Diet & Nutrition

Brazilian Rainbow 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 medium to large rats. 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

Brazilian Rainbow Boas come from Brazil. In the wild they are found hiding under logs, rocks, and in holes. Keep the cage warm and humid. Brazilian

Rainbow 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 Brazilian Rainbow Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.

Enclosure Size

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are a ground dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a ground dwelling environment. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 36" Long x 18" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage.

Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.

Substrate

Due to humidity requirements, coconut fiber or 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 at least 70%.

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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