| Boa constrictors have become one of the most | | | | lightweight and have rounded internal corners making |
| popular of all snake species in recent years for good | | | | them very easy to keep clean. They are available |
| reason. They are truly beautiful snakes, generally | | | | with sliding or hinged doors, and some are pre-wired |
| quite docile and easy to handle, and with relatively | | | | for heating and lighting. |
| modest care requirements. They are however a large | | | | They tend to be more expensive than melamine |
| snake, and as such require a large and sturdy | | | | vivariums, and there isn't always such a wide range |
| enclosure. There are a number of different | | | | of sizes available, but their ease of set-up and use |
| approaches to housing boas, so let's take a look at | | | | make them very popular choices for housing boas. |
| each in turn. | | | | Built in vivarium |
| Melamine vivarium | | | | An alternative to using a shop bought or DIY |
| Melamine is a synthetic sheet material comprised of | | | | standard vivarium is to build one in place. If you have |
| chipboard covered in a waterproof plastic veneer. It | | | | a suitable alcove such as between 2 walls, or under |
| is inexpensive, lightweight and waterproof making it | | | | the stairs, a built in vivarium can look great, and give |
| an ideal material for snake enclosures. Vivariums can | | | | your snake a lot of room. The exact size and shape |
| be purchased ready built, or flat-packed in a huge | | | | will depend on the room available, so you must take |
| assortment of sizes. They can also be ordered in | | | | that into consideration before deciding on a built in |
| custom sizes from many supplier, and are quite | | | | enclosure. Boas are mostly terrestrial so floor area is |
| simple to build for anyone with reasonable DIY skills. | | | | more important than height, although many boas will |
| Typically they are rectangular with sliding glass doors | | | | climb is given the chance, especially when young. |
| at the front. Grilles or air vents must be included as | | | | The advantages of a built in enclosure are of course |
| good ventilation is essential. A 6' by 2' by 2' vivarium | | | | the ability to tailor the look and size specifically to |
| is ideal for an adult boa. | | | | your needs, and built in enclosures can look fantastic. |
| Melamine vivariums are a popular choice, since they | | | | The final choice on how to house your boa will be a |
| are sturdy, inexpensive and easy to clean. Care must | | | | matter of personal choice. Depending on your budget, |
| be taken however with the internal corners which | | | | the space you have available, and possibly your DIY |
| can be difficult to clean and harbour bacteria. | | | | skills you have a number of options. While there are |
| Plastic vivarium | | | | other housing options, the three I've covered here |
| Modern plastic vivariums are now available in an ever | | | | are the most suitable for anyone keeping a single boa |
| increasing range of sizes. They are sturdy and | | | | at home. |