Boa Constrictors as Pets

Boa Constrictors as Pets
By Tracy Pridemore

One of the more popular exotic pets on the market over the years has been the boa constrictor. Some individuals are not aficionados of reptiles, but those that are enjoy boa constrictors for their grace, beauty, and strength. Snakes are relatively easy to care for, but special handling and maintenance is necessary for your safety as well as theirs.

Boa constrictor is a catchall term for several species of the reptile snake, some of which are endangered and protected. The two most common sub-species you will find readily available in the pet store are the red-tailed boa and the common boa constrictor. The lifespan of the average boa is twenty-five to thirty years, so if considering the animal as a pet you need to remember that it is a very long commitment. The average size for a full grown red-tailed boa constrictor is eight to ten feet long with a weight up to fifty pounds. Though generally docile in temperament, you should respect their strength at all times.

When selecting these pets you should generally opt for a captive bred animal. The snake breeds fairly readily in captivity and these animals are usually more healthy and docile than wild animals. All constrictors are either in the threatened or endangered category in the wild thus giving all the more reason to purchase a bred animal. When selecting a snake look for these signs of a generally healthy animal.

* alert
* strong body
* no loose skin
* tongue flicking
* clear skin
* no external parasites
* healthy scales
* no wounds
* reaction to handling by coiling and then relaxing after a bit

To house one, glass aquariums with a locking screen top will suffice for small to medium sized animals. Once the snake is larger a secure cage with a minimum floor space of ten square feet will be required. Line the bottom of the cage with paper towels, or a durable indoor/outdoor carpeting. Reptile bark may be used as well, but this is a more expensive way to go. Whichever method you use keep the bottom clean to retain the overall health of the snake.

The temperature of the cage provided to the boa constrictor is critical, so use very accurate thermometers to keep them within the ranges of eighty-two to ninety by day and seventy-eight degrees to eighty-five degrees by night. A slightly warmer "basking spot" of ninety to ninety-five degrees should also be available for the snake. Never allow the snake direct exposure to any heating element including heat rocks, constrictors are very susceptible to burns from such sources.

To feed one provide a separate enclosure other than the regular housing for this purpose. This creates an association with feeding somewhere other than the usual cage reducing the chance of an accidental bite when usually handling the animal. The smaller the snake the more often feedings need to occur. Usually every five to seven days for young snakes, ten to fourteen days for slightly older snakes, and adults needing fed every three to four weeks. Generally mice, rats, and rabbits are the best food and you should ensure the meal is no larger than the widest part of the snake. Once feeding has occurred do not handle the snake for twenty-four hours to ensure proper digestion.

A sturdy water dish is also required within the cage, as the boa will tend to bath during shedding to help with the skin removal. This will also add extra moisture to the air in the cage for the conditions snakes prefer. Another essential accessory is a place to hide, as well as a sturdy branch for crawling. These are two things which the animal needs to feel more comfortable and at home in their enclosure.