Pacific Boa Constrictor Snakes (Candoia bibroni bibroni)

Naboo and Hecate

2012-01-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Our two newest, Naboo and Hecate.

Can anyone name the name references...?

Corrigan!

2011-08-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

The smallest of the batch of babies born on 31 May is, of course, the one we will keep. Born at 7gms, now a hefty 12 gms, she is pounding gecko tails once a week (offered from chopsticks).

And now she has shed her skin for the first time. Here are photos of her pre-shed and feeding, and 48 hours later in her new technicolour skin, glowing and fabulous.

The name Corrigan comes from Celtic folk-lore:

Corrigan, according to the folklore of Brittany is a female færy "Little Queen". She is said to have been one of the ancient druidesses, and therefore malicious towards Christian priests. Corrigan is fond of pretty human children, and is usually blamed for all changeling substitutions.

Vilisi and one of the babies

2011-08-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Most Fijians are afraid of snakes, so it has been quite an adventure for our housekeeper to get used to the snakes living with us. However here she is with one of the new babies, looking happy to be handling it. I'm hoping she's a new ambassador for protecting Fiji's own boa constrictors!

Babies - finally our own babies arrived - by surprise

2011-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we've had a long, strange journey getting here, but finally we have our own, captive bred, baby Fiji boas!

I had NO IDEA that their mother was pregnant, but Mazikeen, the large female from Kadavu island, after being unusually restless roaming around her tank for the past week, suddenly presented me with 13 babies. Of course she did this at 7.30pm at night when I was due to leave at 6.30am the next morning for 3 weeks travelling....

Fortunately baby snakes are very independent and can live for a month or more on what is left of their yolk sac, so I cleaned them up, checked them out (gloated for a while) left them in a nice clean tank with plenty of hides and water, and off I went.

Now I'm back home with time to look at them closely, feed them for the first time, and take lot and LOTS of photos.

The babies are about 30cm (1 foot) long and weigh around 12 grams each (less than half an ounce). Of the 13, 8 are brown and 5 are orange. However I'm not counting on this continuing, as these babies are like chameleons and can change their colour quite dramatically.

The mother, Mazikeen, is from Kadavu Island, and is brown with irregular blotched patterns. I think the father may be Rifraf, from Taveuni Island - he is brownish pink and has diamond shaped back patterns and a very red belly. So far no red bellies seen in this lot, but they seem to be a mix of diamond and blotchy patterns on their backs.

More photos ahead..

First meal of his/her life

2011-06-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

3 weeks after their birth, I attempted the babies' first feed.

The last pair of babies I had died after regurgitating food. This may have been genetic (as friends with others from the same litter lost theirs in the same way) but of course I'm now paranoid that I had been giving them too large prey animals.

So these babies are starting off very gently with (pre-killed, frozen and thawed out) tiny hatchling geckos, or tails of larger geckos. Here's the first one taking a tail.

Last night 7 of the 13 fed quite easily, taking food gently from tongs. One tried but then refused what may have been too large a gecko, and 5 reacted to the food as though it was going to eat them.

The 7 successful feeders are now in one tank, the 6 who have yet to feed are in another, and I'm starting a frantic mini-gecko hunt!

Babies are climbers!

2011-06-21T17:54:00.001-07:00

Candoia are often called "Ground Boas". Well, here's proof that the Fiji Candoia bibroni bibroni are certainly arboreal for a lot of their life. Not only did Mazikeen climb up to the top branch of her tank to (literally) drop her babies, the first thing they did on being put into their new tank an hour after birth was shoot straight up to the highest point they could find. And even though I provided them with lots of nice toilet roll hides, newspaper layers and dried ferns to burrow in, they still prefer the ridge at the very top of the container. Makes opening the tank an adventure....

How we set up snake tanks

2011-03-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

Out here in the islands we don't have the luxury of buying pre-made snake enclosures, so as ever, necessity has been the mother of invention. Here are the two tank designs that seem to work out best for us (5 year old provides handy size comparison!).

Main display tank:

I have to confess that we inherited this from a much handier enthusiast. I think that if I'd been making it I wouldn't have made it this large, but as it turns out it's been perfect. Our six (nocturnal) snakes all sleep curled up in their hides on the floor during the day, but every night they are out and about climbing around the upper branches, and are usually all in new sleeping positions the next day.

The main body is plywood, with a perspex window, and a door and side panels open to the air, screened with green garden shade cloth. As you don't want any rough edges inside the tank that the snakes can rub against, all inner surfaces are rounded off with wooden beading. The floor is sealed with heavy plastic sheeting (tablecloth!), and lined with newspaper.

Smaller quarters:

Normally all my snakes live together in the main tank. However, sometimes we need to separate them out, and then I use large plastic tubs with air holes drilled in the tops and sides. It's important to make sure that the lids clip closed strongly, as they WILL push open anything loose. I also use plastic tubs to feed them in, I never introduce food into their main living tank.

I use ice-cream tubs for hides, and large, shallow, pottery (NOT metal or teflon) serving dishes for bathing and drinking bowls. I collect branching driftwood from beaches for climbing branches and leave them to bleach and dry in the sun before I use them.

Hope this is of use to anyone wanting to set up a snake enclosure out here - we are lucky that we don't need lights or heat sources, as we are in the snakes' natural environment - it makes life a lot easier!

Lovely head shot

2011-01-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

Samael: Alfies snake

2010-08-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Alfie's snake named Samael...

Samael (Hebrew: סמאל‎) (also Sammael) is an important archangel in Talmudic and post-Talmudic lore, a figure who is accuser, seducer and destroyer, and has been regarded as both good and evil. It is said that he was the guardian angel of Esau and a patron of the empire of Rome.

Also called Sammael and Samil, he is considered in legend both a member of the heavenly host (with often grim and destructive duties) and a fallen angel, equatable with Satan and the chief of the evil spirits. One of Samael's greatest roles in Jewish lore is that of the angel of death. In this capacity he is a fallen angel but nevertheless remains one of the Lord's servants. As a good angel, Samael supposedly resides in the seventh heaven, although he is declared to be the chief angel of the fifth heaven.

Baby's on Fire......

2010-07-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

Is it a Fiji boa? Is it a fire breathing dragon? You decide....

Well. OK it's boa - and a very tiny one, but such Fire!

Babies are TINY and nights are cold...

2010-07-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have two extremes of Fiji Boa size in my house at the moment:
Thomasina (vastly pregnant) I estimate at over 2m long, weighing almost 3Kg, while the two babies we just got from Taveuni, now three weeks old, are about 33 cm long and weigh 11 gms each.

The babies are eating one small frozen (and thawed) house gecko a week (straight from the floor of a feeding cup), while Thomasina really hasn't eaten much at all for the last 2 or 3 months.

It's the coldest time of the year here right now (down to 20oC at night) and the babies are spending all their time curled up into little balls hidden inside dried fern leaves, while Thomasina, who is too fat to coil up tightly, seems to be enjoying a "cushion" made of a locally woven coconut leaf bag filled with fern leaves.

My others are also all curling up under the smallest hides they can fit into at night, (sometimes it's a pile of 3 snakes with a hide riding high on top of them as they all push in at once). They seem more active than normal during the day, which is unusual for these nocturnal snakes - maybe they change their habits in winter so that they can hunt during the warmer days instead of colder nights. They have slowed down from eating every week to only accepting food every 2 weeks or so. Last year they stopped eating altogether in the two coldest months, so I may be able to save on snake food for a while.

Babies! - but not ours......

2010-07-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Finally we have some new babies - not from our own pregnant snake-in-waiting, but from our friends at Paradise Resort on Taveuni Island. During land clearing a pregnant wild female was found and gave birth in captivity on 29 June. She had 27 live babies, in three different colour ways, many with amazingly orange eyes.

See below for photos taken 9 - 10 days after birth.....

Momma, resting

Babies anytime soon......

2010-05-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

It is now between 6 and 7 months since Thomasina was bred, and as she has put on more than 1Kg (almost twice her body weight), and stopped eating, we think she may be close to giving birth.

Here's a brief run down of her pregnancy:

Date and measurements	Event	Months after mating
14 Oct 2009 (2m long, 1.5 Kg)	Put in with 2 males, mating began immediately	0
7 November 2009	Removed from males	0.75 (3 weeks)
15.Jan 2010 (1.75 Kg)	Putting on weight, feeding weekly on geckos, chicken portions, rats/mice	2 to 3 months
Late Feb	Shed
17 April 2010	Last accepted food, started fasting after this	5 to 6 months
15.May 2010 (2.7 Kg)	"Blue" (getting ready to shed)	6 to 7 months

Reading suggests that Candoia bibroni bibroni may be pregnant for 7 to 9 months before giving birth, but there aren't too many records, so we are preparing now.

I've been drying moss and ferns from the garden and prepared a nesting bed with hide boxes for babies. So far she has not been very impressed with this, and has been ignoring it, lying instead on her normal newspaper under a log hide.

I'm also trying to make her enclosure escape proof - not so easy, as the babies I have seen before have been tiny and just might be able to make it through the plastic mesh of the sides. So I've been attaching soft mosquito netting to the panels, just to be sure.

She's "in blue" right now, showing cloudy eyes getting ready to shed, so she wouldn't be very active anyway, but she's been sitting in one corner of her tank for the last month, not moving around much and can't really coil up tightly any more. I hope for her sake it won't be much longer - she just doesn't look comfortable.

Map of Fiji Islands

2010-04-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Just to show you where my snakes come from: we have Taveuni, Kadavu and Viti Levu snakes.
See how different they are in the post below

The rest of them!

2010-04-13T22:41:00.001-07:00

I've mostly been posting about Thomasina lately because she may be pregnant, but I thought it was time to give the others some attention.

It's the end of summer here, and they are eating like machines. Currently they are taking frozen (thawed) geckos and chicken portions every week. In winter they sometimes won't eat for a month or longer, but right now they are slamming it down and getting fat! They are also shedding their skins every 2.5 or 3 months, and putting on both length and weight.

First, the original trio from Taveuni Island, two males and a female born in captivity in late 2006. One of these is (hopefully) the father of Thomasina's babies.... The Taveuni snakes have a very diamond shaped back pattern (Thomasina is from Taveuni too) , a lot like the Solomon Island Boas. These three are similar colours, but all can be very changeable. At the moment they all seem to want to be dark brown, but they are capable of changing to pale pink at times. They're about 1m long and weigh between 225 and 275 gms.

Next four small males from the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. These guys were wild caught sometime around 2007 or 2008. Their back patterns are very different from the Taveuni snakes, more blotches than diamonds. I love the colour variations - two dark orange, one brown and one almost silver. Three of these four have "stumpy" tails, probably as the result of some injury or a badly shed skin when they were wild. Consequently they aren't as long as the Taveuni trio, between 70 and 90cm, and weigh between 160 and 250 gm (the silver one is FAT!)

Finally the two larger females from Ono Island near Kadavu. These were recently wild caught by a 10 year old boy, and have been easily handled since then, which just shows you how docile they are. After only a couple of accidental snaps (mistakes at feeding time) they settled in and you'd think they had been captive all their lives. These have a less marked blotchy pattern and plain bellies, are about 1m 60cm long and weigh around 1,200 gms.

No such thing as a little bit pregnant

2010-03-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, Thomasina continues to grow wider and wider, and now I am finally beginning to hope. It's over 5 months since she was originally mated to Rifraf, and as the normal gestation period for this species is quoted as 7-9 months, we may have baby Fiji Boas anytime between mid May and mid August. Last time this snake gave birth she had somewhere between 20 and 30 live babies, so although there are no guarantees, I look forward to a busy time ahead!

Here are a few snaps taken as I cleaned her tank - she is pretty grouchy at the moment, so I am minimising the amount of handling she gets, and trying not to flash the camera in her face too much, but it's pretty clear how thick her body now is, and how the scales on her sides are stretched apart. These photos were taken 4 days after her last feed and after she had defecated the night before, so it can't ALL be food....

Stretched scales on her side

Pregnant or not?

2010-03-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

It's now 4 months since Thomasina was mated to Rifraf (and still he hasn't called....) but I'm still not sure whether she's gravid (pregnant) or just putting on weight. She has a very hearty appetite and eats at least weekly, so she's quite likely to be just a little hefty, but she does feel very firm when handled.

Here are a few pics - see if you can work it out!

October 2009, the blushing bride before mating
January 2010, 2 month after separation
February 2010, 3 months after separation
Early March 2010, 3.5 months after separation
Late March 2010, 4 months after separation (and just fed)
And here is Lilith - a smaller female, unmated, also having just fed, for comparison.

Any opinions can be left in comments - guess we'll know for sure about June or July.

Snake release

2010-01-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

A beautiful large female Fiji Boa was brought in to Nature Fiji, a local nature conservation society, rescued from a development site in the forests of Viti Levu Island (the main island of Fiji).

We photographed her, checked that she had not been hurt in the capture (she hadn't, so kudos to those who picked her up), and (I have to admit with considerable reluctance on my part and very active encouragement on Stuart's part) released her into another forested area not currently threatened by development.

She is VERY dark, almost black in her main patterns, and has the black belly stripe we are starting to see is a characteristic of the Viti Levu Island snakes. She was also quite fat, so may have just eaten or may be about to give birth - either way we hope she (and her offspring) will do well in their new undisturbed home!

A Candoia Christmas!

2009-12-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Santa brought 5 new additions! Our friend Peter had to leave Fiji, and as you cannot export these endemic species, has passed his group along to me.

We now have 2 large females (from Kadavu Island), 3 small males (from Viti Levu Island) and our original group of 2 small males and 1 small female (from Taveuni Island). Plus our extended family (with other enthusiasts) has another small male from Viti Levu, and a large female from Taveuni, so we have a pretty interesting group forming.

Although this is still a small sample, I am seeing different patterns from the three different islands, and I'm going to start recording and photographing this. For the moment here are a few snaps:

Our original males from Taveuni (Zigzag and diamond back patterns and speckled bellies)New males from Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji(Blotchy back patterns and a black belly stripe)New females from Kadavu (Blotchy back patterns and plain or speckled bellies)

The friendly twins!

2009-10-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

Mating!

2009-10-16T00:11:00.000-07:00

With some fear and trepidation we introduced our two VERY small males to the VERY large female, and of course nature provided all our fears unnecessary and within 30 minutes they were all in a big tangle and mating was going on.

Snakes have to be together for a long time: the females only ovulate after mating has started, and they still have to be fertilised after that, so we are leaving these guys together for the next 3 - 4 weeks.

If this is successful she will be pregnant for 9 months, so we have a long time to wait, but I hope we are at least on the way to our first breeding programme.

On first introduction the two small males stuck closely together. Candoia bibroni bibroni apparantly like to mate with more than one male if possible. These two are siblings from the same litter, so the genetics should be the same whichever one is sucessful.

One of the males explores the huge female
Tangled tails hopefully mean mission accomplished - or at least underway
After mating she retired to her bath: but he stayed all over her, still courting. The difference in head size is very obvious here, but size really did NOT seem to matter....

Huge female ready to breed

2009-10-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

After nursing our small males from new-borns to over 1 metre long and 4 years old, we want to start a breeding programme. Females get much larger than males, so we knew our under 1 metre female wasn't ready yet...

So Thomasina has come to stay! She belongs to a friend of ours who has been getting her into superb shape for the past 12 months, and now we think (hope) the time is right to introduce them. I'm a bit worried about the size disparity, but the experts tell us this is the way it works, so here we go....

Thomasina is twice as long and probably 4 times as heavy as Rifraf and Magenta, so either they are in for the time of their lives, or a completely traumatic experience. We'll keep recording!

Here's the gorgeous Thomasina, almost 2 metres long:In her bath before joining our snake tanks:
She's ready for her close-up Mr DeMille....

And our comparatively puny males, Magenta and Rifraf, hopefully up to the task....

Peter's lost snake returns!

2009-10-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Just to prove that good things happen to he who waits...
This small male Fiji Boa escaped his tank over a year ago, and was thought lost. Then a month ago a small head was seen peering out of the rafters, and he was recaptured none the worse for wear. The advantages of keeping snakes in their natural environment! His young owner is very happy to have him back, and he has settled straight back into his enclosure, probably very happy not to have to keep an eye out for mongooses the whole time anymore!

Alfie's New Baby

2009-09-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a new addition, a small male Fiji Boa passed along from one 9 year old keeper to Alfie, our friend's son, who is just entering the wonderful world of snake keeping.

He has unusually dark back markings and a really unique striped belly that I haven't seen before on any of the Fiji snakes. He's from a different Fijian island than our other snakes, so maybe this is the start of species diversification.

He's also got some damage to his mouth: he's had this for more than 2 years and it doesn't seem to change or bother him, but it does give him a rather rakish expression.

RifRaf sheds again and this time it's HUGE!

2009-08-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

RifRaf sheds again and this time it's HUGE!

We are always impressed when we get a full shed, more often it's in 2 parts. We keep the intact ones to compare growth rate.

Shed skins are always larger than the actual snake. Rifraf is now 4 years old, and is just over a metre long, but this shed was more like 1m 20cm.

Fiji Snake's Smorgasboard

2009-08-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Fiji Snake's Smorgasboard

Fiji Boas in the wild feed on geckos and other small reptiles when young, and move on to rodents, birds and fruit bats when older. We don't have a reliable source of rodents, so we looked for other ways to supplement their diets now that they are outgrowing the geckos we catch around the house.

They start feeding by taking a gecko or two, and then we follow up as they are just finishing the gecko with a chicken heart or pieces of chicken breast. Since we have started doing this they are putting on weight much more quickly than on geckos alone.

Gecko's (MOKO), chicken hearts and chicken breast!

Kadavu colouring

2009-08-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

Colouring on a wild Kadavu snake.

We're seeing different patterns and colours on snakes from different Fijian Islands.

Our own pets are from the island of Taveuni and have distinctive zig-zag and diamond-back patterns. This snake is from Kadavu Island and is more irregulalry blotched (and quite pink).

Snake in a bowl

2009-02-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Constantine just felt really tidy today I guess.
Here he is all neatly curled up in a Coconut Shell Bowl: looks like a snake dispenser!

And here is me, with our visiting friend Mike, having a snake handling moment

Snake sleeping

2009-02-02T22:26:00.000-08:00

It was cage cleaning day, but Rifraf did not want to be disturbed, so it was just easier to lift his whole branch out while I did his cage. he is determinedly NOT waking up.

Pacific Boa Face close up

2009-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

He was asleep at first but then did at least pop his head up for a look to see what was going on.

Magenta's face JUST pre-skin shed

2009-01-26T22:21:00.000-08:00

All snakes get this cloudy look (called "Blue) a few days before they shed their skin. This is Magenta in blue, about 4 days before shedding

Magentas face after shed

2009-01-18T22:17:00.000-08:00

Magenta with clear eyes, after shedding skin.
He's very pale in this pic: he can change to a very dark brown at will. It seems to depend what colour of branch or hide I put in their tank. Often he's dark brown when I get him out and over half an hour of handling will pale down to this almost pink colour.

Snakes on a Log!

2009-01-14T22:14:00.000-08:00

Rifraf and Magenta on a piece of mangrove root. They like this as it has a lot of nooks and crannies for wedging themselves into, and they sleep on this a lot.
Aplogies for the few droppings you can see: it was just being taken out for cleaning.

RifRaf on table

2009-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

Rifraf's noble profile....

Jungle Mouse - Pacific Tree Boa

2009-01-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

Fiji Boa
Candoia bibroni bibroni
Kula Eco Park - Viti Levu, Fiji
© 2007 Sarah P. Otto

Jungle Mouse - Pacific Tree Boa

New snake species found - Fiji Times Online

2009-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Helen and I had a friend of ours capture these and Helen preserved them in Taveuni before transporting to Dick Watling in Suva.

A NEW snake species has been discovered at Vuna on Taveuni.

According to NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, a conservation organisation, this new species is not only new to Fiji but has not been found anywhere else in the world.

The snake is a small, blind, burrowing snake. It is shiny black in colour, reaches about 25 cm in length, and is harmless.

A preliminary reaction from Dr George Zug of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the world authority on Fiji's reptiles, is that this is unlike any other described species of snake in the world.

A survey undertaken by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in conjunction with the Taveuni Paradise Resort has revealed that most farmers in south Taveuni are quite familiar with the Ngata ni qele, though they only see it rarely when digging their gardens or in the forests for wild yams.

"This snake is a classic example of how little we know about the very special wildlife which we have in our own backyard, and provides all the more encouragement for NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in its ambition to get Fiji's youth informed, interested and active in the conservation of the nation's wildlife" Nunia Thomas, Conservation Coordinator, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti.

New snake species found - Fiji Times Online

Endangered Species - The Fiji burrowing snake

2009-01-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Bit off subject but thought I would highlight this snake from Fiji as it is on the endangered list.

Fiji Burrowing Snake: Ogmodon vitianus

Photo: Paddy Ryan. A juvenile Fiji Burrowing snake, with the distinguishing yellow mark on the back of the head.

The Fiji burrowing snake is very distinct from the more widely known Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni.

The Fiji burrowing snake is much smaller, growing up to a maximum snout-vent length of 30 cm. It has a small head which is indistinct from the neck, a short tail, and smooth body scales. The body is a uniform dark brown or mid-brown in colour with lighter sides. The belly is generally pale brown or white blotched with black or brown in colour. Younger snakes can be distinguished by the yellowish mark on the back of the head (see picture). The eyes are small and dark, and do not have a vertical pupil.

This snake has only been recorded from Viti Levu from the Wainikoroiluva Valley, the Sigatoka Valley, Naitasiri and the Monasavu area. It may be more widespread throughout the Fiji group, but because of its fossorial and elusive nature, this cannot be confirmed. Within Viti Levu, the burrowing snake has been found within the province of Namosi.

Read full description here: Fiji Endangered Species

Face Shot of Boa

2009-01-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

Rifraf nose on!

riesenschlangen.ch Fotogalerie Kopfaufnahmen Boas

2008-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

Very nice boa head pic!

riesenschlangen.ch Fotogalerie Kopfaufnahmen Boas

Fiji boa [Candoia bibroni bibroni] on Flickr - Kula Eco Park

2008-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

From Kula Eco PArk on Flickr...

Fiji boa [Candoia bibroni bibroni] on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Magenta's sleeping pad...

2008-12-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

Our big girl Magenta's favourite sleeping spot, a sewn seam along the top of the 'tank'

Constantine's new hide-out

2008-12-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Constantine's new hide-out. A Fijian bilo dish!

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | Greater Mekong's species spectacle

2008-12-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Bit off subject, but this snake pic just had to be shared...

Conservation group WWF says that more than 1,000 species new to science have been recorded in South-East Asia's Greater Mekong region over the past decade. These include 22 snake species, including this green pitviper (Trimeresurus gumprechti).

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | Greater Mekong's species spectacle

Magenta Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni 1 Dec 08

2008-12-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Eye study of Pacific Boas

2008-11-05T01:16:00.000-08:00

Magenta

Rifraf

Constantine
(about to shed)

RifRaf sleeping in log

2008-11-04T01:32:00.000-08:00

RifRaf sleeping in log

Image:MP-candoia bibroni.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

2008-11-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

Candoia bibroni

From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

Regnum: Animalia • Phylum: Chordata • Subphylum: Vertebrata • Classis: Reptilia • Ordo: Squamata • Subordo: Serpentes • Infraordo: Alethinophidia • Familia: Boidae • Subfamilia: Boinae • Genus: Candoia • Species: Candoia bibroni (Duméril and Bibron, 1844)

Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixels
Full resolution‎ (2,016 × 1,512 pixels, file size: 1.34 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg)

Description	Candoia bibroni, Philadelphia Zoo Deutsch: Pazifik-Baumboa im Philadelphia Zoo. English: Fiji boa at Philadelphia Zoo.
Source	Own work.
Date	February 18, 2007
Author	Mark Pellegrini
Permission (Reusing this image)	Own work, share alike, attribution required (Creative Commons CC-BY-SA-2.5)

Image:MP-candoia bibroni.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

RifRaf eating a jurassic gecko

2008-11-02T01:22:00.000-07:00

RifRaf eating a jurassic gecko.

These gecko's are supplied live from the local village boys who deliver them alive in Flora tubs. They are then frozen for storage, and fed to the boas after thawing to room temperature.

We always hand feed them and they mostly behave. RifRaf does like them better when served on a gossip magazine. Preferably one with bikinis being critiqued.

Face shots of all three

2008-11-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Magenta

RifRaf

Constantine

Candoia bibroni - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2008-11-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Candoia bibroni

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Common names: bibron's bevel-nosed boa, bibron's keel-scaled boa, pacific tree boa,^[2] Fiji boa.^[3]

Candoia bibroni is a non-venomous boa species found in Melanesia and Polynesia. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

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Candoia bibroni

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Boidae
Subfamily:	Boinae
Genus:	Candoia
Species:	C. bibroni

Binomial name

Candoia bibroni
(Duméril & Bibron, 1844)

Synonyms

Enygrus Bibroni - A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1844
Enygrus Bibroni - Jacquinot & Guichenot In Hombron & Jacquinot, 1853
Enygrus Bibronii - Günther, 1858
Enygrus bibronii - Boulenger, 1893
Enygrus bibroni bibroni - Sternfeld, 1920
Candoia bibroni - Frazzetta, 1959
Candoia bibroni bibroni - Stimson, 1969^[1]

Description
The largest member of the genus Candoia, adults can grow to more than 4 feet (122 cm) in length. The color pattern consists of a pale brown, tan or reddish brown ground color overlaid with stripes, blotches or spots, or no pattern at all.^[3]

Geographic range

Found in Melanesia and Polynesia, including the eastern Solomon Islands (Olu Malau, Reef, Rennell, San Critobal, Santa Ana, Santa Cruz, Bio, Bellona, Three Sisters, Ugi and Vanikoro), the Banks Islands (Vanua Lava Island), the New Hebrides, all three of the Loyalty Islands, the Fiji Islands (Rotuma, the Yasawa Group and the Lau Group), Western Samoa (Savii and Upolu islands) and American Samoa (Ta'u Island). The type locality given is "l'île Viti" (possibly Viti Levu, Fiji Islands). Jacquinot and Guichenot (1853) list the type locality as "de l'archipel de Viti, Polynésie."^[1]

Feeding

Hunts for food both on the ground and in the trees, preying on birds, lizards and mammals, including bats.^[3]

Subspecies

Subspecies^[2]	Taxon author^[2]	Common name	Geographic range
C. b. australis	(Montrousier, 1860)
C. b. bibroni	(Duméril & Bibron, 1844)

References

^ ^a ^b McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Candoia bibroni (TSN 174323). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved on 14 July 2008.
^ ^a ^b ^c Mehrtens JM. 1987. Living Snakes of the World in Color. New York: Sterling Publishers. 480 pp. ISBN 0-8069-6460-X.

Candoia bibroni - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Candoia bibroni. (2008, September 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:41, October 18, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Candoia_bibroni&oldid=238043658

LA FERME TROPICALE » Animaux » Candoia bibroni australis

2008-10-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Longtemps oublié des terrariophiles, ce boa du Pacifique est réapparu récemment en provenance des Iles Salomon.

Arboricole, il adopte souvent la posture du Boa canin, la tête lovée dans ses anneaux.

Les changements de teinte la nuit sont fréquents et toujours surprenants.

Bon mangeur, c'est une opportunité pour les amateurs d'espèces hors du commun.

Spécimen sub adulte de la sous espèce Candoia bibroni australis.

Candoia bibroni australis
LA FERME TROPICALE » Animaux » Candoia bibroni australis

de boa informatie

2008-10-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Candoia bibroni bibroni ± 120-200 cm
Zie aspera.

de boa informatie

Reptiles and Amphibians » Snakes » Boa - Solomon Island Tree Main Page

2008-10-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Anonymous Contributor

More Photos / Submit a Photo

Common Name: Boa - Solomon Island Tree

Other Common Names: Papuan Tree Boa

Scientific Name: Candoia bibroni australis (Full Taxonomy)

Group: Boa

Origin or Range: Solomon Islands

Relative Size: Average
(as compared to other snakes)

Average Lifespan: ??? year(s)

Compatibility: Relatively Non-Aggressive
(as compared to other snakes)

Category: Reptiles » Snakes

Animal Description:

One of the smaller boas, the Solomon Island Tree Boas are extremely beautiful and captive bred specimens are very docile. These little known boas are the favorite snakes of many that are fortunate enough to own them.

Solomon Island Tree Boas are small so they do not require a lot of space; a pair will do nicely in a 35-gallon tank. Because they are used to tropical climes in the wild, it is important to devote lots of time to regulating the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosures of your boas. The humidity level should be around 60%, and the cage should have a hot spot of 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit with a cooler side of 75 to 85 degrees. Usually Solomon Island Tree Boas prefer cooler temperatures, even gravid females. Be sure to provide many tree branches for these arboreal boas and a hide box where they may retreat when they become stressed. Butcher paper, newspaper, or aspen shavings make good substrates, but as usual, never give cedar.It is very important to make sure your Solomon Island Tree Boas have a bowl for soaking and for drinking. These Boas love to soak! They may also appreciate your misting their cage once a week. Solomon Island Tree Boas have striking coloration and are gaining in popularity as pets. Captive bred Solomon Island Tree Boas have the advantage of carrying fewer parasites and infections than wild-caught boas. Captive bred Solomon Island Tree Boas have sweet, friendly personalities and are calm, docile pets.

Male Solomon Island Tree Boas grow to be about two to three feet while females are usually four to five feet in length. They have triangular, flat heads and often are described as having a venomous or prehistoric appearance. The scales are keeled and Solomon Island Tree Boas vary in color from pink, gold, chocolate brown, or black. Some have gray-green, pink, or even red blotches.

Solomon Island Tree Boas, true to their name, are found in the Pacific Solomon Island archipelago, where they live in trees and will occasionally come to the ground. Generally, they live in forests near rivers, but will stray close to human dwellings as long as they can find many rodents on which to subsist.

Specific Care Information:

Relative Care Ease: Average

There is currently no special care information in our databases for this animal. To submit care information that is specific to this animal please click here.

Breeding and Propagation:

Relative Breeding Ease: Relatively Difficult

Solomon Island Tree Boas are easy to breed. Keep the Boas at 80 degrees in the day but drop the nighttime temperature to 70 degrees for six to eight weeks when you wish your Solomon Island Tree Boas to breed. Drop the temperature from November to December and then in January introduce your breeding pairs to each other. If the snakes breed from December to April, neonates will be born from September to January. Usually two females to several males work best, but multiple males are always required. Placing up to ten Solomon Island Tree Boas in one cage seems to work very well; as the snakes pair off, move them into a private enclosure so they may copulate. Some Solomon Island Tree Boa males will mate with all the females; others will choose only one with which to copulate. Solomon Island Tree Boas will usually bear from 5 to 15 neonates. The neonates are often difficult feeders but do need to eat every seven to ten days. If they will not accept pinkie mice try scenting this food with tree frogs. If the neonate Solomon Island Tree Boas persist in stubbornness, allow them to eat tree frogs for five or six meals and then do not feed them for about three weeks. Reintroduce the scented pinkies; at this point the neonate will be extremely hungry and more likely to accept it.

Do you have anything to add to the information above? If so, please Click Here.
If anything is missing or incorrect please tell us. We want your advice.
This system is designed so that visitors like you can add to and improve the information.

Reptiles and Amphibians » Snakes » Boa - Solomon Island Tree Main Page

Samoan tropical moist forests - Encyclopedia of Earth

2008-10-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

There are 536 species of flowering plants with about 28% endemism. There are also 228 fern and allied species. While only one plant genus is endemic (Sacropygme), there are some spectacular groups of plants, including more than 100 species of native orchids. Many genera of plants common in western Pacific forests reach the eastern limit of their distribution in Samoa. Many of Samoa’s plants are restricted to single islands and Blumea milnei, Cordia aspera, and Acronychia retusa are considered threatened or endangered.
Of Samoa’s 37 native land birds, 84 percent are endemic species or subspecies, and there are also 4 introduced species. Large islands in Samoa support up to 6 species of fruit-eating pigeons including the Samoan tooth-billed pigeon (Didunculus strigirostris), a monotypic genus endemic to the islands. The Samoan wood rail (Pareudiastes pacificus) and sooty rail (Porzana tabuensis) are probably extinct. The Australian gray duck (Anas supercilliosia), purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio samoensis), many-colored fruit-dove (Ptilinopus perousii perousii), Samoan ground-dove (Gallicolumba stairi stairi), ma’o (Gymnomyza samoensis), and island thrush (Turdus poliocephalus samoensis) are all endangered or threatened. The Samoan flying fox (Pteropus samoensis) is a CITES-listed species that is endangered by subsistence hunting and by commercial hunting for markets in the western Pacific.

There are at least nine species of terrestrial reptiles including geckos and skinks and the Pacific keel-scaled boa (Candoia bibroni).

Samoan tropical moist forests - Encyclopedia of Earth

Candoia bibroni

2008-10-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

Candoia bibroni-028F.JPG (JPEG Image, 640x480 pixels)

Red Pacific Boa Cancoia carinata, Pictures, stock photography, Photographs, Snakes, Images, Serpentes, Fine art prints, posters, scientific name

2008-10-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

Red Pacific Boa Cancoia carinata, Pictures, stock photography, Photographs, Snakes, Images, Serpentes, Fine art prints, posters, scientific name

Magenta (about to shed) and RifRaf on home branch

2008-10-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Candodia Paulasi, great pic!

2008-10-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

collectie

Magenta Head shot

2008-10-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

RifRaf close-up

2008-10-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Young pacific boa photos with Helen

2008-10-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

New Boa pics from Paradise Taveuni

2008-10-05T00:36:00.000-07:00

New house for snakes

2008-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Today we finally had to transfer our growingbabies to a new house. We toyed with fish tanks and large display cabinets, but couldn't decide.

We DID decide that they needed a lot more air so shied away from the glass tank idea. BUT we also decided that we didn't wont a chicken-wire enclosure in our front room!

So here is our compromise. A soft travelling box for a dog...

Magenta having a look around!

Baby boas out for a walk

2008-08-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

One night all the babies came out for a walk!

All 3 of them, RifRaf, Magenta and Constantine.

RifRaf close up of tail

2008-08-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

We are still in a discussion over sexing our wee snakes here in Fiji. We actually don;t care one way or another to be honest, but in the interest of detail here are a few pictures of a very personal part of RifRaf.

Helen and RifRaf

2008-08-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Some cool photos of RifRaf and Helen relaxing. Look how big e's gettin!

RifRaf's head detail

2008-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

This is how we tell our two boys apart (well they ARE twins!!). The markings on the back of their heads. RifRaf's are symmetrical, where Magenta's are kinda off centre (pic to follow)

State of the Union 2008 notice from FaunaClassifieds

2008-07-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

This notice is being sent to all registered members of FaunaClassifieds.com If you no longer wish to receive such messages, you can opt out via a setting within you User CP page on the site.

You must be logged into FaunaClassifieds.com for the following link to take you directly to the User CP page to opt out of email notices....

Go to User CP Page -> http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/profile.php?do=editoptions

Now that the above is out of the way, let's get on with it.

FaunaClassifieds has gone through a lot of changes over the years, some good and some bad. In all cases those changes were done simply to try to make the site be better than it was before the changes were implemented. It seems that more often than not, those changes just made things worse. And there have been many people saying things like "I sure wish FaunaClassifieds (or the BOI) went back to the way that it used to be."

Well honestly, I'm not really sure what the "old way" really was like, but I'm trying to roll back certain things to see if we can somehow get closer to what was apparenlty the "ideal" in some people's minds. Yeah, yet another CHANGE.

Most importantly, I have discontinued the paid membership requirement put into place over a year ago. After running it that way for a year, under advisement by quite a few people, I just came to the conclusion that it is not in the best interests of FaunaClassifieds to run that way. So yes, classifieds are now free for all members to post their ads within. And quite honestly, with the economy being like it is lately, I guess every little bit helps in trying to same some money here and there. So hopefully this will help some people who found even the slightest fee just too much to bear because of their slim profit margins.

Also, FaunaClassifieds is woefully behind on having the software updated. This should take place sometime around the end of July, so there may be some slight downtime associated with that upgrade. I will be taking a close look at all the optionals on the site now, as well as possibly some that have been available for vBulletin, but just not for the old version the site is now using.

Anyway, trying to keep this relatively short... If you've been away from FaunaClassifieds for a while, now might be the time to come on back to take a look around. Traffic is building back up and there are more classified ads being posted every day. And, of course, the BOI is still trouncing bad guys as well as ever.

So with all that in mind, thanks for registering on FaunaClassifieds, and I hope to see you around real soon.

Thank you,

WebSlave (Rich Z)

Snake Glasses

2008-07-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

Very cool pic of Tanz.

Tania and Jimmy's Baby Boas in Savusavu

2008-07-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

Some pics from Tania and Jimmy in Savusavu of their two Pacific Boas.

Still babies, late 2007

2008-06-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

Magenta and RiffRaff

RiffRaff having dinner with Helen

2008-06-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Helen hand feeds RiffRaff, a young male Pacific Boa.

Breeding size Candoia bibroni

2008-06-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Breeding size Candoia bibroni

Posted by: herpsltd at Sun Jun 15 15:42:00 2008

Helen I used to breed C. b. austalis years ago. The males can and are usually quite a bit smaller than females in C. b. bibroni. Many years ago I had females that were 7' long. I think a male as small as 2-3' could easily do the job...TC

Reptilekeeping.com - Reptile Care Sheets

2008-06-12T00:41:00.000-07:00

Understanding the basic needs of Reptiles

The keeping of most reptile species in captivity can be simple as long as you can understand the basic needs of the species.

There is also basic information about the equipment and set-ups that covers all the species, as long as you understand these things you shouldn't go far wrong.

In this section we shall cover which bits of equipment are designed to work with each other and also cover the basic keywords that you hear.

Reptilekeeping.com - Reptile Care Sheets

Baby pics Fiji boas

2008-06-11T21:12:00.001-07:00

Magenta Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni

2008-06-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

A big shed from Magenta, FAT GIRL!

Tonga & Fiji Fauna

2008-06-10T00:32:00.000-07:00

A personal page on Pacific Boa Constrictors: Tonga & Fiji Fauna

"A much less worrisome snake is the Pacific Boa Constrictor. These patterned brown and tan animals can reach up to two meters in length, and were considered sacred in Fiji’s old religion. They were kept in pits near the spirit house, and eaten by priests and chiefs during rituals. Their vertebrae were used to make necklaces."

Tonga & Fiji Fauna

This is one pretty old snake...

2008-06-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is one pretty old snake:

Candoia bibroni ssp.
Fiji Island Boa
LIT.e 16 Years, 11 Months. Male, acquired date unknown as an adult. Wild bred. Still living. At DALT in Snider 1992."

LIT.e
Snider, Andrew, and Bowler, K.,
Longevity of Reptiles and Amphibians in North
American Collections, 2nd ed.
1992 S.S.A.R

From:

This longevity page is a link from Frank and Kate's Home Page which contains additional items of herpetological interest and Breeding Home Page - .

Our interest is in the long term maintenance and breeding of reptiles and amphibians in captivity. We plan to provide you with longevity records for all species of reptile or amphibian. In our book we only have room to list the top two longevity records. Here on the web we can list many more. Because the records span over many years and because some wish to remain anonymous, a few of the addresses and phones may be out of date.

This is a long-term ongoing project. We need more information to update these records to the levels where they should be. If you have any animals which you feel might be a record, please let us know We hope more private collectors will respond when they see the advantages of collected information as is presented here. Your information, can be included. We have recently changed our policy on listing of names and addresses. Please send in your information and encourage others you know to also list.

It is important to know a couple of quick things for these pages to make sense. Indexes are by genus. The data, listed by species, with the the code (name and/or address) and then the number of years, months, date acquired, wild or captive born, adult or juvenile, sex, and living or dead.

If you are having trouble keeping track of your animals you might be interested in our software program Animal TRACKS. Tracks has been running since 1986 and will manage any type of animal collection.

We solicitet your feedback for what works, what doesn't work, or comments about how this web page should work.

Please send us e-mail : our address is: slavens@halcyon.com or FAX 206 546 2912

http://www.pondturtle.com/longev.html

Boas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

2008-06-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

Constrictors are available to snake hobbyists in many varieties. Here is detailed information on anatomy, housing, feeding, health maintenance, and general care. Books in the comprehensive and popular Barron’s Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals series advise on feeding, health care, housing, and all other important aspects of responsible pet ownership. Each title is individually written from first page to last by a pet trainer, veterinarian, or other pet-care specialist. All Complete Pet Owner’s Manuals are filled with high-quality photos and instructive line art.

I have read some books about boas, and this one is very useful when it comes to talk about diseases, even when the chapter about disease is short, it's clear and concise. It also talks about genetics, a little confusing for someone new in breeding but useful too.

I consider this book is for beginners and intermediate boa owners.

Boas (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

Boa constrictors - Species and care info for these amazing snakes

2008-06-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Boa constrictors - Species and care info for these amazing snakes

Boa constrictors

Boas are very commonly kept in the pet trade. Boa constrictors in general make good pets. However due to there large size I cannot recommend these for children or novice keepers.

If a boa is to be the first snake you keep I strongly sugest starting with the rosy boa. The rosy boa stays of moderate length has a very well temperament and are easily cared for.

With new Boa constrictor morphs being bred every year almost you should easily find one of these snakes that fit your taste.

RifRaf Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni

2008-06-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

A much bigger RifRaf shed in January 2008. Now onto chunky gecko's! And therefore chunkier casts!

Magenta Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni

2008-06-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Another set of casts from Magenta this time.

Bath time for Babies!

2008-06-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

Stuart and Dixie

2008-05-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Stuart and DIXIE, one of Peter's babies.

Helen and medium female

2008-05-31T19:48:00.001-07:00

Tania and Babe at Paradise

2008-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Tania and one of the snakes at Paradise Taveuni reosrt in Fiji.

Breeding size Candoia bibroni

2008-05-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

HELEN, I'VE NEVER WEIGHED A SNAKE IN MY LIFE....I GO BY SIZE AND AGE....

THE 4 - 6 FOOTERS SHOULD BE BREEDABLE....

BUT THE 2 FOOTERS SHOULD NEED ANOTHER YEAR OR SO....

DO YOU GO OUT IN THE WILD AND CATCH THESE SNAKES YOURSELF?....

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOME PHOTOS....

JERRY

Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Breeding size Candoia bibroni

Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Pet Snake

2008-05-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

From Lianne McLeod, DVM,

Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not for everyone. They have unique care and handling requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. Also, some grow very large and can be dangerous, so any potential snake owner needs to carefully research snakes before acquiring one.

There are several snake species which can be found as pets - but some are more suitable than others. The types kept range from the common garter snake to huge pythons. Different species have different diet and environment requirements. No matter which type of snake, a secure escape proof enclosure will be necessary. Snakes can be quite persistent in trying to get out of an enclosure, so make sure it closes securely with no gaps, or prepare to become an expert at tracking snakes in your house.

If at all possible, pet snakes should be captive bred by reputable breeders.

Wild caught snakes tend to be more stressed and prone to parasites and disease, and more difficult to tame. No snakes eat vegetation. You will have to feed most commonly kept pet snakes mice or rats (some larger snakes may even be fed rabbits, and a select few can be fed other items such as fish or insects). The prey can be pre-killed, and this is preferable in most cases to prevent injury to the snake.

For new owners that are inexperienced with snake, corn snakes, king snakes, or ball pythons are the best choice for pet snakes. These types of snakes tend to be gentle, and meeting their diet and environmental needs is not as difficult as for some other species. These are relatively small snakes, ranging from 4-5 feet adult length (up to 7 feet for some King snakes). All these snakes represent a commitment to long term care, though, with life spans of about 20 years for corn snakes and king Snakes, and perhaps 40 or more years for a Ball Python (record is 48 years). Ball pythons have a reputation as being difficult to feed due to their tendency to sometimes stop eating for months at a time. If choosing a ball python, make sure it is captive bred and used to being fed killed prey. You may even want to ask for a feeding demonstration to ensure the snake readily takes pre-killed mice.

Read whole article at about.com.

Breeding size Candoia bibroni

2008-05-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Breeding size Candoia bibroni

RE: Breeding size Candoia bibroni

Posted by: jerryconway

YOU ARE A LUCKY LADY HELEN....LIVING IN CANDOIA COUNTRY....I HAD SOME BEAUTIFUL BIBRONI AUSTRALIS MANY YEARS AGO....I SOLD THE GROUP AFTER MY DIVORCE IN 2001....I WISH YOU LUCK....BRING SOME OVER HERE!....LOL....JERRY

Face time

2008-05-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Find an Escaped Pet in the House

2008-05-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Find an Escaped Pet in the House

From Lianne McLeod, DVM,

Here's How:

Start your search near the cage and go from there.
Check behind furniture along the baseboards.
Check under the furniture.
Check inside cabinets, drawers, shelves and bookcases. Check behind, in, and under any items in these places.
Remove cushions from couches and chairs, and check down the sides and back of the furniture.
Check the underside of furniture and beds for any holes through which a creature could climb inside the furniture/bed.
Check inside any boxes you have around the house, including tissue boxes.
Look inside any backpacks, purses, or other bags.
Look in boots and shoes, or any other small, dark hiding places you can think of.
Check the undersides and backs of appliances for holes your pet could have climbed into.
Make sure cage is left open, and place favorite treat or food around and in cage.
Place foil around the room (or crinkly plastic) in potential hiding places so you can hear your pet moving around.
Sprinkle some flour on the floor in areas where you suspect your pet might be hiding - you might get a set of footprints to help you.

Find an Escaped Pet in the House

Helen and the babies

2008-05-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Constantine Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni

2008-05-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Constantine's first shed with us. Clean and easy for this little boy (or girl!)

Boa Constrictors As Pets

2008-05-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Boa Constrictors As Pets

From Lianne McLeod, DVM,

Introduction to the Boa Constrictor
There are several subspecies of boa constrictor (species name boa constrictor) that are found in the pet trade. Red tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) are commonly found in the pet trade, and Boa constrictor imperator can be found as well, among other less common subspecies. The care for all the species is fairly similar.

When choosing a boa constrictor, look for the following signs of a healthy snake:

alert
firm, muscular body
no loose fold of skin
tongue flicking
clear eyes
no signs of retained shed (check eyes, end of tail)
no visible external parasites
clean vent
scales healthy, no brown or curled edges
no wounds on skin
reacts to handling by coiling firmly (but gently) on hand/arm, and relaxing a bit after a while

Read whole article here at about.com

Boa Constrictor Fact Sheet - National Zoo| FONZ

2008-05-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Boa Constrictor Fact Sheet

Boa Constrictor

Taxonomy
Order: Squamata
Family: Boidae
Genus/species: Boa constrictor

Description
Boa constrictors are pinkish or tan in color, with dark crossbands. They range in length is from 20 inches (50 cm) as neonates to 13 feet (3.9 m) as adults. The longest recorded specimen was 18 feet (5.5 m) long. Larger members of the Boidae family have heat-sensitive pits on its head, but this snake has more simple heat-sensitive scales. These snakes are solitary and nocturnal.

Distribution and Habitat
Boa constrictors are found from northern Mexico to Argentina.

Of all the boas, this snake thrives in the most varied habitats. It shows, however, the least inclination toward water. It lives in deserts, wet tropical forests, open savanna, and cultivated fields, and from sea level to moderate elevation. Boa constrictors are both terrestrial and arboreal.

Diet in the Wild
This snake feeds on large lizards, small or moderate-sized birds, opossums, bats, mongooses, rats, and squirrels. It is a nocturnal hunter and uses its heat-sensitive scales to locate its prey. The boa constrictor’s preferred prey is bats, which they catch by hanging from the branches of trees or the mouths of caves, grabbing them out of the air as they fly by, and killing them by constriction.

Zoo Diet
The boa constrictor is fed mice, rats, and chicks.

Reproduction
These snakes are seasonal breeders. The female emits a scent from the cloaca to attract males. The male and female join together at the cloaca in order for the male to fertilize the eggs. Fertilization is internal. Females give birth to live young.

Life Span
Unknown.

Status
The boa constrictor is listed on CITES Appendix II, except for B.c.occidentalis, which is list on Appendix I. In many parts of tropical America, boa constrictors are valued as destroyers of rodents. In some areas, these snakes have been “domesticated” for this reason. Many are bred or captured for the pet trade. Thousands of dollars are made importing them to the United States.

Fun Facts
The longest recorded boa constrictor was 18 feet (5.5 m) long.

Source of Information
All or part of this information was provided by the Animal Diversity Web and Museum of Zoology of the University of Michigan.
It appears here with their permission. The original author of this information was Antonio Garza.

For more information, including references, see the Animal Diversity Web account for this species, here:
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/ site/ accounts/ information/ Boa_constrictor.html.

Really Big Lizards

2008-04-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Really Big Lizards

Be the first person on your block to own a DINOSAUR

Pterodactyl Eggs

Iguanadon Eggs

Velociraptor Eggs

Using techniques and technologies popularized in the fictional book and movie Jurrasic Park, Really Big Lizards has actually cracked the genetic code and begun limited commercial breeding of a select variety of prehistoric animals. We will have a small number of breeder pairs of animals available in the spring of 2008. Please review our pricing and availability below:

Flying Dinosaurs
These animals must be kept in a suitable aviary made of sturdy materials. Wingspans of some specimens may attain 8-10 meters.

Archaeopteryx - Expected 2008 - $10,000 per pair

Pteranodon - Expected 2008 - $35,000 per pair

Pterodactyl (Texas ssp) - Available Now - $25,000 per pair

Herbivorous Dinosaurs
These animals will require a large grazing area and tall sturdy fencing. May be fed on most american grasses and plants.

Ankylosaurus - Expected 2010 - $15,000 per pair

Apatosaurus - Expected 2008 - $35,000 per pair

Brachiosaurus - Expected 2012 - $35,000 per pair

Brontosaurus - Expected 2009 - $40,000 per pair

Diplodocus - Expected 2009 - $35,000 per pair

Iguanodon - Available Now - $100 per pair

Protoceratops - Expected 2011 - $15,000 per pair

Stegosaurus - Expected 2012 - $22,000 per pair

Triceratops - Available Now - $20,000 per pair

Aquatic Dinosaurs
Please note that these animals require extensive tankage facilities for proper care and maintenance. All specimens shipped in temperature controlled shipping tank requiring a $5000 deposit, returnable upon return of container.

Ichthyosaurs - Expected 2009 - $20,000 per pair *

Plesiosaurs - Expected 2009 - $30,000 per pair *
* May not be shipped to Scotland

Carnivorous Dinosaurs
May be kept in smaller enclosures than herbivores, but will require large quanities of either live or frozen feeder animals.

Allosaurus - Expected 2010 - $20,000 per pair

Dimetrodon - Expected 2008 - $10,000 per pair

Dromaeosaurus - Expected 2009 - $20,000 per pair

Tyrannosaurus Rex - Expected 2011 - $45,000 per pair

Spinosaurus - Expected 2009 - $15,000 per pair

Velociraptor - Available Now!!! - $10,000 per pair

Tools and Supplies

Mite Spray - 55 Gallon Drum - $700

Worming Paste - 55 Gallon Tube - $900

"Piggy" Pump - For picky Feeders - $500

22 Foot Steel "Travel" Cage - for pets on the go - $19.995.95

Set of 8 foot stainless steel sexing probes(5) - $220

20 Foot Feeding Tongs - $350

ZooMed Iguanadon Food - 50lb Bags - $100

All animals are shipped after established and feeding. Really Big Lizards Inc. is not responsible for the actions of your specimens upon delivery. Injuries, disfigurements, maulings and fatalities may occur if improper care or housing is attempted. All animals shipped with live on arrival guarantee and can be shipped via Air Cargo, Sea Cargo, or USPS Priority Mail based on weight per metric ton per mile, please call for a quote. All animal purchases include detailed care guide and emergency contact list.

Buying a dinosaur is a serious investment and these are not "throwaway" pets. We recommend that anyone considering purchasing a dinosaur, especially a large predator, please spend some time investigating their purchase. Their is nothing worse than having to explain to the local animal control why all the neigborhood cats, dogs, cows, paperboys, and UPS trucks keep disappearing around your house. It is up to YOU to verify that your within all local, state, federal and international regulations, laws, covenants, and licensing.

Please Note: All prices are now quoted in Canadian dollars due to the economy. Additionally we are not responsible for any fuel surcharges, delivery costs, or accidental death or dismemberment. Really Big Lizards,Inc. is a division of AprilFirst BioEngineering Please contact our sales department for a price quote.

Snake Tracks - The Worlds Largest Snake Enthusiast Website

2008-04-12T01:25:00.000-07:00

Cool forum that we subscribe to...

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We are happy to announce that for 2008 we will be making a large number of upgrades to the SnakeTracks.com website. In addition to adding many new articles and sections to the website we will also be implementing a new advertising campaign which should attract a much larger member base to the site and forum.

In this upcoming year we are looking for contributing members who can help provide us with detailed care sheets, forum moderation, and any recommendations to help us grow and become the world's greatest snake website. If you have development idea's or would simply like to help us grow please send us a private message or email us at: webmaster@snakestracks.com.

We look forward to seeing you on the forum many times in 2008!
Snake Tracks - The Worlds Largest Snake Enthusiast Website

Bite Club

2008-04-12T00:49:00.000-07:00

Bite Club

Rule #1 of BITE CLUB is: We never talk about bite club (since we all know that there is an action for every reaction when it comes with dealing with our reptiles. They don't bite because 'they're mean' or that they 'hate us', It's a natural defense for them when they get startled, or feeding, or stressed, so with that in mind, this poll is not to make them sound 'nasty' but more of a personal experience poll to see where we satnd in the rankings of the BITE CLUB!!

Rule#2 of BITE CLUB: All of us must participate...that means you!! If you're a keeper, it's your duty to report.

Bite Club - General Herp Talk

Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Fiji boas in the Fiji Islands

2008-04-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Kingsnake.com - Herpforum - RE: Fiji boas in the Fiji Islands

ALL CANDOIA CAN BE SEXED IMMEDIATELY UPON BIRTH...YA GOTTA KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE SPURS....ITS EASY....I SEX MINE AS SOON AS THEY ARE BORN WITH 100% ACCURACY....JERRY

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY & PROPAGATION OF CANDOIA:

2008-04-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY & PROPAGATION OF CANDOIA:
THE PACIFIC BOAS
BY JERRY CONWAY

DESCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION

The genus Candoia is truly a very different one indeed. These boas, in general, all look quite similar. They all have a narrow triangular shaped flat head with an upturned rostral. Their heads make them look venomous, and in some way prehistoric. Viper boas in particular resemble the venomous death adder. All Candoia have rounded sausage shaped bodies even though some are quite slender. Colors may vary, but most Candoia are often some shade or combination of tan, gray and black. Some Solomon Islands ground and tree boas are spectacularly colored with reds, oranges, yellows and even pinks. New Guinea tree boas are also nicely colored. All specimens have some kind of blotching or banding. Some Solomon Islands tree boas can be patternless. Solomon Islands ground boas all have a characteristic zig-zag stripe dorsally. All Candoia have thick keeled scales and strong prehensile tails. As with all boas, these snakes are mostly nocturnal. Adult sizes range from 22 inches to 6 feet, with most being 2-3 feet. Candoia are found only on islands in the South Pacific. They do not occur on any mainland areas. The range encompasses eastern Indonesia, which includes the islands of Halmahera, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and several of the Fiji Islands. Candoia occupy a variety of different habitats, including dry woodlands to rainforests. Many are found near human dwellings where rodents are abundant.

The following species names are what I believe to be valid. Some of these are common or generic names that have been used in herpetoculture for many years.

Solomon Islands ground boas: Candoia Carinata Paulsoni
Solomon Islands tree boas: Candoia Bibroni Australis
Viper boas: Candoia Aspera
New Guinea tree boas: Candoia Carinata Carinata
Fiji boas: Candoia Bibroni Bibroni
Halmahera boas: Candoia Sp

The genus Candoia is still undergoing taxonomic review. Santa Isabel ground boas (white Paulsoni) and Halmahera boas may deserve full species status.

Whole article here:

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY & PROPAGATION OF CANDOIA

Pacific Boa Constrictor Snakes (Candoia bibroni bibroni)

Naboo and Hecate

Corrigan!

Vilisi and one of the babies

Babies - finally our own babies arrived - by surprise

First meal of his/her life

Babies are climbers!

How we set up snake tanks

Lovely head shot

Samael: Alfies snake

Baby's on Fire......

Babies are TINY and nights are cold...

Babies! - but not ours......

Babies anytime soon......

Map of Fiji Islands

The rest of them!

No such thing as a little bit pregnant

Pregnant or not?

Snake release

A Candoia Christmas!

The friendly twins!

Mating!

Huge female ready to breed

Peter's lost snake returns!

Alfie's New Baby

RifRaf sheds again and this time it's HUGE!

Fiji Snake's Smorgasboard

Kadavu colouring

Snake in a bowl

Snake sleeping

Pacific Boa Face close up

Magenta's face JUST pre-skin shed

Magentas face after shed

Snakes on a Log!

RifRaf on table

Jungle Mouse - Pacific Tree Boa

New snake species found - Fiji Times Online

Endangered Species - The Fiji burrowing snake

Face Shot of Boa

riesenschlangen.ch Fotogalerie Kopfaufnahmen Boas

Fiji boa [Candoia bibroni bibroni] on Flickr - Kula Eco Park

Magenta's sleeping pad...

Constantine's new hide-out

BBC NEWS | In Pictures | Greater Mekong's species spectacle

Magenta Shed Skin/Cast, Pacific Boa, Candoia bibroni 1 Dec 08

Eye study of Pacific Boas

RifRaf sleeping in log

Image:MP-candoia bibroni.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Candoia bibroni

From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

RifRaf eating a jurassic gecko

Face shots of all three

Candoia bibroni - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Candoia bibroni

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Geographic range

Feeding

Subspecies

See also

References

LA FERME TROPICALE » Animaux » Candoia bibroni australis

de boa informatie

Reptiles and Amphibians » Snakes » Boa - Solomon Island Tree Main Page

Samoan tropical moist forests - Encyclopedia of Earth

Candoia bibroni

Red Pacific Boa Cancoia carinata, Pictures, stock photography, Photographs, Snakes, Images, Serpentes, Fine art prints, posters, scientific name

Magenta (about to shed) and RifRaf on home branch

Candodia Paulasi, great pic!

Magenta Head shot

RifRaf close-up

Young pacific boa photos with Helen

New Boa pics from Paradise Taveuni

New house for snakes

Baby boas out for a walk

RifRaf close up of tail

Helen and RifRaf

RifRaf's head detail

State of the Union 2008 notice from FaunaClassifieds

Snake Glasses

Tania and Jimmy's Baby Boas in Savusavu

CAPTIVE HUSBANDRY & PROPAGATION OF CANDOIA:
THE PACIFIC BOAS
BY JERRY CONWAY