Types of Boa Constrictors
Boa Constrictors can be found in South and Central America with a range that begins in Mexico and ends in Argentina. Dwarf Boa Constrictors can be found on islands off the coast of South America. Boas from the Northern parts of South America are smaller than those that occur in the Amazon Basin. Several subspecies of Boa Constrictors are regonised by herpetologists. Most Boas Constrictors in captivity are a mixture of Common Boas ( Boa Constrictor Imperetor) and the Red Tailed Boa ( Boa constrictor constrictor). Many colour and pattern morphs of Boa constrictor are available including albinos, Anery, Salmon, Snow, Motley and Jungle. These morphs are selectively bred by serious Boa Constrictor breeders and are more expensive than normal coloured Boa Constrictors.
Moderately Big Snakes
The Island Boa Constrictors can attain adult size at under 2 meters long. Mainland Boas can get to 3 meters in length. An average adult Boa Constrictor will reach an adult size of 2.5-2.8 meters. Big females can weigh up to 30kg. Females are bigger than males. These snakes will take 4-5 years to reach their maximum size.
Cage
I keep my Juvenile Boa constrictors in large Exo-Terra Plastic terrariums. Adults can be kept in wooden cages with glass sliding doors. Make sure to use melamine coated chip board as untreated chipboard will rot in the humid conditions that these snakes require. An average sized Adult Boa Constrictor can live in a cage measuring 1.2m x 60cm x 60cm. Really big Boa Constrictors would need a cage measuring 1.5m x 60cm x 60cm.
Substrate
I use coco husk as a substrate for my Boa Constrictors. Coco husk does not get moldy when wet and retains moisture without getting water logged. Baby Boa Constrictors love burrowing under this substrate.
Humidity
Boa Constrictors require a humidity level of 60-70%. Use a dial hygrometer to monitor your Boa’s cage humidity. Boas love soaking in their water bowls. A large water bowl will provide most of your Boa constrictors water and humidity requirements. Increase your Boa Constrictors cage humidity by lightly misting the cage with water.
Heating
Boa Constrictors need a hot spot of 30 degrees and a background temperature of 25 degrees. Heat your Boa Constrictor’s cage using a heat pad. I use both a heat pad and night time heat lamp to keep my large female Boa Constrictor’s cage. Don’t skimp on cage heaters as Boa Constrictors can get respiratory infections if kept too cool. Use a dial thermometer to monitor cage temperatures.
Feeding
Boa Constrictors will eat pre-killed rats their entire lives. Baby Boa Constrictors will eat pre killed rat pups. Young adult Boa Constrictors will eat small – medium sized pre killed rats. Large Boa Constrictors need to be fed extra large pre killed rats. Baby Boa Constrictors can be fed weekly. Young adult Boa constrictors can be fed every 7-10 days. Large adult Boa Constrictors can be fed every 2 weeks.
Handling
Adult Boa Constrictors grow to a moderately large and can be handled safely by a single responsible adult person. Always treat your Boa constrictor with respect especially during feeding time. Handle your pet Boa constrictor a few times a week to keep him/her used to being handled.
Timothy Zedi
Tim Zedi is a seasoned reptile enthusiast with over 25 years of experience in keeping and breeding a wide variety of reptiles. Tim was the former chairman of the West Rand Herpetological Association and volunteered at the Transvaal Snake Park.Tim has been instrumental in creating knowledge in the reptile community. He is a regular contributor to Practical Reptile Keeping magazine, where he shares his expertise and insights. Through his work, Tim has become a respected figure in the herpetology field, dedicated to educating others and promoting responsible reptile care.