redtailed columbian boa

Question
i have a roommate that just simply should not have pets, but however he has a redtailed columbian boa and she hasnt eatten in months. I want to know what I can do even though I'm afraid of them so that she gets a better home and gets the attention that she needs. He say's that her scales are starting to come off. I would like to know what wrong with her other tan knowing that he doesn't need her in his possession. Please tell me whats wrong with the snake. Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Hey Marya

It saddens me when redtails end up in bad situations; they are such beautiful snakes but many do not keep them up as they should. Thank you for caring even though you are afraid.

If her scales are indeed coming off and it is not a shed, then that needs to be addressed by a vet ASAP. Most of the time something like that is caused by a dirty environment and he has gotten a pretty good infection.

Lucky for boas, a juvenile can go a few months without eating AS LONG as nothing else is wrong. If she is sick, then she may not take food anyways. I would contact a reptile rescue and see if they can persuade him to give her up to them for treatment and re-homing.