Boa Constrictors
Boa constrictor (constrictor, imperator, occidentalus, amarali, longicauda etc…)
Day Time Temperatures- 84* (F) cool side – 92*(F) hot spot
Night Time Temperatures- 78*(F) cool side- 84*(F) hot spot
Caging: Baby boas can be kept shoebox size cages, or 10 gallon terrariums. Adult Boas can be housed in 4’ x 2’x18”cages, for all but the largest animals. Adult boas over 7’ should be moved up to a 6’ x 2’x 2’ cages. There are a variety of options for substrate. We have used Newspaper (printed, or print free) with great success, other options include; Aspen, Cypress Mulch or Precut corrugated card board. Hide spots are a fundamental asset for boas. We recommend something tight fitting but with an entrance large enough for the animal to enter and exit. Plastic or other easily sanitized materials are wise choices. A good sized water dish available at all times, constructed of dishwasher safe or easily sanitized materials, heavy enough to not be easily tipped over are a good investment. A variety of options exist for heating such as; heating pads, spot lamps (always use a cage guard to prevent injury), heat tape and heat panels. A high quality thermostat is always worth the money to insure that you are providing the proper options for healthy thermoregulation.
Daily Care: Check for defecation or urination and clean accordingly. Check to make sure that the temperatures are within the acceptable parameters. Replace water with fresh water.
Feeding: For the most part, Captive Bred Boas are strong feeders with straight forward care. Most will readily accept frozen thawed prey, off of hemostats, live and freshly expired rodents will be consumed as well. A good rule of thumb is to feed one prey item of comparable girth to the thickest part of the snake’s body every 7-10 days. With freshly born True Red Tails prey items slightly smaller may be advisable. If regurgitation occurs, immediately contact an experienced herpetoculturist or veterinarian for proper advice.
Notes on Boas: Most Boas can make care free captive pets, but some do attain large adult size. Due to this fact, thorough planning for the large caging and the expense of care should be deliberated competently before the decision to acquire a Boa is made.