Boa Constrictor Care Sheet
Snake
8 - 10 feet long
20 - 30 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Boa Constrictors are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items.
Babies will start with weaned mice. An adult will eat large rats to small rabbits.
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
Boa Constrictors come from South America into Central America. In the wild they are found in heavily forested tropical areas. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of places for hiding. Boa Constrictors may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.
Enclosure Size
An adult must have a minimum cage size of 48" Long x 18" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10 - 20-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Boa Constrictors love to burrow.
Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning.
Provide 3-6 inches of substrate.
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% - 70%.
Watering
Provide fresh drinking water daily. Boas like to 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 Boa Constrictors eat?
Boa Constrictors are strict carnivores. They can eat either frozen or live prey items. Babies will start with weaned mice. An adult will eat large rats to small rabbits. 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 Boa Constrictor need?
Boa Constrictors come from South America into Central America. In the wild they are found in heavily forested tropical areas. Keep the cage warm and humid and provide plenty of places for hiding. Boa Constrictors may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 48" Long ...
What temperature and lighting does a Boa Constrictor need?
Boa Constrictors require a basking spot of 90°- 95°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 75°- 80°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Boa Constrictor becomes to cool for an extended period, 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 provide UVB...