Rosy Boa Care Sheet
Snake
2 - 4 feet long
15 - 20 years
Carnivore
Diet & Nutrition
Rosy 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 to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When
Feeding Schedule
feeding live prey, be sure to monitor the feeding to prevent the prey from attacking the snake.
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
Rosy Boas come from the Southwestern United States into Northern
Mexico. In the wild they are found primarily underground. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. Rosy Boas may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury.
Breeders generally keep Rosy 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 30" Long x 12" Deep x 12" High, although many keepers prefer a larger cage. Babies can start in 10-gallon tanks.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is a perfect substrate. Rosy Boas love to burrow.
Shredded aspen provides a fluffy substrate easy for burrowing and cleaning. A sand / coconut fiber mix can also be used. 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 30% - 50%.
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 Rosy Boas eat?
Rosy 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 to weaned rats. When feeding frozen prey, be sure the prey is thawed thoroughly. When
What size enclosure does a Rosy Boa need?
Rosy Boas come from the Southwestern United States into Northern Mexico. In the wild they are found primarily underground. Keep the cage warm and dry and provide plenty of places for hiding. Rosy Boas may be kept alone or in groups. If housed together snakes should be of similar size to avoid injury. Breeders generally keep Rosy 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 30" Long x 12" D...
What temperature and lighting does a Rosy Boa need?
Rosy Boas require a basking spot of 90°- 95°F. The cool end of the tank can be as cool as 70°- 75°F. Proper temperature is extremely important with this species. If a Rosy 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. Plant and Fi...