How to care for Boa Constrictor

Common Name: Boa Constrictor
Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)

Latin name: Boa Constrictor

Native to: Mexico through South America, including the surrounding islands.

Size: Boa constrictors are 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 boa constrictors 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: Hatchling boa constrictors 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 80° to 85° F with a basking temperature of 95° F. Night time temperatures should be 75° to 80° F.

Heat/Light: Boa constrictors do well with a 12-hour photo period. 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 boa constrictors 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.