| Boa constrictors are becoming more and more | | | | care should be taken not to overfeed. |
| popular as pets, but how much do you really know | | | | Do pet boas need heating? |
| about them? Here are the top boa facts I get asked | | | | All snakes are ectothermic, which means they control |
| about again and again... | | | | their body temperature by using their environment. |
| What is the difference between a common boa and | | | | Since most boas come from tropical climates, you will |
| a red tailed boa? | | | | need to provide heating to keep them successfully in |
| Common boas (boa constrictor imperator) are a | | | | captivity. A 'thermal gradient' where one area of the |
| medium to large snake from Central America. Red | | | | enclosure is warmer, while another is cooler, allows |
| Tailed Boas (boa constrictor imperator) are a slightly | | | | the boa to maintain an optimal body temperature. |
| larger snake, with similar markings but a brighter, | | | | This is achieved with the use of one or more heat |
| deeper red coloration on the tail. Both species are | | | | sources controlled by a thermostat. |
| commonly kept as pets, but the true red tails are | | | | Do pet boas need special lighting? |
| generally considered more desirable and thus are | | | | While many reptiles need broad spectrum ultra violet |
| more expensive. | | | | lighting to simulate sunlight, boas are mostly nocturnal |
| How big do boas grow? | | | | and do not require it. Some keepers provide a small |
| Some boas can reach over 12 feet in length, while | | | | light for the purpose of better viewing their snakes, |
| species such as the rosy boa only reach 24 inches as | | | | but this does not affect their health. |
| adults. The most commonly kept boa constrictor | | | | Why does my boa soak in his water bowl? |
| species tend to reach 8 - 9 feet in length as adults, | | | | All reptiles shed their skin periodically. When about to |
| with the males being a foot or so shorter than the | | | | shed, snakes need a higher humidity and will deep out |
| females. | | | | damp places, or even water. Soaking like this is |
| What should I feed my boa? | | | | perfectly normal and nothing to worry about if your |
| Boas are pure carnivores. They eat a selection of | | | | boa sheds a few days afterwards. Other possible |
| rodents and other mammals, birds and lizards. In | | | | reasons for soaking however are overheating and a |
| captivity they can be fed exclusively on rodents such | | | | mite infestation. Be sure to check your thermostats |
| as mice, rats, and even rabbits for very large | | | | to ensure that the temperature is correct. Then |
| specimens. Most captive snakes are fed on frozen | | | | check for mites which are small spots which may |
| and defrosted prey. | | | | appear to move, and will be more prominent around |
| How often should I feed my boa? | | | | the head. Mites can be treated quite easily but it is |
| An adult boa should be fed every 12 - 14 days while | | | | advisable to consult a vet before commencing |
| new born snakes need feeding weekly. It is a fact | | | | treatment. |
| that snakes are very prone to obesity in captivity so | | | | |