: 84-86°F (29-30°C)6
- Nighttime temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)5
- Use heat lamps or radiant heat panels to maintain proper temperatures4
Humidity
- Maintain 70-80% humidity for adults6
- 90-100% humidity for juveniles under 1 year old1
- Mist enclosure 1-2 times daily6
- Provide a large water bowl for soaking3
- Use a digital hygrometer to monitor humidity levels1
Feeding
- Offer appropriately sized mice or rats
- Feed juveniles once or twice a week5
- Adults can be fed every 7-10 days5
- Use frozen/thawed prey for safety5
Handling
- Start with short, 5-minute handling sessions for new snakes1
- Gradually increase duration and frequency1
- Be gentle and support the snake's body when handling6
- Use a snake hook if necessary, especially for juveniles5
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean the enclosure weekly3
- Use a reptile-safe disinfectant or 3% bleach solution3
- Replace water daily and clean the bowl regularly3
- Monitor for signs of illness or stress
By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your Brazilian Rainbow Boa. Remember that these snakes require consistent care and attention to thrive in captivity.
BP Husbandry/ Care Guide
Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons (Python regius) are fascinating snakes native to Sub-Saharan Africa. Here are key details about their characteristics:
Physical Description
- Size: 4 to 5 feet long
- Weight: 4 to 5 pounds
- Smallest of the African python species
- Color pattern: Black or dark brown with light brown or gold blotches
- Distinctive feature: Ability to curl into a tight ball when threatened
Habitat
- Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, spanning:
- Senegal
- Mali
- Guinea
- Nigeria
- Sudan
- Uganda
- Prefer grasslands, savannas, and sparsely wooded areas
- Adaptable to agricultural and disturbed habitats
Behavior
- Nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk)
- Solitary animals
- Defensive strategy of coiling into a tight ball
- Males more semi-arboreal, females more terrestrial
- Hide in mammal burrows during hot, dry months
Reproduction
- Polygynandrous (multiple mating partners)
- Breeding season: Mid-September through mid-November
- Females lay 3-11 eggs (typically 4-6)
- Eggs incubate for 55-60 days
- Sexual maturity: 11-18 months for males, 20-36 months for females
Conservation Status
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Widely distributed across multiple African countries
- Important predator controlling rodent populations
- Lifespan: 20-30 years in captivity, with some individuals living up to 48 years.
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Ball Pythons (Python regius) are popular pet snakes known for their docile nature and manageable size. Here's a comprehensive guide to their husbandry and care:
Housing
- Enclosure size: 20-gallon terrarium for juveniles, larger for adults
- Substrate: Cypress mulch, coconut husk, or paper towels
- Provide multiple hiding spots and branches for climbing
Temperature and Lighting
- Basking spot: 88-96°F (31-36°C)14
- Ambient temperature: 78-80°F (25-27°C)14
- Use heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters to maintain proper temperatures
- UVB lighting is beneficial but not essential2
Humidity
- Maintain 50-60% humidity
- Increase to 60-70% during shedding
- Provide a large water bowl for soaking
- Mist the enclosure as needed
Feeding
- Offer appropriately sized mice or rats
- Feed juveniles every 7-14 days
- Adults can be fed every 2-4 weeks6
- Use frozen/thawed prey for safety
Feeding chart based on snake size:
- Hatchlings (<200g): Every 7 days
- Juveniles (200-350g): Every 7-10 days
- Subadults (350-500g): Every 10-14 days
- Adults (500-1500g): Every 2-3 weeks
- Large adults (>1500g): Every 4-6 weeks6
Handling
- Wait at least 24-48 hours after feeding before handling
- Support the snake's body when handling
- Start with short, gentle handling sessions
- Wash hands before and after handling to prevent disease transmission4
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot clean the enclosure daily
- Perform a deep clean weekly using a reptile-safe disinfectant or 3% bleach solution4
- Replace water daily and clean the bowl regularly
- Monitor for signs of illness or stress
By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your Ball Python. Remember that consistent care and attention are crucial for your snake's well-being.
BRB Breeding Guide
Brazilian Rainbow Boas
Breeding Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates Cenchria) requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide to successfully breeding these beautiful snakes:
Preparation
- Ensure snakes are healthy and mature
- Females should be at least 3-4 years old, 5 ft long, and weigh approximately 1.5kg1
- Males typically reach sexual maturity at 3 years, females at 4 years4
- Maintain proper husbandry conditions year-round
Breeding Season
Brumation (Cooling)
- Gradually lower daytime temperatures from 82°F to 75°F over a few weeks3
- Maintain cooler temperatures for about two months1
- Slowly increase temperatures back to normal over a few weeks1
Introducing Breeding Pairs
- Use a 1.2 (one male, two females) breeding ratio35
- Place females in adjacent enclosures and introduce the male3
- Some breeders connect enclosures to allow natural movement3
Mating
- Observe for signs of successful breeding:
- Hemipenal sheds
- Tail wrapping
- Visual copulation
- Female swelling (possible ovulation)3
- Males may go off food during the breeding season5
Gestation
- Gestation period lasts 3-8 months, typically between winter and spring4
- Females may stop eating once gravid3
- Monitor for signs of pregnancy:
- Swelling
- Laying on side or back3
Birth
- Females give birth to live young (ovoviviparous)4
- Litter size ranges from 1 to 30 offspring4
- Birthing typically occurs between spring and summer4
- Neonate weight ranges from 12.4 to 30.2 grams4
Neonate Care
- Separate neonates into individual enclosures1
- Provide proper temperature, humidity, and hiding spots
- Offer first meal after initial shed
- Keep detailed records of feeding and growth1
Additional Considerations
- Parthenogenesis (reproduction without mating) has been documented in Brazilian Rainbow Boas, though it is rare2
- Use ultrasonography to monitor follicular development and determine optimal breeding times6
Remember that successful breeding requires dedication, proper husbandry, and the ability to care for and find homes for numerous offspring. Always prioritize the health and well-being of your snakes throughout the breeding process.
BP Breeding Guide
Ball Pythons
Breeding Ball Pythons (Python regius) requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here's a comprehensive guide to successfully breeding these popular snakes:
Preparation
- Ensure snakes are healthy and mature
- Females should be at least 1500 grams, typically 2-3 years old14
- Males should be at least 700-800 grams, usually around 16-18 months old45
- Maintain proper husbandry conditions year-round
Breeding Season
- Natural breeding season is from mid-September through mid-November5
- Captive breeding can occur year-round with proper cycling6
Cycling
- Begin cycling in October1
- Lower daytime temperatures to 82-85°F and nighttime to 72-75°F
- Some breeders adjust lighting to 10 hours light, 14 hours dark1
- Return temperatures to normal in February
Introducing Breeding Pairs
- Place male and female together until copulation occurs4
- Some breeders aim for one lock per month per female6
Ovulation and Gestation
- Females will swell as follicles develop
- Ovulation occurs 2-3 weeks after successful mating
- Gestation lasts 44-54 days from ovulation to egg-laying35
Egg Laying
- Females typically lay 4-6 eggs, but clutches can range from 1-115
- Eggs are usually laid 30-50 days after the pre-lay shed14
Incubation
- Incubate eggs at 88-90°F with 60-70% humidity4
- Use a plastic container with ventilation and a suitable substrate
- Eggs typically hatch after 50-55 days of incubation1
Hatchling Care
- House hatchlings individually in appropriate-sized enclosures
- Offer first meal (pinky mice) about a week after hatching14
- Monitor health and growth closely
Additional Considerations
- Use an ultrasound to monitor follicular development if possible6
- Be prepared for potential issues like egg binding or infertile eggs4
- Keep detailed records of breeding, egg-laying, and hatching dates
Remember that successful breeding requires dedication, proper husbandry, and the ability to care for numerous offspring. Always prioritize the health and well-being of your snakes throughout the breeding process.
Rainbow Boa Color Morphs
Normal
The Normal Brazilian Rainbow Boa is renowned for its stunning visual characteristics. It typically has a base color ranging from red to orange or mahogany brown, adorned with dark brown or black rings along its back and crescent-shaped markings on its sides. The scales of this snake are iridescent, creating a rainbow-like effect when light refracts off them. This iridescence is a signature feature, making the Brazilian Rainbow Boa one of the most visually striking snakes in the world.
High Red
High Red Brazilian Rainbow Boas are selectively bred for their intense red coloration, which is not a genetic trait but rather achieved through careful breeding from high red lines. This selective breeding enhances the natural red and orange hues of the Brazilian Rainbow Boa, making them more vibrant than typical specimens. These snakes still display the characteristic iridescent scales that refract light, creating a rainbow effect. The High Red variant is particularly sought after for its striking appearance and is popular among snake enthusiasts.
High Orange
High Orange Brazilian Rainbow Boas are selectively bred for their vibrant orange coloration. This morph is achieved through careful breeding to enhance the natural orange tones present in the species. These boas maintain the typical iridescent scales of Brazilian Rainbow Boas, which refract light to create a rainbow effect. The High Orange variant is particularly prized for its striking appearance, with the orange color providing a vivid contrast against the dark markings and enhancing the overall visual appeal of the snake.
Hypo (Lockwood)
The Lockwood Hypo Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a Morph, characterized by its lighter coloration due to a Recessive Hypomelanistic gene. This gene reduces melanin, lightening the snake's typical black markings to a chocolate brown. The Morph was first produced by Mike Lockwood in 1994 and is known for its rarity and distinctive appearance.
Hypo (Damm Bell)
The Damm Bell Hypo Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph characterized by a lighter base color due to a recessive gene. Unlike the Lockwood Hypo, this morph often has darker markings, leading to debate about its classification as truly hypomelanistic. The Damm Bell line was founded by Darin Bell and Norman Damm from a wild-caught light-colored adult male.
T+ Caramel Albino
The T+ Caramel Albino morph in Brazilian Rainbow Boas affects the snake's coloration by reducing melanin production, resulting in a caramel hue. Unlike T- albinos, which lack melanin entirely, T+ albinos retain some pigmentation, allowing for shades of brown, grey, and red to be present. This gives the T+ Caramel Albino its distinctive warm, caramel color while maintaining the typical iridescence of the species. The presence of tyrosinase allows for some melanin-related pigments to be produced, differentiating it from more severe forms of albinism.
T- Albino (Outback)
The T- Albino Outback Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph characterized by its very light coloration, lacking black or brown markings, and featuring bright red eyes. This morph is a result of a recessive genetic trait, known as T- (tyrosinase-negative) albinism, which eliminates dark pigments. The first visual albinos of this type were produced by Outback Reptiles in 2014 after acquiring a wild-caught adult male and successfully breeding it. These boas are noted for their striking appearance but may have issues with photophobia due to their bright red eyes.
Anery (Seib)
The Seib Anery Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph characterized by the reduction or elimination of red pigment due to an anerythristic gene. This morph was originally developed by Robert Seib. The Seib Anery line was combined with the Lockwood Hypo line to produce Ghost Brazilian Rainbow Boas.
Anery (Arctic)
Anery (Arctic)
The Arctic Anery Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph characterized by a recessive gene that reduces or eliminates red pigment. When first born, these snakes are entirely grey and white, but they develop a yellow hue as they mature. The Arctic Anery line was originally founded by Arctic Morphs in Finland and imported to the USA in 2013. There are two visual variations: one with darker brown and yellow tones and another with a very bright yellow appearance.
Rainbow Boa Pattern Morphs
Candy Stripe
The Candy Stripe is a unique Brazilian Rainbow Boa morph discovered by breeder Dave Colling (aka Rainbows-R-Us) in 2011. It is a visually striking morph characterized by its unique dorsal striping. This trait is an Incomplete Dominant gene, leading to an aberrant pattern with reduced base color and prominent stripes.
Super Candy Stripe
The Super Candy Stripe is a unique Brazilian Rainbow Boa morph discovered by breeder Dave Colling in 2011. This genetic variation is an incomplete dominant trait characterized by distinctive characteristics such as: Full body striping throughout the snake's body, Dark head coloration, Pink tongue, and a Split frontal scale.
Genetic Inheritance
The Super Candy Stripe emerges through specific breeding:
Heterozygous form: Displays dorsal striping with intense coloration
Homozygous form: Exhibits complete full-body striping.
Breeding trials have shown that when two carriers are bred, approximately:
1/4 of offspring are Super Candy Stripes
1/2 are Candy Stripes
1/4 are normal Brazilian Rainbow Boas
This morph represents an exciting development in Brazilian Rainbow Boa breeding, showcasing the potential for unique genetic expressions in these already stunning snakes.
Picasso Stripe
The Picasso Stripe Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph known for its aberrant patterning. This trait results in unique and varied striping patterns along the snake's body, which can differ significantly in expression. The inheritance mode of the Picasso Stripe is still being studied, and more breeding trials are needed to fully understand it. This morph adds to the aesthetic appeal of the Brazilian Rainbow Boa, which is already admired for its iridescent scales and vibrant coloration.
Super Picasso Stripe
The Super Picasso Stripe Brazilian Rainbow Boa is unique due to its distinct pattern and coloration. This morph features aberrant patterns that differ significantly from other morphs, such as the Ted Thompson Stripe or Wipeout morphs, which have more defined stripes or reduced patterns. The Super Picasso Stripe is characterized by its extreme pattern variations. Its uniqueness lies in the unpredictable and artistic arrangement of its stripes and colors, setting it apart from other Brazilian rainbow boa morphs.
Pearl
The Pearl Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph known for its unique coloration and pattern. This morph typically features a lighter, more muted color palette compared to the standard Brazilian rainbow boa, with a pearl-like sheen that enhances its iridescence.
Zebra Stripe
The Zebra Stripe Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a morph characterized by its unique pattern and coloration. It is part of the Pearl line, where the typical black side markings are removed, leaving a pearl-colored circle. In the Zebra Stripe form, vertical stripes connect the crescents and saddles, creating an intricate pattern. This morph is notable for its striking appearance, with the blending of dorsal and lateral patterns being a distinctive feature. The inheritance principles of this morph are still being studied, making it a fascinating subject for breeders and enthusiasts.
Piebald
Piebald
Piebald
The Piebald Brazilian Rainbow Boa is a striking morph known for its unique pattern and coloration. This morph features sections of white scales interspersed with the typical rainbow boa pattern, creating a piebald or patchy appearance similar to leopard print25. The piebald pattern results from a genetic mutation that affects pigmentation, leading to distinct areas of white on the snake's body.