Meet the Paradigm Boa, a remarkable morph known for its striking patterns and beautiful colouration that seems to tell its own story.
What makes this Boa morph special, and why do collectors seek it?
With its unique blend of elegance and charm, this boa invites you to explore its fascinating traits and the care it requires.
Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of the Paradigm Boa?
Paradigm Boa Genetics & History
The Paradigm Boa is celebrated for its unique and captivating patterns, stemming from a fascinating genetic lineage.
This morph was first recognized in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity for its striking visual appeal, characterized by contrasting colours and a distinctive design.
The genetic combination that produces the Paradigm involves a blend of recessive traits, leading to its remarkable appearance and unique colour variations.
As breeders experiment with different pairings, new and exciting variations of the Paradigm continue to emerge, each with its own personality and charm.
The rising interest in this morph reflects its beauty and the joy of discovering the diverse possibilities within the boa constrictor gene pool.
They stand as a testament to the artistry and dedication of reptile breeders worldwide.
Paradigm Boa Traits
1. Appearance
- Body Color:
The Paradigm Boa showcases a stunning blend of colours, typically featuring a light base with dark brown or black patterns that resemble intricate designs. This striking contrast enhances its visual appeal. - Shape:
This boa has a robust and muscular body, typical of boas, allowing it to move gracefully while displaying its beauty. - Eyes:
They have bright, alert eyes that can range from gold to dark brown, giving it an expressive and captivating look. - Belly:
Its belly is usually a creamy white or pale color, providing a beautiful contrast to the patterned upper body. - Head Shape and Tail:
The head is broad and triangular, typical of the boa species, with a tapering tail that aids in movement and balance.
2. Size and Weight
- Adult Paradigm Boas typically reach lengths of 6 to 8 feet and can weigh between 10 to 20 pounds, depending on genetics and diet.
3. Behavior and Temperament
- The Paradigm Boa is known for its calm and docile nature, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced snake owners. They are generally friendly and enjoy handling.
4. Lifespan
- With proper care, they can live up to 20 to 30 years, making them a long-term companion.
Paradigm Boa’s Cost
- Hatchlings: Approximately $300 to $600.
- Adults: Around $800 to $1,500, depending on color variations and lineage.
- Julien (High-Quality Breeding Variants): Prices can exceed $2,000.
- Where to Buy: Reputable breeders like MorphMarket and specialized reptile shops are the best places to purchase a Paradigm Boa.
Paradigm Boa Breeding & Reproduction
- Breeding Season:
The breeding season for Paradigm Boas typically occurs between November and March. This is when they are most receptive to mating, and males often display courtship behavior. - Courtship Behavior:
Males will perform a fascinating ritual to attract females, including tail displays and gentle rubbing against the female’s body. This helps stimulate her to mate. - Gestation:
After successful mating, the female Paradigm Boa will undergo a gestation period of about 4 to 6 months before giving birth to live young. - Litter Size:
A typical litter can range from 10 to 30 hatchlings, depending on the female’s size and health. The more robust the female, the larger the litter she can produce. - Hatchling Care:
Once the babies are born, they are independent and should be placed in separate enclosures for better monitoring and care. Providing a warm and safe environment is crucial for their growth. - Breeding Considerations:
Breeders should ensure that both parents are healthy and well-nourished. - Genetics play a significant role, so selecting the best traits for breeding is essential to enhance the quality of the offspring.
Paradigm Boa Care Sheet
Enclosure & Habitat
- Tank Size: Adult Paradigm Boas thrive in a spacious enclosure of at least 4x2x2 feet. Hatchlings can start in a 20-gallon tank, but they will require a larger space as they grow.
- Substrate: Use safe, absorbent materials like cypress mulch or reptile bark, which help retain humidity and provide comfort. Avoid sand or sharp substrates that may cause injury.
- Temperature: Maintain a basking spot at 88-90°F, with a cooler side around 75-80°F. A thermostat is recommended to regulate these temperatures accurately.
- Humidity: Keep humidity levels between 60-70% to keep your boa hydrated and support healthy shedding. You can achieve this by misting the enclosure or providing a humidity hide.
- Lighting: While natural light is beneficial, adding low-intensity UVB lighting can help mimic their natural habitat, though it’s not strictly necessary.
- Hides & Decor: Provide several hides and climbing branches to create a comfortable environment where the boa can feel secure and explore.
Diet & Feeding
- Prey Size & Type: Offer appropriately sized frozen/thawed mice or rats based on the boa’s size. Hatchlings should eat small mice, while adults can eat larger rats.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed hatchlings every 5-7 days, while adults should be fed weekly. Adjust based on individual feeding habits and growth rates.
- Water: Always have fresh, clean water available in a sturdy, shallow dish that the boa can soak in if desired.
Handling
- Handling Frequency: Handle your Paradigm Boa a few times a week, allowing it to acclimate to your presence. Avoid handling right after feeding to prevent stress.
- Proper Techniques: When handling, support the entire length of the snake’s body to make it feel secure. Avoid sudden movements to reduce stress.
Shedding
- Signs of Shedding: Look for dull skin and cloudy eyes, which indicate the boa is about to shed.
- Shedding Assistance: Maintain humidity and provide rough surfaces like branches or rocks to help facilitate shedding.
Health & Common Issues
- Signs of Illness: Be aware of signs like wheezing (respiratory infections), lethargy, or visible mites. Mouth rot may present as swelling or discolouration around the mouth.
- Preventative Care: Regularly clean the enclosure and maintain proper humidity and temperature to prevent health issues.
Cleaning & Maintenance
- Cleaning Frequency: Perform spot cleaning daily to remove waste, and conduct a deep cleaning of the enclosure once a month.
- Safe Cleaning Products: Use reptile-safe cleaners to disinfect the enclosure and accessories without harming the boa.
Conclusion
The Paradigm Boa morph is a stunning morph that captivates with its unique patterns and colors.
With proper care and attention, this boa not only makes a beautiful pet but also offers exciting breeding opportunities for enthusiasts looking to explore its genetic potential.
