![]() A water bowl, large enough to provide adequate humidity and that the boa can coil within, must be provided. Untreated pine shavings are to be avoided as they contain oils that are toxic to snakes. Inside the enclosure a substrate, generally of aspen shavings, must be provided. Either a bulb or natural light can be used to provide such conditions. Boa constrictors do not need any special lighting, but should have approximately 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness every day to simulate a natural environment. Humidity levels can be maintained with a water bowl, and raised by adding more water bowls, moving the current water bowl closer to the heat source or misting the enclosure with a water sprayer. However, high humidity should not be maintained for longer than a week, as this raises the risk of infections such as scale rot. Humidity should be kept at 50%, and raised to 70% when the boa is in shed. All heat sources should be guarded, to prevent burns to the snake, and used in conjunction with a thermostat to prevent overheating. The necessary temperature can be provided by a heat mat, ceramic or specific light bulb or other alternative heating systems. Cages that are too cold can cause many health problems, ranging from non-digestion of food to pneumonia. The cool end should be maintained at 75–85☏ (27–29☌), and the warm end at 86–92☏ (30–33☌).Temperatures should not be allowed to rise above 95☏ (35☌) or drop below 75☏ (24☌). A thermal gradient should be provided, with a cool end and a warm end where the heat source should be located. Glass, aquarium-syle enclosures are advised as they do not efficiently maintain temperature and humidity. ![]() Male boas should not be kept together as they may fight. The general rule is that the minimum length of the enclosure should be two thirds of the snake's length.Snakes are generally kept in separate enclosures, but people have successfully kept females together. However large females may need even larger enclosures. This enclosure is then increased as the boa grows, as large open spaces are stressful for young snakes. Young Boa constrictors should be started off in a relatively small enclosure, generally a terrarium. Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan, this includes providing adequate space, correct temperatures and humidity and suitable food items. ![]() ![]() Boa constrictors also have two lungs a smaller (non-functional) left and enlarged (functional) right lung to better fit their elongated shape, unlike many colubrid snakes which have completely lost the left lung.Captive life expectancy is 20 to 30 years, with rare accounts of over 40 years,making them a long-term commitment as a pet. Boa constrictors can sense heat via cells in their lips, though they lack the labial pits surrounding these receptors seen in many members of the boidae family. The others run from the snout to the eyes and then from the eyes to the jaw. One runs dorsally from the snout to the back of the head. GENERAL INFO: Boa constrictors have an arrow-shaped head that has very distinctive stripes on it. Climbing branches may be appreciated, especially with smaller boas. A hot spot of almost 90F should be provided at one end. A small, heavy bowl of fresh water and shelter, such as a hollow log or concave rock or plastic “cave” are the three essential pieces of cage furniture. HABITAT: Provide a substrate of aspen or wood mulch at least 2” deep. Frozen rodents are available in our food section. They are eating fuzzy mice and are about 10" -18" in length.ĭIET: Frozen thawed or live fuzzy mice. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Boa constrictor imperatorĭESCRIPTION: We have imported Central American Boa Babies available now.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |