Dumeril's Boa Care Sheet
Snake
6 - 10 feet long
20 - 30 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Dumeril's 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 large to jumbo 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
Dumeril's Boas come from Madagascar. In the wild they are found hiding under logs, rocks, and in holes. Dumeril's 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 Dumeril's Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together.
Enclosure Size
Dumeril's Boas are a ground dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a ground dwelling environment. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 48"
Long x 18" Deep x 21" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Dumeril's boas 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 40% - 60%.
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 Dumeril's Boas eat?
Dumeril's 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 large to jumbo 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.
What size enclosure does a Dumeril's Boa need?
Dumeril's Boas come from Madagascar. In the wild they are found hiding under logs, rocks, and in holes. Dumeril's 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 Dumeril's Boas in separate enclosures until breeding time. At that point, the breeder will house the snakes together. Dumeril's Boas are a ground dwelling snake, and their cage should reflect a ground dwelling environment....
What temperature and lighting does a Dumeril's Boa need?
Dumeril's Boas require a basking spot of 80°- 85°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 65°- 70°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Dumeril's Boa 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. Pl...