| One of the more popular exotic pets on the market | | | | Once the snake is larger a secure cage with a |
| over the years has been the boa constrictor. Some | | | | minimum floor space of ten square feet will be |
| individuals are not aficionados of reptiles, but those | | | | required. Line the bottom of the cage with paper |
| that are enjoy boa constrictors for their grace, | | | | towels, or a durable indoor/outdoor carpeting. Reptile |
| beauty, and strength. Snakes are relatively easy to | | | | bark may be used as well, but this is a more |
| care for, but special handling and maintenance is | | | | expensive way to go. Whichever method you use |
| necessary for your safety as well as theirs. | | | | keep the bottom clean to retain the overall health of |
| Boa constrictor is a catchall term for several species | | | | the snake. |
| of the reptile snake, some of which are endangered | | | | The temperature of the cage provided to the boa |
| and protected. The two most common sub-species | | | | constrictor is critical, so use very accurate |
| you will find readily available in the pet store are the | | | | thermometers to keep them within the ranges of |
| red-tailed boa and the common boa constrictor. The | | | | eighty-two to ninety by day and seventy-eight |
| lifespan of the average boa is twenty-five to thirty | | | | degrees to eighty-five degrees by night. A slightly |
| years, so if considering the animal as a pet you need | | | | warmer "basking spot" of ninety to ninety-five |
| to remember that it is a very long commitment. The | | | | degrees should also be available for the snake. Never |
| average size for a full grown red-tailed boa | | | | allow the snake direct exposure to any heating |
| constrictor is eight to ten feet long with a weight up | | | | element including heat rocks, constrictors are very |
| to fifty pounds. Though generally docile in | | | | susceptible to burns from such sources. |
| temperament, you should respect their strength at all | | | | To feed one provide a separate enclosure other than |
| times. | | | | the regular housing for this purpose. This creates an |
| When selecting these pets you should generally opt | | | | association with feeding somewhere other than the |
| for a captive bred animal. The snake breeds fairly | | | | usual cage reducing the chance of an accidental bite |
| readily in captivity and these animals are usually more | | | | when usually handling the animal. The smaller the |
| healthy and docile than wild animals. All constrictors | | | | snake the more often feedings need to occur. Usually |
| are either in the threatened or endangered category | | | | every five to seven days for young snakes, ten to |
| in the wild thus giving all the more reason to purchase | | | | fourteen days for slightly older snakes, and adults |
| a bred animal. When selecting a snake look for these | | | | needing fed every three to four weeks. Generally |
| signs of a generally healthy animal. | | | | mice, rats, and rabbits are the best food and you |
| * alert | | | | should ensure the meal is no larger than the widest |
| * strong body | | | | part of the snake. Once feeding has occurred do not |
| * no loose skin | | | | handle the snake for twenty-four hours to ensure |
| * tongue flicking | | | | proper digestion. |
| * clear skin | | | | A sturdy water dish is also required within the cage, |
| * no external parasites | | | | as the boa will tend to bath during shedding to help |
| * healthy scales | | | | with the skin removal. This will also add extra |
| * no wounds | | | | moisture to the air in the cage for the conditions |
| * reaction to handling by coiling and then relaxing | | | | snakes prefer. Another essential accessory is a place |
| after a bit | | | | to hide, as well as a sturdy branch for crawling. |
| To house one, glass aquariums with a locking screen | | | | These are two things which the animal needs to feel |
| top will suffice for small to medium sized animals. | | | | more comfortable and at home in their enclosure. |