Red Tail Boa Constrictor - Care and Husbandry

The boa constrictor is a large non-venomous snakethe commercial substrates, which are specifically
native to Central and South America. Of all themade for snake tanks. These are usually made of
subspecies, the most well known is the red tailed boacypress and fir bark. There are some elements that
constrictor (boa constrictor constrictor). The commonshould be avoided, such as pine and cedar, because
name refers to a deep red/brown coloration on thethey can harbour parasites, and have toxins present
saddles on the tail and anterior portion of the back.which in an enclosed space can be hazardous to your
Size: The red tailed boa constrictor is a large snake,snake's health. Many boa constrictor owners use
with adults able to reach lengths in excess of 12Astroturf as a more natural looking alternative to
feet, although 9 - 10 foot is more common. Femalepaper towels. In any case you should use something
boa constrictors, as with most snakes, tend to bethat is both easy to clean and safe.
larger and more muscular than the males.Habitat: The red tailed boas are reclusive need places
Housing: Since the adult boa is quite large, you needto hide. Hides can be offered in the form of artificial
to provide a large enclosure. Always keep in mindplastic caves, upturned bowls, or even cardboard
that a boa is a very powerful snake and that it canboxes. Using rocks is also a good idea, as long as
either break the enclosure, if it's not properly madethey don't have any sharp edges and are securely
for snakes, or escape it easily if openings are notfastened so they cannot be dislodged and fall onto
secured. A single adult specimen will require a flooryour boa.
area of 72" by 36" by 36". As a largely terrestrialHeat and Light: While no special lighting is required, a
snake, height of the enclosure is not so important,proper temperature gradient must be provided. A
although sturdy branches should be provided to makethermostatically controlled heat source, such as a
use of what height you have, since some specimensceramic bulb heater, should be set up to provide a
will climb, especially when young.temperature range from around 29 - 33 C at the
Substrate: One of the biggest secrets related to redwarm end, to 27 - 29 C at the cooler end. A drop of
tailed snakes is the substrate. The most commona couple of degrees at night is also a good idea.
one is the paper towels or newspaper, since theyFood and Water: Most boas will readily accept
are easily replaceable and hygienic. You will also bedefrosted rodents. A single prey item, no larger than
able to monitor the conditions in the cage this way;the snake's head, should be offered fortnightly for
once your pet is established and you don't need toadults, and weekly for neonates. A large bowl of
make any more changes, then you can buy one offresh water must always be provided.