Boa Constrictor
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The Boa Constrictor is a large, heavy bodied snakes native to tropical and subtropical forests of central and South America. Adults range in size from 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft.); some boas can exceed 3.6 m (12 ft.), but lengths of over 11 feet are extremely rare; newborn boas measure about 60 cm (24 in.)
Care level: Intermediate
Average lifespan: 30 years
General nature: Curious, Docile, Gentle
Suitable for children? Depends on temperament
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Recommended readings:
Hot spot: 32⁰C
Background temp: 27⁰C-30⁰C
Night-time temp: 21⁰C-27⁰C
Humidity: 40%-50%
UVI: 0.7 – 1.0 (Maximum UVI: 1.1 – 3.0 in basking zone)
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Suitable housing (wooden vivarium)
Clamp lamp with ceramic holder
Basking spot bulb
Heater guard
Dimming Thermostat
Bark Chippings (or similar substrate)
Large water bowl
Appropriate sized hides
Decor of choice
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Boa Constrictors are actually semi-arboreal so will appreciate some height to their enclosure
Min: 6x2x2 ft wooden vivarium
Note: Glass tanks (such as fishtanks) are NOT suitable for Boas
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Royal Pythons are a nocturnal species and require a suitable light and heat gradient in the enclosure to simulate a complete 24-hour period
Overhead heating is our recommendation for snakes, this could be a glass, ceramic heat emitter, halogen or a deep heat projector (heater guard required)
Heat mats are not required for Boas due to risks of burns!
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No additional light source required
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Boas should be offered an appropriate sized frozen thawed rodent.
As babies they should be offered once every 5 days and as an adult once every 14 days.
The rodent should be no bigger than the thickest part of the snakes body, this is a rough guide that we tend to stick to.
When defrosting rodent make sure food item is warm and thoroughly defrosted before offering. Any uneaten rodents CANNOT be refrozen and fed back, this can be fatal for your beloved pet snakes!
