Though they are all the same subspecies, they differ relatively significantly in terms of color, pattern and size across this vast range. Most live in forests of one variety or another, but some are found in residential areas, open swamps, lake margins, or wide-open fields and savannas. While a few things about boa species popularity may be hard to pin down with certainty, one thing is undeniable: The common boa ( Boa constrictor imperator) is the most commonly kept boa among reptile enthusiasts.Ĭommon boas range from Mexico to central South America, and they inhabit a variety of different habitats across this range. There aren’t any official statistics regarding which boa species and subspecies are most commonly kept by reptile enthusiasts, but we believe the following seven are likely to be the most popular. The Seven Boa Constrictor Species Most Commonly Kept as Pets Just know that we mean “ types of boas most commonly kept as pets.” Some of the animals below are actually different subspecies or geographic variants, rather than different species. We want to familiarize our readers with the types of boas that are commonly available in the pet trade.Īccordingly, we’re not getting bogged down in taxonomic issues surrounding how some species are defined. Quick Disclaimer: We’re Using “Species” Broadly The Seven Boa Constrictor Species Most Commonly Kept as Pets.Quick Disclaimer: We’re Using “Species” Broadly.When your boa reaches 6ft, you will be looking at feeding this on large to x-large rats or even rabbits every 14 days. To reduce growth rate, feed every 10-14 days. Feed every 7-10 days on one or two rats and increase the food as it grows. By this time, it should be taking weaner rats or small rats depending on your supplier. As they grow, increase their food and feed every 7 days until they reach a length of 3ft. Newly born boas should be fed on rat pups for the first few feeds, then placed onto small mice. A large water area for your boa to fully emerge will be required, we use clear storage boxes for adults.Īs a general rule, the size of the food should not be any larger than the girth of the snake at it's widest point. We recommend placing some strong sturdy branches for you boa to climb on. Providing hides for young snakes is easy, this may be difficult for adults. The substrate can range from aspen bedding, orchid bark, beech chipping or newspaper. The basking area is very important, if this is not met, your boa can suffer from respiratory infections. A basking area or "hot spot" of 35-38C (95-100F) must be provided. You need to aim for a ambient air temperature of 26.5-29.5C (80-85F) during the day with a night time drop to 25.5 (78F). A thermostat is required, this will prevent under or over heating inside your boas enclosure.
Heat mats can be used to give a general background temperature, although these will not provided enough heat for a large enclosure. When providing heat, we recommend using either a ceramic heater or a high wattage red basking bulb. Small adult males can be housed in a 48x24x24 inch vivarium, large females may need to be kept in a minimum of 72x24x24 inch enclosure. As your boa grows, you will need to increase the size of the enclosure. How do you keep a Common Boa Constrictor?Ī young boa can be kept in a minimum 24x15x15 inch vivarium, however a 36x15x15 inch vivarium is a better size. Where are Common Boa Constrictor from?įound in tropical rainforest of Columbia and South America. On average, this snake will live for approximately 20-30 years, one has been recorded at 40 years of age. Caution should always be taken with snakes over 5ft and it is recommended to have two people while feeding and cleaning. With regular handling, Common Boa Constrictors and become very tame. Youngsters are normally brighter in colouration, they starts to darken with age. They have a dark line running from the nose, through the eye and towards the neck. A diamond pattern runs down each side of the body, usually with a lighter pattern inside. The background colour is tan with large dark ruby red patterns running along the dorsal of the body, this darken towards the tail. Adults average between 5-9ft, although some large females may reach lengths of 12ft. Newborn Common Boa Constrictors are approximately 18 inches. What does a Common Boa Constrictor look like?
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