Boa constrictors are one of the most popular reptile pets due to their immense size variability and incredible personalities! They are intelligent, inquisitive, versatile and exceptional eaters. There are a total of 9 different species of boa and several localities of boa. Whether you are looking for a kaleidoscope of colors or a boa that looks like one you’d see while hiking the rainforest, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for! Boas are an incredible species that we are immeasurably lucky to enjoy in captivity.

Care Requirements:

The majority of boas are endemic to Latin American countries and thus require that their tropical homes be replicated in order to thrive in our homes. They require a temperature gradient of 75-95 degrees and 50-85% humidity. This is a pretty wide gradient but it varies seasonally as well! Their temperature and humidity requirements are easy to maintain in PVC enclosures with the use of heat lamps or panels. What you set your thermostat temperature to will depend entirely on your setup. For example, I use heat projectors in all of my adult enclosures. The taller the enclosure, the higher the temperature is set to ensure that their hot spot remains a comfortable 88-95 degrees depending on the time of year. While I have my heat sources attached to a thermostat, I check my temperatures daily with the use of a temperature gun in order to ensure everything is working correctly. It is important to make sure your temps and humidity stay within these ranges. That said, each high and each low has a purpose! The high heat plus high humidity aid in a single healthy shed, keep their lungs functioning at a high capacity, help digest their food properly and keep their immune system strong. On the other side, letting your enclosure dry out helps prevent bad bacteria buildup and the development of bacterial infection. The most important aspect of this is making sure that one hand washes the other. This means if your heat drops, the humidity also needs to drop. High humidity accompanied by low temperatures can cause upper respiratory infections. Meanwhile, high temperatures and low humidity very often results in stuck or flaky sheds. Prolonged exposure to too high heat can also cause neurological issues. It can feel overwhelming to keep it all straight when you’re first starting but the important points are low:low, high:high and let that bedding dry out!

Another important aspect of having a boa as a pet is they are a highly inquisitive semi-arboreal species. This means that they love a good adventure and they love to climb! Added height is a huge benefit for any boa enclosure. The more height you can give them, the happier they’ll be! Even my full grown 8’ boas climb and perch on thick branches in their enclosures so climbing opportunities are strongly recommended for their well being in captivity. Additionally, boas are huge fans of water so an extra large water bowl that they can comfortably soak in is strongly appreciated. It will also make spot cleaning much easier for you as they are known to use their water bowls as a toilet!

Size:

One of the best things about boas is their size! Many people are under the misapprehension that all boas get huge. While this is true of some species of boa, it is certainly not an across the board truth. There are many locality of boa imperator that stay quite small with males maxing out at 4’ (the size of your average python but leaner) and females reaching about 5’ and roughly the thickness of a soda can. Then, of course, there are giants that can reach up to 12’ but those are pretty rare!

There is no one size fits all enclosure size for your adult boa. How big your enclosure should be will really depend on how big your particular boa is expected to get. Ideally, your boas enclosure should be their length plus one foot in length and one half of the full length in depth. If your boa is 5’ long, your boas enclosure should be a minimum of 6’ by 2’ by 18” tall. If your boa is 7’, your enclosure should be a minimum of 8’ by 3’ by 2’ tall. Obviously, the more room you can give them, the more room they will use!

Boas are some of the most fun and wonderful snakes you can keep. In time, with regular handling and engagement, they will enjoy long summer walks, a good movie, or a general climb across your face! I am often seen at reptile expos with one of my big females to keep me company and help curb my social anxiety. They are truly the best and whether you are a new breeder or a new pet keeper, you will not regret bringing a boa into your life!