Ancient Reproductions

The story of the “Maxx Pink” Argentine boa, Boa constrictor occidentalis

• Back in 1993 I started acquiring Argentine boas for future breeding stock that I thought when combined, would exhibit enhanced pink or reddish coloration in their offspring. It was really just an educated guess. I loved boa constrictor, the durability to cold and smaller size of the Argentine boa, but thought that Argentines would have difficulty competing in the future marketplace in their traditional coloration. I was a student of boa constrictor color and pattern, used words like “widows peaks”, pointed out “different” pattern and color variations in certain localities, and was often looked at like I was a foolish 23 year old by my older colleagues. This was the late 80’s and early 90’s mind you. Even though few b.c. morphs existed at that time, I could see a thirst in the marketplace for reptiles that were colorful. The old timers (my pals) of the day scoffed “the only good Argentine boa is a jet black one!” But I wanted to go in a different direction and started selectively breeding Argentines that I thought would eventually produce boas with a brighter background and enhanced “pink” color. After two decades, the selective breeding of many litters, and a little luck, it worked! “Maxx Pink” Argentine boas by Ancient Reproductions were born.

• These Argentine boas are PURE “normals” that have been selectively bred to bring out desired coloration. The trait is likely polygenic in nature involving multiple alleles. All of the founder stock for this project are also PURE normal Argentine boas, from origins as diverse as I could find in the early 90’s. The precise combination of blood lines to achieve these results is proprietary, its our secret sauce.

• These “Maxx Pink” Argentine boas being offered for sale here are going on 26 months old and are 4.5’-5’ long! What? Why would anyone ever voluntarily raise an entire litter of boas for almost two and a half years, spending all of that additional time, food, housing and money, before offering them for sale? Well, since many Argentine boas display pink coloration as babies, but loose it as they mature, rearing this entire litter to this age was done to prove to the marketplace absolutely that we have made real permanent change in the appearance of these boas. It also gave me an opportunity to collect an incredible amount of information to document the development of the project. These boas as babies retained amazing color, as their parents did, and have grown into gorgeous colorful sub adults. The ENTIRE litter is stunning, not just a small percentage of the offspring. What this means is that you can be confident that when you purchase these, what you see is what you will get! These boas are stunning as babies, and through adulthood and will produce amazing colorful boas for you.

Purchase with confidence

• To my knowledge, based on much ongoing communication with many
through out the US, for two decades, these snakes are unique. This is a first ever opportunity to purchase Argentine boas with this coloration, from a proven line, and with a two year head start on your project.

• IMPORTANT- The colony from which these snakes are from has been closed since 1994. Yes really. In addition to that, Argentine boas are the ONLY boa constrictor we work with. The colony has never had mites, and has never suffered any major disease issue. The entire colony is also fed from our on- site rodent colony to further control quality. If you have made a substantial investment in time and dollars into your collection, purchasing boas from this colony is about as safe an investment as buying boas gets.

This is a rare opportunity

• The snakes pictured here, and subsequent ones offered for sale from this litter, represent the best of the best offspring ever offered from this project. To get to this point represents a huge investment in time, dollars, and dedication over 20 years. I believe this line can definitely “improve” further both in color and ways I don’t yet know. With the creativity and knowledge of the community, I think the possibilities are MANY, and that these boas represent a new exciting launch point for Argentine boas in the hobby. The snakes of this breeding may never be available again from us so consider that as you contemplate a purchase. I think this offering represents a tremendous value and I only look forward to see what others do with these wonderful creatures.

Thanks to everyone for all of the support, kind comments, and words of encouragement over the years as this project has developed! The reptile community is a great family.

Warm Regards,
Bob Guerriere
Founder, Ancient Reproductions
352-871-1526
bob-g@atlantic.net