Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001
- 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
Boa Constrictor
Latin
name:
Boa constrictor
Native
to:
Mexico through South America, including the
surrounding islands
Size:
This is a large snake, reaching lengths of 8 to 12
feet and weighing up to 30 to 60 pounds. Females
tend to be larger than males.
Life
span:
If properly cared for these snakes usually live 20
to 30 years.
General
appearance:
Due to the vast variety of subspecies and different
genetic morphs, exact description is difficult. Generally boas exhibit saddle
like patterns running the length of the body to a red tail. Coloration can vary
from grays to browns with younger snakes being lighter in color than adults.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
Hatchlings can be housed in a 20-gallon aquarium,
but they will soon out grow this enclosure. Usually only custom-built cages are
the only suitable enclosures for adult specimens. Cages should at a minimum be
8 feet long by 2 to 3 feet wide by 4 feet tall. When constructing cages it is
important to not use unfinished wood or other porous materials since these are
difficult to clean and can harbor disease.
Temperature:
Daytime temperatures should be 80º to 85º F with a
basking temperature of 95º F. Night time temperatures should be 75º to 80º F.
Heat/Light:
Boas do well with a 12-hour photoperiod. This may
need to be adjusted if you wish to breed. UV light is not necessarily needed.
Ambient cage temperatures and basking spots can be maintained with the use of
under-the-tank heaters, basking bulbs, or ceramic emitters. Be careful to not
use large wattage bulbs greater than 100 watts or hot rocks because these may
cause burns to the boa.
Substrate:
Newspaper, indoor/outdoor carpeting, and shavings
can all be used. Cedar is not to be used because it is toxic to animals. Aspen
shavings can provide and excellent substrate. If using shavings or mulch, it is
not recommended to feed on the substrate since ingestion of the shavings could
cause impaction.
Environment:
Hide boxes and limbs and shelves for climbing should
be provided for climbing and basking. A large water dish suitable for soaking
should also be provided with fresh water daily.
Diet:
Appropriate sized small mammals should be offered.
Young snakes may be offered fuzzy mice, while
large adults may be fed 3 adult rats or a small
rabbit once every 2 to 3 weeks. Younger snakes should be offered food weekly to
encourage proper growth.
Maintenance:
The enclosure should be spot checked for feces
daily. It is recommended to change the substrate and disinfect the enclosure
with a 5% bleach solution on a regular basis. Be sure to rinse the enclosure
thoroughly after cleaning with the bleach solution. Commercial cleansers like
Lysol or Pine-Sol are not recommended because they may leave a residue that is
toxic to the boa. It is always recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after handling
the snake or cleaning the cage and cage accessories.
Other
references or recommended reading:
The
General Care and Maintenance of Red Tailed Boas by Philippe de Vosjoli
The
Boa Constrictor Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli, Roger K. Dum, Jeff Ronne
Reproductive
Husbandry of Pythons and Boas by Richard Ross and Gerald Marzec