A Red Tail Boa Struggles With Eating, Shedding, & Mites

The following story about a red tail boa was submitted by Sandy’s Haven, Inc. serving areas from North Ogden, Utah, to Pocatello, Idaho.

This 9-pound, 6-year-old, female red tail boa suffered from shedding issues, being underweight, and having mites. She Refused to eat. She also presented with extensive scarring on her head due to repeated escape from an inappropriate enclosure.

We soaked her in an electrolyte reptile soak for 20 minutes to assist with the shed and help remove mites. We treated her for mites and prepared a lidded tub lined with paper towels and provided heat as well as humidity. We also applied coconut oil to her head and body. The soaks were continued daily for 10-minute periods, as well as the mite treatment.

Two days later, she was still refusing food. We decided to tube-feed her with EmerAid IC Carnivore and gave her 35 cc of prepared mix. We gave her another 35 cc 48 hours later.

Treatment continued. By day 7 she accepted three frozen, defrosted large rats and the mites were under control.