| Scientific name: Boa Constrictor Imperator | | | | reason, melamine or plastic vivariums with lockable |
| The boa constrictor imperator is commonly known as | | | | glass sliding doors are recommended. |
| the Common Boa, or Columbian Boa. The Boa | | | | Heat: If you want to make your Columbian boa |
| Constrictor Imperator appears in literature with many | | | | thrive in captivity, you need to provide not only |
| different names, among which are: Sonoran boa, Hog | | | | adequate heat, but also a correct temperature |
| Island boa, Central American Boa depending on | | | | gradient. The common boa comes from tropical |
| geographic location, however it should not be | | | | environments, so additional heat is absolutely |
| confused with the popular Boa Constrictor | | | | necessary. During the day an average temperature |
| Constrictor, or Red Tailed Boa, which is a separate | | | | of 80-85F is recommended; at night the temperature |
| sub-species. | | | | should drop to 75-78F. You should also provide a |
| Pattern: The Columbian boa is similar in appearance to | | | | basking area, where temperature is higher (closer to |
| the Red Tailed Boa constrictor. Most of the common | | | | 90F). Providing a basking area is necessary for the |
| boas have a reddish tail (though less vibrant than the | | | | Columbian boa, as it can avoid respiratory and other |
| true Red Tailed Boas), with the rest of the body a | | | | health problem. There are a number of heat sources |
| light brown with darker saddles. | | | | available on the market. Incandescent bulbs, heat |
| Size: The Common Boa, or Columbian boa, while | | | | mat, and heat cable have all been used effectively |
| certainly a large snake, is relatively small for a boa | | | | but ceramic heaters are the most effective. Since |
| constrictor. Its distinctive characteristic is the striking | | | | they produce heat without light they do not affect |
| difference in size between the neck and the head; | | | | the snake's photo period. Ceramic heaters however |
| the body is compressed while the tail is very long. | | | | can get extremely hot so care must be taken to |
| The adult Columbian boa weighs approximately 45 | | | | ensure that a guard is securely fastened to avoid |
| pounds and the female ones - which are by default | | | | burns. |
| bigger and stronger - weigh approximately 50 pounds. | | | | Feeding: The Columbian Boa is a nocturnal snake and |
| While adult red tailed boas may reach 12 feet, most | | | | hunter; in the wild it usually eats small animals and |
| common boas rarely exceed 9 feet in length. | | | | birds. In captivity they can be fed exclusively on |
| Cage: The Columbian boa is known as a docile snake, | | | | defrosted rodents which provide all the nutrients |
| easy to handle, and relatively easy to take care of. | | | | they need. A single prey item should be offered |
| When young, it can be kept in a cage measuring | | | | fortnightly for adults. The size of the prey should not |
| 24x15x15 inches; most boa owners though buy a | | | | be more than the snake's girth in order to prevent |
| large aquarium from the beginning: a 72x24x24 | | | | digestive problems. Juvenile boas should be fed |
| vivarium will house an adult boa so there is no need | | | | weekly. A bowl of clean, fresh water should always |
| to change cages later on. The vivarium needs to be | | | | be provided. |
| easy to clean, well ventilated, and secure. For that | | | | |