| The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is without doubt one of | | | | installed for viewing so long as care is taken so that |
| the most uniquely beautiful of all snakes. The | | | | it doesn't affect the temperatures. |
| common name of "Rainbow Boa" comes from the | | | | The humidity of the enclosure is especially important |
| iridescent sheen and coloration from the dorsal and | | | | for these boas. Coming from a natural habitat of |
| lateral scales when viewed in sunlight. This is caused | | | | rainforest, a relative humidity of 75 - 80% is essential. |
| by tiny scale ridges which refract the light. | | | | If humidity drops below 50% severe health problems |
| They are a nocturnal and mostly terrestrial species | | | | and even death can result. Humidity can be |
| from the rainforests of Brazil. They are usually found | | | | maintained by daily misting. Additionally a damp hide |
| near rivers and swamps, and require a similarly humid | | | | and deep water bowl, large enough for the boa to |
| environment to thrive in captivity. They have a | | | | soak in, should be provided at all times. |
| reputation for being difficult to care for, although this | | | | A substrate of newspaper, or paper towels, will |
| is often exaggerated. They are sometimes difficult to | | | | make it simple to clean the enclosure. If you struggle |
| handle and prone to biting, especially when young, | | | | to maintain a high humidity try replacing the substrate |
| but many specimens do calm down with regular | | | | with sphagnum moss which will retain moisture. |
| handling and, if their specific environmental needs are | | | | While Brazilian Boas are mostly terrestrial they can |
| met, they can be maintained well. | | | | and do climb. Providing sturdy branches, properly |
| Being relatively small and slender compared to many | | | | secured to prevent them from being dislodged, will |
| boas, the Brazilian Boa can reach lengths of 7 feet, | | | | enable your boa to make best use of the enclosure's |
| but 5 - 6 feet is more common and they typically | | | | height. Multiple hides should also be available since |
| weigh less than 10 pounds. The males tend to be a | | | | these boas are quite seclusive. |
| little shorter and less muscular than the females. | | | | Most keepers find that their Brazilian Rainbow Boas |
| Females give birth to live young which are entirely | | | | will take frozen and defrosted rodents readily. They |
| self sufficient from birth. | | | | are prone to obesity so care should be taken not to |
| In captivity Brazilian Boas are best kept individually in | | | | over feed. A single rodent of a suitable size, no larger |
| vivariums measuring 48" x 24" x 24". They require a | | | | than the girth of the snake, should be offered |
| good thermal gradient in order to regulate their body | | | | fortnightly for adults, and weekly for juveniles. |
| temperature. Heat should be provided by a properly | | | | So long as this care regime is strictly adhered to |
| guarded and thermostatically controlled heat source | | | | most owners will have no problems with husbandry |
| such as a ceramic bulb. The thermostat should be set | | | | of this species. A magical snake, the Brazilian Boa is a |
| to produce an ambient daytime temperature in the | | | | pleasure to keep and a magnificent addition to any |
| high 80s F, dropping to the mid 70s at night. No UV | | | | collection. |
| lighting is required, but a low intensity light can be | | | | |