![]() There have also been documented cases of boa constrictors which have reached 40. With correct care, boas can live for 30 years. Females are generally significantly larger than males, with giants topping out at 10-12’ (3.0-3.7m) long. The most growth occurs during their first 6 years of life, but a boa constrictor can keep growing through age 15. Because they don’t have hands or arms to help them eat, they use their muscular bodies to squeeze captured prey until it passes out (which is a humane process that occurs within seconds ).ĭepending on the subspecies, boas grow between 5-8’ (1.5-2.4m) long on average. Their nightly activity consists mostly of hunting for prey such as birds and small mammals. All subspecies will be described in further detail in section 2 of this guide: Members of the Boa Genus.īoas are nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night. ![]() The most common subspecies (marked by an asterisk) are known for placid temperaments and tame down easily. Although they are often referred to as “boa constrictors”, although this is a bit of a misnomer that references just one of the 3 species: Like many snakes, this species is surrounded by myths. It’s not advised to place your boa around your neck unless you are very comfortable reading your snake’s body language.Boa constrictors are a medium to large, semi-arboreal genus of snakes native to Central and South America. ![]() Two hands should be used to support the body when lifting to avoid any damage to the spine or ribs. Large, adult boas should be handled with care. It’s respecting these little warnings that will help you avoid getting a heftier warning in the form of a bite.īoas can be head strong, so my preferred method of handling is supporting their movement, whilst gently directing, rather than manhandling too much. They’re fairly slow moving, inquisitive snakes and will let you know with a spot of heavy breathing if they’re annoyed. Young boas can be a little nippy but this doesn’t usually last long. Larger boas can also have small rabbits introduced, however they don’t need to be fed often at this size, every 3-4 weeks is sufficient. Variety is the spice of life though, so adding in the odd small guinea pig, or gerbil while they’re younger, is a good idea. Whilst boas do get rather large, most males stay a little smaller and will happily eat rats their entire lives. In fact, if your boa refuses food, it can often be a sign of illness- so keep an eye out if they’re turning their nose up. Bear in mind, this must be a zone of no more than 75% of the enclosure.īoa Constrictors are often (and aptly) nicknamed the rubbish bin of the reptile room. You know your snake best, so it’s up to you if you’d like to introduce a UV zone. You can introduce UVB at 6% if you choose, and the majority of boas will really appreciate it (avoid providing UV for albino animals unless it’s sufficiently diffused). Your basking temperatures will sit between 32-34☌.īoa Constrictors require a day/night cycle, so some form of lighting is required. You will be aiming for a temperature gradient of almost 10 degrees Celsius, with a cooler end of 24☌ moving through to 29☌ towards the warmer end of the enclosure. I prefer to use ceramic heat emitters, which are always suitably guarded to prevent burns. Replicating the way the sun heats the earth, and providing heat retaining items below, will keep your boa very happy and comfortable. Second to that, snakes like to burrow to cool down- if they encounter heat upon burrowing, it’s rather unnatural. Your snake can lie on the mat, causing a thermal block, and become badly burnt. As these snakes are heavy bodied, the use of heat mats is not advised. A pond filter cover did the job for a hide for Zeke, and some well placed decor on his cooler end provide a good coverage for him to hide away.īoa Constrictors should be provided with a good heat gradient, with heat coming from above. Hides are a must- and these can be natural or otherwise, it’s a place for your snake to feel secure and a place they should be left alone. For now he has a “fallen tree” and some other pieces of natural woods in the enclosure. We’ve covered enclosure length, now what about height? I’d love to give Zeke more height as he really enjoys climbing- although the structure of the enclosure may suffer so I’ll have to see what added support can be included. Probably not! Give enclosure size requirements some serious thought before falling for a cute baby boa! One deciding factor as to whether I’ll ever have another Boa Constrictor in my life is if I’ll have space for another 12ft enclosure. My big boy, Zeke, is a almost 8ft long currently and in a 8x2x2ft enclosure. They’re large snakes with heavy bodies that need room to stretch to their full length. Something I consider to be a non-debatable fact, is that Boa Constrictors need large enclosures.
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