Amazon Tree Boa Care Sheet
Snake
5 - 6 feet long
20+ years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Amazon Tree Boas are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat adult mice.
When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
Feeding Schedule
Feed babies 1 - 2 times a week. At 2-3 months of age you can reduce to once weekly. Adults can eat weekly, although some keepers feed every other week.
The prey size should equal the largest part of the snake's body in girth.
Housing & Habitat
Amazon Tree Boas come from South America. They can be found from
Northern South America to the Amazon Basin. In the wild they are found primarily perched in trees but occasionally coiled on the ground. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of branches for climbing. Amazon Tree Boas are best kept alone, although some people keep them in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Amazon
Tree Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.
Enclosure Size
Amazon Tree Boas are a tree dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a tree dwelling environment. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 36"
Long x 18" Deep x 16" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Due to humidity requirements, coconut fiber and peat moss are perfect substrates. These substrates hold humidity and are easy to clean. Since this species does not generally burrow, a thinner substrate of 2 - 4 inches is acceptable.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
Lighting
Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires
UVB light, although some keepers prefer to provide UVB.
Plant and Fish bulbs are not UVB bulbs.
Humidity & Watering
Humidity
Humidity levels should be between 60% - 80%.
Watering
Provide fresh drinking water daily. This species will sometimes soak their body in water. Provide a bowl of water large enough so that the snake can fully submerge its body.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do Amazon Tree Boas eat?
Amazon Tree Boas are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with new born pinky mice. An adult will eat adult mice. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
What size enclosure does a Amazon Tree Boa need?
Amazon Tree Boas come from South America. They can be found from Northern South America to the Amazon Basin. In the wild they are found primarily perched in trees but occasionally coiled on the ground. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of branches for climbing. Amazon Tree Boas are best kept alone, although some people keep them in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Amazon Tree Boas in separate enclosures until br...
What temperature and lighting does a Amazon Tree Boa need?
Amazon Tree Boas require a basking spot of 85°- 90°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 65°- 70°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If an Amazon Tree Boa becomes to cool for an extended period of time, they will quickly develop respiratory infections. Since this is a nocturnal species, it requires only one light bulb. This is the heat lamp which also emits UVA. There is no current proof that the animal requires UVB light, although some keepers prefer to pr...