Scroll down for a video of a red tail boa shedding
(Care sheets are a quick overview of your snakes needs, for more comprehensive information consult the relevant book from our book store)
Description: Boa constrictors (subspecies include Boa c. constrictor, B. c. imperator, B. c. occidentalis, etc.) are large, live-bearing snakes found in Central and South America. They usually have a bright brown to red tail.Hatchling boas generally measure 14 to 22 inches in length. Adult size is variable depending on the subspecies: Hog Island boas (B. c. imperator ssp.) average about 3 or 4 feet in length, while red-tails can grow to approximately 13 feet.
Enclosure:Due to their large size these snakes should be provided with large enclosures. A young boa can be housed in a 20-gallon tank, but it will outgrow such an enclosure rapidly.An adult boa should have a cage measuring at least 4 feet long by 2 feet wide by 2 feet tall.
Accessories:The enclosure should be furnished with a large water bowl, an appropriate-sized hidebox and a large, sturdy branch. Shelves placed in the enclosure will increase the amount of surface area available for exercise and activity.
Substrates:Substrates include aspen shavings (Never cedar), newspaper, outdoor carpeting and others.
Temperature:Temperatures in the boa’s enclosure should run 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, with nighttime temperatures about 78. The basking area should be 95 degrees. It is vitally important to know the temperatures of your enclosures.
Cleaning:The cage should be cleaned regularly, at least once a month and fresh water should always be available (Change it at least every 2 days).
Feeding: Boas will consume mice, rats and rabbits. Fresh killed or frozen/thawed items are best. The size of the snake is your guide on what to feed: The prey item’s girth should not be larger than the snake’s girth at its mid-section. Feed an appropriate-sized food item every seven to 10 days for adult boas. Young boas should be fed mice every week. Do not leave live prey items with your snake as they can cause serious injury to your snake.
