All about Boa Constrictors - Snakes & More

The 411 on Boa Constrictors

2009-10-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Boa constrictors have become highly popular nowadays as pets; however, how much about them do you actually know? Here are the most important facts about boa constrictors that you really need to know:

- The difference between common boa constrictors and red-tailed boa constrictors

Common boa constrictors are medium to large in size and come from Central America, while red-tailed boa constrictors happen to be slightly bigger. Although their markings are similar, the latter has deeper red colorations on its tail. Both of these species are common pets nowadays; however, real red-tailed boa constrictors are more wanted, in general, making them much more expensive in the pet market.

- The size of boa constrictors

Several boa constrictors can grow up to twelve feet long, while other species like rosy boa constrictors can only grow up to twenty inches long in their adult form. The most common species of boa constrictors can grow up to nine feet long in their adult form, with males being around a foot shorter compared to their female counterparts.

- The food that boa constrictors eat

Boa constrictors are strictly carnivorous. They consume selected rodents and mammals, lizards and birds. In captivity, you can exclusively feed them rodents like rats, mice, rats, and rabbits for bigger specimens. The majority of captive snakes get fed defrosted prey.

- The amount of time boa constrictors are fed

Adult boa constrictors need to be fed every two weeks while newborn boa constrictors need weekly feedings. It is a common fact that snakes happen to be prone to obesity when in captivity; therefore, you need to take care not to feed your pet too much.

- The heating for pet boa constrictors

Snakes happen to be ectothermi. This means that their body temperature is controlled through their overall environment. Since the majority of boa constrictors stem from more tropical climates, you have to provide a heating system that will keep them successfully warm within captivity. A thermal gradient, where an enclosure area is warmer at one point and cooler at another, lets the boa constrictor keep the perfect body temperature. This can be achieved with several heat sources that are controlled by thermostats.

- The lighting for pet boa constrictors

Although a lot of reptiles require UV broad spectrum lighting that can simulate natural sunlight, boa constrictors happen to be nocturnal and thus do not need it. Several keepers offer small lights for better viewing purposes of their snakes; however, this would not affect their overall health in any way.

- The soaking of water bowls

Every reptile periodically sheds its skin. When they are getting ready to shed, boa constrictors need more humidity and will look for damp places. Soaking in water is completely normal and shouldn’t be worried about if shedding happens several days later.

A Guideline to Proper Care for Red-Tailed Boa Constrictors

2009-10-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

Boa constrictors are big non-venomous snakes that are native to South and Central America. Out of every subspecies, the most popular one would be the red-tailed boa constrictor, thus called for the deep red and brown colors found on its tail saddles and back.

Adult red-tailed boa constrictors have the ability to grow more than twelve feet long, though they more commonly reach up to ten feet. Like with the majority of snakes, female boa constrictors are bigger and much more muscular compared to their male counterparts.

Since adult boa constrictors can get quite big, you have to provide big enclosures for them. Always remember that boa constrictors are highly powerful snakes that could break their enclosure, if it is not properly made, or can easily escape if the openings aren’t secure. A single adult boa constrictor needs an area of flooring of 72” by 36” by 36”. Since this type of snake is largely terrestrial, the enclosure’s height isn’t too important, though you should provide sturdy branches for the height that you do have. Several specimens may wish to climb such branches, most of all if they are still young.

One huge secret that comes with pet red-tailed boa constrictors lie within their substrates. The most common substrates would be newspapers or paper towels because they are hygienic and easy to replace. Also, you will get to monitor their cage conditions this way. The minute your pet is used to its surroundings and there is no longer a need to make changes, you can purchase commercial substrates that are especially made for pet snake tanks. These substrates are usually made out of fir bark and cypress. There are several elements, which you need to avoid, though, like cedar and pine since they could harbor parasites, and might have existing toxins which could be hazardous to a snake’s health within enclosed spaces. A lot of owners of boa constrictors make use of Astroturf for a more natural look compared to regular paper towels. No matter what the case, though, you need to make use of something safe and easy to clean.

Red-tailed boa constrictors tend to be reclusive, so they would require several places to hide. These are usually offered as upturned bowls, fake plastic caves, or cardboard boxes. Rocks would also be a great idea, if they don’t come with sharp edges and can be securely fastened so as not to get dislodged.

Although special lighting isn’t required, proper temperature gradients need to be provided. Heat sources that are thermostatically controlled, like ceramic heat bulbs, need to be set up in order to provide various ranges of temperature, from warm to cool. Dropping several degrees during the night would also be a smart idea.

How to Properly Care for Boa Constrictors

2009-09-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Boa constrictors happen to be highly rewarding pet snakes. Although they reach substantial sizes in their adult form, they are generally docile and easy to handle, making them a delight to own.

All boa constrictors snakes give birth with the goal to live young. Newborn boa constrictors grow up to twenty inches long, while adult females can grow up to ten feet long. There are some specimens that are even longer then this and males happen to be several feet shorter and a bit less muscular. Although they are quite easy to care for in the pet department, with no major demanding requirements, boa constrictors could possibly be dangerous because of their size alone. Because of this, adult boa constrictors should only get handled if there is somebody else close by, and they must always get the respect that they deserve.

Ideally, boa constrictors should be kept alone within a glass-fronted vivarium. Since younger ones will climb, and like having some height within their enclosure, older ones are more terrestrial. The floor area should be around 5 x 3 foot for averagely-sized adults.

A temperature of around 82 - 90 F has to be kept and can be maintained with heat mats or bulbs controlled with thermostats. Thermal gradients are also required, along with an area for basking and a cool area to let your boa constrictor thermo-regulate. Bulbs, either incandescent or ceramic, always have to be protected with guards to prevent snake burns. Since boa constrictors are nocturnal animals, you will not need any kind of special lighting.

The vivarium’s floor can be covered up with paper towels, bark and wood chippings or newspapers. Although natural substrates like bark looks much nicer, it may be more difficult to keep clean. Because of this, it would be advisable to make use of paper towels instead, when it comes to juveniles. You also need to take the utmost care when it comes to making use of loose substrates, so that your boa constrictor does not ingest them along with its prey.

Water bowls have to be at hand all the time and needs to be changed on a regular basis. Boa constrictors occasionally need a bath, most of all during shedding season, so you would need a big bowl for your pet boa constrictor to coil into, as well.

Juvenile boa constrictors need to be fed on a weekly basis, while larger specimens need less feeding times than that. Newborns can be started on day-old mice. With time, they can work themselves up to eating larger mice, rats, or even rabbits once they are large adults. The majority of captive-bred boa constrictors are easily satisfied with defrosted food. Just be wary and make sure that your prey items are completely defrosted before you offer them to your pet snake.