Did you know that the IMG Boa, short for “Increased Melanin Gene Boa,” is a snake that gets darker as it ages? This unique trait makes it one of the most fascinating snakes to own!
The IMG Boa snake is special because it starts with lighter colours and gradually turns black over time. This rare boa constrictor morph is popular among exotic pet lovers for its striking appearance and rarity.
Before considering an IMG Boa as a pet, it’s important to understand its care needs, like the right enclosure, temperature, and feeding schedule, to ensure your boa stays healthy.
History & Origins of the IMG Boa
The IMG Boa’s unique ability to darken comes from the Increased Melanin Gene (IMG). This mutation was discovered in Boa Constrictors and quickly became a hit in the reptile world.
Since its discovery, the IMG Boa has grown in popularity among reptile enthusiasts. Its changing colour and rarity make it a must-have for serious snake collectors.
IMG Boa’s Physical Characteristics
Colouration: One of the most exciting things about the IMG Boa is how its colour changes over time. It starts lighter, with greys or browns, and slowly turns deep black as it matures.
Size and Length: Adult IMG Boas typically reach around 6-8 feet in length and weigh up to 30 pounds.
Scale Patterns and Texture: As the boa matures, its scales develop a sleek and glossy appearance, adding to its striking beauty.
Eyes and Facial Features: The IMG Boa has dark, intense eyes matching its darkening body. Its head structure is typical of boa constrictors, broad and strong.
Comparison with Other Boa Morphs: Unlike many other morphs, the IMG Boa’s colour changes throughout life, making it a truly unique boa in the pet world.
Temperament and Behavior
They are generally calm and easy to handle, making them a good choice for those who are comfortable with large snakes.
With regular handling, they become quite docile. They respond well to gentle handling and can be great companions for experienced snake keepers.
These boas are usually more active at night (nocturnal) and enjoy exploring their enclosure, especially after feeding.
Housing Requirements
For a juvenile, a 40-gallon enclosure works well, but adults will need a larger enclosure, around 6 feet long.
Substrate Options: The best options are cypress mulch or coconut husk, which help maintain humidity and are easy to clean.
Heating and Temperature: Maintain a warm side of 85-90°F and a cooler side around 75-80°F. Use heat mats or ceramic heaters to achieve this.
Humidity and Lighting: Keep the humidity between 60-75%. You don’t need extra lighting unless you want to enhance the enclosure’s appearance.
Hides and Climbing Options: Add hiding spots and branches to create an enriching environment where the snake can feel secure.
Feeding the IMG Boa
Feed your IMG Boa frozen-thawed rodents, like mice for juveniles and rats for adults. Feed baby IMG boas every 5-7 days and adults every 10-14 days.
If your boa refuses to eat or regurgitates, check for stress or temperature issues and try feeding again after a few days.
Health and Common Issues
Watch for common boa health problems like respiratory infections or parasites.
Signs of a Healthy Snake: Healthy IMG Boas have clear eyes, smooth sheds, and are alert and active.
Preventative Care: Regularly clean the enclosure, provide fresh water, and maintain the right temperatures to keep your snake in good health.
Vet Care: Take your boa to a reptile vet for regular checkups, especially if you notice any health issues.
Handling and Interaction
Hold your boa calmly and pick it up gently, supporting its body. Handle your boa a few times a week to keep it familiar with human interaction without stressing it out.
Gradually increase handling time to build trust with your snake. Patience is key.
Breeding and Reproduction
IMG Boas are live-bearing snakes.To breed successfully, you’ll need to create a cool-down period and provide proper setup and temperature control.
Gestation and Birth: Gestation usually lasts around 100-120 days. Expect live baby boas when your female is ready to give birth.
Caring for the Hatchlings: Young IMG Boas need small prey like pinkie mice, and their enclosure should be small enough to make them feel safe.
Popular IMG Boa Morph Combinations
1. IMG Motley Boa: This morph combines the IMG gene, which makes the snake darker, with the Motley gene, which reduces patterns. The result is a snake that becomes almost completely black with smooth, sleek markings.
2. IMG Hypo Boa: The Hypo gene lightens the snake’s colour, but when it’s mixed with the IMG gene, the snake still turns dark as it grows. You get a boa that’s a mix of dark black and lighter reds or browns, creating a beautiful blend of colours.
3. IMG Jungle Boa: The Jungle gene adds bold and unique patterns. When combined with IMG, the boa gets darker, but the bright, bold patterns still stand out, making the snake look very striking.
4. IMG Leopard Boa: The Leopard gene creates spots on the snake’s body. When mixed with the IMG gene, the dark spots get even darker as the snake matures, giving it a stunning look with deep black spots against a dark background.
5. IMG VPI T+ Albino Boa: The VPI T+ Albino gene makes the snake’s colours bright, like pink and orange. When crossed with IMG, the snake darkens as it ages but keeps some of those bright colors, creating a unique mix of dark and light.
6. IMG Snow Boa: Snow Boas are usually very light with shades of white or pale colors. When you add the IMG gene, the snake starts to darken as it grows, creating a cool combination of light and dark tones.
7. IMG Ghost Boa: The Ghost gene produces snakes with grey or silver tones. When combined with IMG, the boa becomes mostly dark, but with silvery highlights that give it a spooky, ghost-like appearance.
8. IMG Arabesque Boa: The Arabesque gene creates swirling, fancy patterns. When mixed with IMG, the snake gets darker, but the swirly patterns stay clear, making it a very eye-catching snake as it grows.
Buying & Cost of an IMG Boa
An IMG Boa can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on its age, color development, and the breeder’s reputation. Fully black adults tend to be priced higher.
Always purchase from a trusted breeder to ensure a healthy snake. MorphMarket is a reliable site where you can find reputable breeders offering IMG Boas for sale.
Ensure the breeder uses a certified reptile shipper for safe transport, and always check your local laws to confirm that owning an IMG Boa is legal in your area.
FAQs About the IMG Boa
How long does it take for an IMG Boa to turn black?
It usually takes a few years for an IMG Boa to reach its full black colour. When they are young, they may start with lighter or speckled colours, but as they grow older, they gradually get darker.
By the time they are fully mature, many IMG Boas become almost completely black, but the timing can vary from snake to snake.
Are IMG Boas suitable for beginner snake keepers?
Not really. IMG Boas are better for people who have experience with snakes. This is because they grow pretty large, need special care with their habitat, and can be a bit challenging to handle compared to smaller, easier-to-care-for snakes.
If you’re new to keeping snakes, it’s better to start with a species that is a bit simpler to care for before moving on to an IMG Boa.
What size enclosure does an adult IMG Boa need?
An adult IMG Boa can grow quite large, so they need a big enclosure—at least 6 feet long. This gives them plenty of space to move around and feel comfortable.
It’s important to make sure the enclosure is big enough so the snake can live happily and stay healthy.
How often should an IMG Boa be fed?
Juvenile (young) IMG Boas need to be fed more frequently, about every 5-7 days. As they grow into adults, they don’t need to eat as often, so feeding them every 10-14 days is usually enough.
It’s important to make sure you’re giving them the right-sized food, typically frozen-thawed rodents like mice or rats, to keep them healthy.
Conclusion
The IMG Boa Constrictor is a stunning, unique snake with its darkening colors and exotic appeal. However, it requires proper care, including the right enclosure, diet, and handling.
If you’re thinking about getting an IMG Boa, be sure to do your research and ensure you’re ready for the responsibility of owning such a rare pet.
For more exotic snake care tips or questions about the IMG Boa, feel free to check out our other guides or contact us for advice!
