Full Grown Red Tail Boa: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

If you've committed to raising a red tail boa from a baby to adulthood, you know the day is coming when your little noodle will fully mature into an impressive specimen.

But what exactly does "fully grown" mean for these impressive snakes, and what changes can you expect as your red tail reaches maturity?

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about caring for a red tail boa at its full grown size and stage of life.

About the Red Tail Boa

Before we dive into what "fully grown" entails, let's start with a brief overview of the red tail boa species. Native to Central and South America, red tail boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) are a large, non-venomous boa species prized as pets for their generally calm demeanor.

As juveniles, red tails have distinctive red tails and patterning that fades as they mature. Adults range from reddish to tan in color. Males typically max out around 6-8 feet, while females can reach massive sizes of 10 feet or more in captivity with proper care.

Size at Full Growth

For male red tail boas, the full grown size range is typically 6-8 feet in length. Females tend to be significantly larger, reaching lengths of 8-10 feet or potentially even longer.

In terms of height, a mature male red tail may measure 1-1.5 inches around at its widest point. Females reach 2 inches or thicker in girth at full size.

So while your baby boa may currently fit in the palm of your hand, expect it to develop into an impressively long and thick snake once fully mature!

Weight at Full Growth

The weight of a fully grown red tail boa closely corresponds to its length. Male red tails average between 10-15 pounds at 6-8 feet long. Larger females commonly push 20-30 pounds or more when reaching their maximum sizes over 8 feet.

Proper husbandry and regular weigh-ins can help you monitor your boa's healthy growth trajectory over the years.

Appearance at Full Growth

In terms of appearance, adult red tails lose most of their reddish juvenile coloration as they mature. Fully grown males take on darker reddish, brown, or tan hues overall with subtle patterning. Females often have paler, duller tones of gray, beige or faded reds.

Another notable difference is muscularity - mature boas develop thick, powerful bodies perfectly suited for their constricting abilities.

Their faces also become more tapered and elongated compared to plump-cheeked babies.

Personality at Full Growth

Temperament-wise, red tail boas become generally more laid back and tolerant as adults compared to sometimes-nippy juveniles. With regular socialization, many fully grown boas become quite docile, content to rest in your arms for long periods.

That said, always handle large constrictors with care - one squeeze from a 10ft boa could cause injury! Most red tails are not aggressive but may musk or tail whip if suddenly startled as a defensive display.

Price

The price of a fully grown red tail boa varies based on sex, size, and morph. Expect to pay $200-500 for a standard 6-8ft male. Large females over 8ft can fetch $500-1000 due to their impressive size. Rare morphs like albino or spider red tails command higher prices upwards of $1500-3000 for established adults.

Food and Feeding

Most red tail boas reach their full feeding potential around 4-5 years old. At this point, feed mature males every 10-14 days and females every 7-10 days. Size up prey items accordingly - rabbits, large rats or small possums for females and medium rats for males.

Proper husbandry like varied temperatures and hides aid digestion. Always handle with care for at least 48 hours after eating.

Lifespan

With excellent care, red tail boas can live 20-30 years on average. Top-quality habitat conditions, a varied diet, avoidance of stress, and annual vet checks maximize their potential longevity as a pet.

Expect to provide devoted red tail boa ownership for decades to come once they reach adulthood!

Health at Full Growth

Common health issues that may affect adult red tails include respiratory infections, parasites, stuck shed, constipation or impaction from an inappropriate diet.

Consult an experienced exotic animal vet for any concerning symptoms. Also give boas space to exercise - a large, sturdily-built enclosure allows stretching and climbing for big snakes.

Care and Nutritional Needs

Big enclosures, warm basking spots and digesting hides remain keyhusbandry factors. A 10x2x2ft tank minimum for most females provides enrichment and climbing opportunities.

Low 70s ambient temps with a 90-95F basking area aids digestion. Fresh water, adequate calcium supplementation and humidity help joints/scales. Handle any mites/parasites promptly to prevent stressing a large snake.

Cost of Ownership

The costs of caring for a fully grown boa accumulate over the years - from large enclosures and bulky prey items to expensive veterinary diagnostics if health issues arise.

Estimate a $1500-3000 expenditure annually to optimally house, feed and maintain a healthy 10ft female into old age. Additional insurance may offset catastrophic vet bills.

Behavioral Changes

Compared to adolescents and young adults, very large boas can become slower, more sedentary and less tolerant of extended handling. Feed responses also intensify as survival instincts kick in.

Provide extra security through secure tight-fitting lids given their potential constricting strength. Accommodate natural tendencies towards brumation and decreased appetite in winter.

Notable Characteristics

Fully mature red tails develop an aura of grandeur befitting their massive size. From thick muscular coils and posture to the hypnotic gaze of large eyes, these boas command attention.

Impressive head size and facial structure also emerge. Their predatory power becomes evident every time effortlessly taking down sizable prey.

When is it Really Fully Grown?

On average, red tail boas reach sexual maturity around 4-6 years old when weighing 10-15lbs. However, growth may continue slightly longer in females who often keep putting on length and girth up to 8-10 years. Consider a boa truly fully grown when it maintains the same weight over two feeding seasons - a sign metabolism has maxed out.

Suitability as a Pet

With proper housing, a high commitment level and wealth of experience, large boas absolutely make suitable reptile pets for prepared owners.

Their typically gentle temperaments often outweigh intimidation factor. Red tails bond closely and offer fun enrichment long-term.

Just go into ownership understanding full potential size and lifespan to give these amazing snakes the longest, happiest lives possible.