Boa Constrictor Snakes - Care
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Picture source:
RitchieReptiles © 2000-2003
RitchieReptiles.com
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Owning Boa Constrictors is a major, long-term commitment and responsibility. Many owners dump Boas on animal shelters and reptile rescues, because they have grown too large and nobody wants to buy them. Some people keep the snakes in terrible conditions, with infections and parasites. Little space will not keep Boas from growing. It's possible to control growth by the diet, but lack of food can be dangerous for the Boa's health.
Newborn Boas will be well in a small tank. Adults need a cage amounting to one square foot per foot in length with shelves to increase floor space and allow a warmer basking site. The Boa Constrictor cage should contain a hiding place, a water bowl for soaking, and something to rub on while shedding (rocks or dry sticks).
Temperature should be kept about 85øF daytime and 80øF at night. A basking site should range 90-95øF. If the temperature is too cool health problems are guaranteed. Heat should be from heating pads, light bulbs, or covered thermostat with small opening that tails cannot enter.
Newspaper is the easiest substrate. You can also use indoor carpeting or aspen. It's important to remove soiled substrate immediately and sterilize the water containers at each water change. The entire enclosure for Boa Constrictors should be sterilized and cleaned at least bi-weekly.
Boa Constrictor Snakes - General Info Links
Albino Boa Constrictor Imperator - Numerous Boas of various species are presented.
Animal Fact Sheets - Problems of taxonomy and conservation of Boa Constrictors are shown.
Animal Nation - Boa Constrictors in the wild - their habitats and habits.
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Picture source:
The Common Boa
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Biology: Boa Constrictor - Physical characteristics and habitat is presented.
Boa constrictor (Boa Constrictor): Narrative - Presents natural history of Boas, their taxonomy and economic importance for humans.
Boa Constrictor Facts - General information on Boas in French and Spanish.
Boa Constrictor Page - Photos and notes about Boa constrictor, including six subspecies.
Boa Constrictor Printout- Enchanted Learning - Boa Constrictor anatomy and description.
California Zoological Supply - Learn about Boas kept in California Zoo.
CAPTIVE CARE OF BOA CONSTRICTORS - Detailed information on various species of Boas and tips on their housing.
Central American Boa Constrictor - Boa Constrictor Imperator - natural history and care.
Lincoln Park Zoo - Sums up the range, characteristics, and behaviors of the New World species of Boa Constrictors.
PERUVIAN BOA CONSTRICTORS - Basic information and photos of Boa Constrictors.
Ralph Davis Reptiles - All species of Boas including albino Boas are presented.
Reptilehaven Photo Albums - Lots of Boas photos in captivity and in the wild.
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Picture source:
The Common Boa
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Sedgwick Country Zoo - Lists physical characteristics, general behavior and status in the wild.
Smithsonian National Zoo - Key facts concerning Boas and other snakes.
Snake World - A photo gallery and basic facts on Boa Constrictors in German.
Surinam Red-tailed Boa Constrictor - General description and habitat of Boa Constrictor is presented.
The Belize Zoo - Photos and information of Boas kept in the zoo.
The Boa Constrictor - Provides basic facts on the species.
The Boaphile - Dedicated to the propagation of all Boa Constrictors: red-tails, albinos, hets, hypos, anerythristics, pastels, Colombians, Peruvians, Surinams and Bolivians.
Tropical Snakes - Boa Constrictors - General description of Boas and other snakes.
