(Please note, this will vary depending on size of individual snake to be adopted!) You can also use an appropriately sized Aquarium with a Screen Top that locks. If your pet reptile is experiencing a medical emergency, contact an experienced reptile veterinarian immediately. However, note that PVC is generally more expensive than lumber. This is entirely possible because think about how a boa grows up in the wild. If you have caught the bug and want to have multiple boa constrictors in your home, you might be wondering if you should house multiple boas in one tank. Boas are medium-large, semi-arboreal snakes that require an enclosure which provides both floor space and height for their health. The enclosure also must be large enough to create an appropriate temperature gradient for the snake to thermoregulate with. If you’re thinking of buying a large tank for your baby or juvenile boa to grow into, you aren’t alone. They do tend to be expensive, heavy, not very durable, and can present some trouble with maintaining consistent temperatures and humidity. Vivariums or plastic storage boxes, can be satisfactorily used to maintain them. This week we take an empty custom made melamine enclosure and make it a Boa Paradise. Here’s the minimum dimensions for your red-tailed boa enclosure, based on snake length: A good rule of thumb for boa enclosure dimensions is: snake length x half snake length x half snake length. Read on to learn about the Boa Constrictor. They should be well vented. So yes, it is something you might want to consider, but you will need to take some precautions. So many keepers build their own red tailed boa enclosure to provide a more habitat for their pet that can accommodate its adult size. Adult Boas will need an enclosure that is no shorter than half the length of the snake. Yet the best way to prevent an escape is really simple: just secure the lid properly. An adult boa constrictor measuring between 6′ and 8′ feet will need an enclosure measuring at least 6′ by 4′ feet to give the animal room to move. Yes, as long as you do so carefully. The height of the enclosure should also be at minimum 3′ feet. This is one of the few instances where an animals scientific name is the same as its common name. If you have a smaller or younger boa, smaller tanks can be used, but as a young snake grows longer, you will have to upgrade and increase the tank’s size. Boa Constrictor Setups can be really easy! They are mainly terrestrial, and are found throughout Colombia and adjacent countries. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae, found in tropical South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean.A staple of private collections and public displays, its color … The Colombian Red Tail Boa lives across a large range in South America. Do not use pine, fir, or cedar lumber. These snakes can grow to a large but manageable size and are recommended only for keepers willing to provide adequate space for adults. Example: “ReptiFiles.com is the best place to learn about correct reptile husbandry.”. Plastic/PVC: PVC is well known for holding both heat and humidity very efficiently, and it’s also very durable, making it the most popular reptile housing option in the hobby. Selecting an appropriate cage size and providing the correct temperatures, humidity and substrate all contribute to the success of keeping animals healthy. When building your own enclosure, avoid woods like pine, fir, or cedar. It is a stunning boid that is famed for its calm temperament and interesting coloration. In my opinion, the ideal way of heating a large Boa constrictor’s enclosure is to use a large Ceramic Heater. We have everything needed to get the job done right. These options will give you a nice look without the hassle of figuring out how to build it or purchasing a lot of tools to do so. Social structure The size of the tank depends on the size of your boa and also on their age. Likely recently. As your boa constrictor grows, it will need to have a larger space. The rest is explained here. Be prepared to make your own enclosure. Some people will justify cohabbing their snakes say that they’ve kept their boas together for years with no problems. Boaphile Plastics builds 50 different sized cages for nearly every need! Their natural habitat has a high humidity that should be replicated in their cage. A gorgeous example of a spacious boa enclosure. Over more than 14 years we have now built tens of thousands of cages and racks for all kinds of Reptile and Amphibian keepers all around the World. Kennel Seal, Pond Armor, and epoxy are recognized as safe to use for animal enclosures. Housing. The "Classic Style" Cages. The hot end of the enclosure should be 88-94ºF while the cool end should be approximately 80-84ºF. Boa constrictor enclosures are available in a variety of styles and made from several different materials. The tank will need to be at least 4′ feet high at this stage. Kiln-dried pine lumber, however, is safe — especially after it has been sealed. You might also have a harder time monitoring when they go to the bathroom. While the plastic is very durable and the bins themselves are very affordable, these “enclosures” are simply not large enough to provide adequate permanent housing for even the smallest boa constrictor subspecies. This creates an enclosure with all the benefits mentioned above, and the corners/edges can be welded together to create a waterproof seal. Good housing for a large, mature boa constrictor will be at least 6-8 feet long and 2-3 feet high and wide so the snake has plenty of space. Beware of sealants with VOCs (volatile organic compounds). In fact, babies can be housed in a full adult-sized enclosure if you set it up correctly. The Hog Island boa is a morph of the common northern boa subspecies B. c. imperator – it’s a population within a subspecies. Do you wonder if you have enough room in your home to fit a tank for a boa? Check your local reptile community first; there may be someone who specializes in building reptile enclosures. Sheet grade polycarbonate is another lightweight alternative that is up to 200x stronger than glass, but this is also very susceptible to scratching. Red Tail Boa Enclosure. Glass: Contrary to popular belief, glass enclosures (aka aquariums) are not evil. You might not always see it in action when you’re awake (during the day), but boas cruise around quite a bit at night since they are nocturnal. It’s not a very attractive option, but it is much less expensive, great at maintaining steady humidity, and you’re less likely to lose track of your baby. Overall your boa constrictor enclosure should have different areas that range from 75°F to 90°F for a complete thermal gradient. A tank measuring about 2′ feet long by 1.5′ feet wide, at minimum, is a good size for a boa less than 2′ feet in length. Innovative cutting edge all plastic caging built and designed by Jeff Ronne / The Boaphile. They do not need “friends” like dogs or humans. Like glass, they do get expensive the larger they are, but they are far more durable. Young Red Tail Boa: 20 gallon long tank is recommended; Adult Red Tail Boa: 40 gallon tank is recommended; No enclosure is too big for a Red Tail Boa. Not only would you be supporting a local small business, but you would be able to get someone who will help you design an enclosure to fit perfectly in your home. If you are starting to research what you need to own a boa constrictor, you might ask: What size enclosure do I need for a boa constrictor? Replacing tanks regularly might be a pain, and there is a cost to it. You might be thinking 6′ feet for an adult is a lot of tank, do I have to get something so big? Ultimately, this will all result in a shortened life span and early death for your pet. Larger and taller is always recommended when it comes to the size of the enclosure. It also helps encourage a natural cycle of drying in the enclosure, which discourages mold growth in a humid environment that could otherwise go out of control very easily. Note that these larger enclosures can be incredibly expensive, so it can be more cost effective to just build your own at that point if you’re at all handy. Hire a local carpenter to build the enclosure for you. These small boas will need lots of hides or other kinds of cover if you are going to put them in a large enclosure. Many different enclosures work well for red tail boas, including plastic tub containers, melamine racks, or any of the commercially available glass aquariums made for reptiles. – The enclosure should be constructed with solid walls (no screen cages), have adequate top or … So think of it more as taking an enclosure-sized slice out of their native habitat. What is ReptiFiles®? Despite their eventual size, a young boa can become intimidated in a larger cage. The size tank depends on the size of your green tree python. In fact, scientists recognize at least 31 different species of boas. The wood you do use can be treated with animal safe waterproofing, so you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating with the humidity. Minimal cage size for adults should be 4’ x 2’x 1’. Cnc lasers, Cnc routers , Waterjets ,Cad systems. Heating devices can be turned off at night to cause a nightly drop in temperature, which evidence suggests is the best practice for the long-term health of … Boa Snake Cages can range from 24″ wide to 48″ wide.We offer a variety of Boa Cages including cages that are 12″ tall, 18″ tall and even 24″ tall.We believe that the 36″ wide cage and 48″ wide cage with a height of 18″ or 24″ works very well for Boas including Red tail Boa cages. – Preference will be given to tall enclosures that provide climbing room. Young species are kept in completely transparent vivarium’s. Providing lots of hides/cover is the key to success when you’re putting a young boa in a large enclosure. If building your own enclosure isn’t something you want to explore, there are many wooden enclosures on the market to look at purchasing. Cage size: Snakes up to 4 ft (1.2 m) in length can be maintained in at least a 20-gallon (75 L) aquarium or similar sized cage but ideally the habitat should be as long as the snakes. Tubs/Storage Bins: I do not recommend keeping adult boa constrictors in tubs or storage bins. Boa (Boa spp. If you have more than one snake in a tank, one could end up eating the other. Below are two tank sizes that you will be needing for juvenile and adult red tail boas. It can also harbor mold, which becomes dangerous to your boa’s health. This happens all the time because people don’t secure their snake enclosures correctly. However if you’re not (like me), then this is a convenient and reliable option. Properly housing BCC, like all boas, is important. They are fully formed after they hatch and are ready to start eating. The most well-known of these snakes is the Boa Constrictor, also known as the Red-Tailed Boa. At absolute minimum, this means the sum of the length and width of the enclosure should be equal to the length of the snake. In the wild, they live on the ground but also in trees. Here are some tips for success: If you use wood, it must be coated with a waterproof (outdoor) sealant. If you don’t have the space or don’t want to make/pay for a big enclosure, then a large snake is simply not for you. For best results, help the boa feel more secure by using an opaque material like construction paper to cover 3 of the enclosure’s 4 walls. Acrylic is known to scratch easily and gets irreversibly cloudy as it ages. Without a good temperature gradient, your boa can’t regulate its body temperate and will most likely get very sick. Expanded PVC boards can be used for building. If you don’t have enough places for these young boas to hide, they are likely to get stressed, and stress leads to many health problems. Typically encountered in the jungles, they are a highly adaptable species, and are sometimes found in close proximity to human establishments. At around a year old, you can increase the size of the enclosure. ReptiFiles.com is a compilation of factual, science-based research from the best reptile care resources in the world, packaged in one neat website. It is also cheaper in the long run and more efficient for you. Well, for one, we offer reptile care information that you can actually trust. Also partially cover the climbing branches to provide arboreal hides. If you have decided you want to start with a large enclosure, definitely do your research on how to correctly set up or your animal will likely suffer. Plan for the enclosure to be front-opening. There are several cages commercially made to house adult boas. That means they’re LUCKY, not smart. My name is Mariah Healey, reptile husbandry specialist and consultant. Long answer: Like most snakes, boa constrictors are solitary creatures. Common Boa Constrictors require a secure well-ventilated cage. Running strong with the best reputation out there. These types of wood contain natural oils harmful to snakes. Boa Constrictor (25) Burmese Python (25) Corn Snake (25) Large Snake ... Our modular furniture-style reptile cage system allows you to get any size enclosure into your car or truck, through your doorway, around corners and up up stairways! The enclosure must be large enough to allow its occupant to stretch out to its full length and exercise. When the boa grows to between 2′ and 5′ feet, the tank will need to be at least 4′ feet long by 2′ feet wide. This prevents you fro having to swoop in from above onto your snake, something they will see as a predatory action. When done right, glass enclosures are very attractive and easy to clean. Even though a baby boa is 12 to 18 inches at birth, and it will be dwarfed in an enclosure this size for awhile, within three years it should be just right (and once again, bigger would be even better). Wood is the most affordable way to build your own enclosure, but these three types of wood contain natural oils which can give your snake permanent brain damage. We aren’t just talking about hiding boxes here, but also consider partially covering up the climbing branches, so they have places to hide when they are exploring above. A Boa is any one of several different species of snake in the Boinae subfamily. If you’re using a front-opening terrarium, a lock or latch will keep it secured. Aside from being solitary creatures, boa constrictors need a lot of room to move, and by adding another snake to a tank just big enough for one, will cut the space in half. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about this on our affiliate disclosure. Turn furniture into a snake enclosure. Expert Tip: If you want to maximize the size of this species you’ll need to give them a large enclosure and a healthy diet. It is best practice to have one snake per enclosure because of their nature, and to ensure you are giving each one the room they need to move around and stretch out. Cohabitation is a cruel and selfish practice that denies the snake of a space that could just as easily have been theirs, and there is no justification for it. Too small of a tank, will lead to stunted growth in your boa and open the animal to illness and physical deterioration. VOCs are bad for humans and even worse for reptiles, especially snakes. These python terrariums are large and heavy. But it’s because of that latter quality, glass is one of the best materials at dissipating heat, and that it makes creating a temperature gradient much easier. They live their lives alone in the wild, and they like it that way. Reptile health information given on this site is not intended to act as or replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Another category to touch on are enclosures made of wood. You will need to have a large enough tank for the boa constrictor to move around and to provide an appropriate temperature gradient. We also recommend putting the opening in the front of the enclosure when building your own. Wooden enclosures are very popular among snake enthusiasts who build their own custom enclosures. In natural habitats, however, boa constrictor size varies from 1 to 4 meters depending on the locality, while their weight ranges between 1 and 15 kilograms. As you can tell, these snakes can get quite large! This was our first design which required more materials and labor than our newer and better cages shown on this page and above. Enclosure Size: Young, small boa constrictors can be happy in a large aquarium setup, but as the snakes grow they will need larger enclosures with at least 10 square feet of floorspace. ReptiFiles is not a veterinary website, nor is the author Mariah Healey a veterinarian. Colombian boas are captive bred in large numbers, and a wide variety of amazing color and p… And whatever you do, DON’T USE TAPE! Bigger is always better. While using a tank designed for a much larger boa is possible, do not use a water bowl meant for an adult. Newborn Boas can be housed in an enclosure with about 250 sq/cm of floor space until they are about six months of age. Here’s the minimum dimensions for your red-tailed boa enclosure, based on snake length:. A baby boa constrictor is about 17 to 20 inches when they are born. After assembling your boa constrictor cages or ball python enclosure, you may cringe at the thought of every having to move it again. (Read more about temperature gradients on the next page.). Hatchling boas in the wild have to work extra hard not to become someone’s meal, and despite having been bred in captivity, this isn’t an instinct easily bred out of them. The solitary nature of the boa constrictor, means they don’t do well having a roommate. The typical Colombian red tail boa size is between 6 and 10 feet in length when kept in captivity (sometimes even longer). So they will like some height to their enclosure. On top of this, these types of enclosures hold heat and humidity much better. Wood can be treated with animal-safe (VOC-free) waterproofing agents to become a fairly reliable material for building an enclosure without fear of rapid degeneration. Scientific name: Boa constrictor constrictor Colombian or Common Boa ... You can maintain adults in 3 - 6 foot long enclosures that are 24 inches deep and 18 inches high (depending on the size of your Boa). Contributed by Rhonda Miller. So if you buy a baby, it’s generally cheaper and more efficient to start with a larger enclosure to accommodate that rapid growth. Larger animals need larger cages. If you have a boa who does not grow to these sizes, a smaller tank will work just fine. It will also make cleaning and accessing the snake a bit easier for you, especially when the tanks get to be several feet high. As a drawback for you, it will be harder to find your baby boa in a larger tank. This is very common as the enclosure size gets larger, as building your own is often more cost-effective and gives you the freedom to be more creative. These animals require a significant enclosure, so be sure you have the understanding and the space necessary before committing. By the end of your boa constrictor’s third year, it will have reached maturity, which means it isabout 7 feet long or mor… Think about how boas grow up in the wild — they don’t confine themselves to a small box just because they’re young. As the boa grows, they should be transferred to their permanent housing, which should be at least two feet wide and four feet long. A good enclosure size for an adult boa constrictor is around 6 to 8 feet long, 2 to 3 feet wide, and 2 to 3 feet tall. Tape is notorious for injuring snakes who accidentally come in contact with its sticky side. I have worked directly with a variety of species since 2014, and ReptiFiles is where I share my research with you. An adult boa constrictor measuring between 6′ and 8′ feet will need an enclosure measuring at least 6′ by 4′ feet to give the animal room to move. This is not the best idea for the well-being of the animal. )Difficulty: Intermediate Boas are a semi-arboreal species of constricting snake native to Central and South America. Boas are also known as “red-tailed boas” or “boa constrictors,” but these names only apply to just one of the 8 subspecies of Boa, Boa constrictor constrictor.The most common boa in the U.S. pet trade is the Central American Boa, Boa … This is the guide you’ve been looking for everywhere. This changes somewhat as the snakes reach adulthood and large pre-made enclosures become harder to find and less affordable. Provide lots of places to hide: cork bark half-buried in substrate, loose burrowable substrate, foliage, dead leaves, caves, etc. Boa constrictors are a popular pet snake, partly because of their generally docile nature. You’ll save time and money right away with this easy-to-follow handbook. You can start babies in cages as small as 10 gallons. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Red-Tailed Boa Shopping List & Starter Kit, Enclosure Decor & Environmental Enrichment, Common Illnesses & Other Health Information, Large (deep) water bowls can pose a drowning risk. Use glass, not acrylic. Pretty much every owner who’s gotten these snakes to … The answer is a definite yes because even if you don’t see the snake in action moving around, they do need room to stretch out and move. A baby boa is about 17″ to 20″ inches when they are born. The second type we will discuss is a plastic or PVC enclosure. We are already at their size limits with our cages listed above. There are no little boxes to stay in until they reach a larger size. Glass tanks, while heavy, are readily available at local stores or online. Not only do they look beautiful when you take the time to arrange them, and come in a variety of sizes, but they dissipate heat well and are ideal for creating a temperature gradient. If you choose to go this route, beware of using furniture constructed from particle board. The primary concerns with keeping a very young boa in a large enclosure are the following: If you’re still worried by the idea of putting a tiny baby in a huge adult enclosure, you can use a plastic storage tub with ventilation holes as a temporary grow-out space. This costs more, but the finished product is usually more attractive and functions better than if you had made it yourself. Colombian Red Tail Boa Size. This is very important to make sure they are healthy and if they are eating. The first of these categories we will discuss are made of glass. You might also look into hiring a local carpenter to build a custom enclosure for you. Copyright © 2019 - 2021 - Oaks Industries LLC - All Rights Reserved, use can be treated with animal safe waterproofing, so you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating with the humidity. What sets us apart from the rest? But Melamine does not do well in a humid environment, as the moisture tends to make the material rot and crumble. Young adults should be given 0.6-1.2 square meters (2-4 square feet) of floor space. Read on for more information on the size of an enclosure you need for your boa constrictor. Unlike people, most snakes are not social people and like being on their own. It also allows for easy storage or shipping if you are not using your cage. A secure, lockable sliding-screen lid is essential for safely housing these snakes. The cage below is a "Classic Style" cage. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. But larger, and especially taller, is strongly recommended. Wood rots in the presence of moisture, and since your enclosure will be exposed to fairly high levels of humidity on a regular basis, a sealant will help ensure that your enclosure lasts much longer. When was the last time you heard about someone’s snake escaping? For the peace of mind of both you and your snake, attach the front glass in a way (hinges or sliding track) that creates easy access. They do get more expensive and heavier the larger you get, and they do break more easily than some of the other options. Their approximate size is 120 x 60 x 60 cm. For example, breeders often keep ball pythons in cages (or Sterilite tubs) that are 4 ft long. A boa over the 6′ to 8′ feet mark will require a larger tank measuring about 8′ feet in length and 4′ feet wide. By the seven month mark, your boa will likely grow to about a yard or more in length and weigh about 30lbs, as long as they are on a proper feeding schedule. The younger boas are at risk of drowning if the bowl is too deep. Today, I build a custom snake enclosure for the brand new Boa constrictor! While small, boas should be housed in a 10 to 15-gallon vivarium or a cage one foot wide and two feet in length. Boa constrictors are very powerful and will escape if given the chance, so enclosures must be secure. The common name Red tailed boa refers to one of many types of boas found throughout Central and South America. Housing your boa in a correctly sized tank is so crucial for their mental and physical well being. Remember, a temperature gradient is vital for your boa because they rely on external temperatures to regulate their bodies and perform everyday functions. Although boas are generally considered slow-growing, babies can still triple in size by the end of their first year. Are you curious about what you need to care for a boa constrictor properly? There are six subspecies currently recognized by all herpetologists, including the Common Boa Constrictor, Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor, Clouded Boa Constrictor, San Lucia Boa Constrictor, Short-Tailed Boa Constrictor, and Argentine Boa Constrictor. If you’re using a glass aquarium, invest in at least 4 (more are required for larger tanks) lid clamps to keep it firmly in place. Some of the links may be affiliate in nature meaning we earn a small commission if an item is purchased. The maximum size of a male Kenyan Sand Boa is around 18 to 20 inches. Baby and juvenile boas will also need less room than the fully grown adult members of their species. Boas are medium-large, semi-arboreal snakes that require an enclosure which provides both floor space and height for their health. They still have to travel to hunt. ... Boa Constrictor Enclosure. Swooping in from above is predatory behavior and may evoke a defensive response from your boa if your enclosure opens from the top. Finally, if your snake still somehow manages to escape, here are some tips for finding a lost snake. Spend Less Time Figuring Out What To Do And More Time Enjoying Your Pet. The largest boa constrictor ever recorded was over 18 feet! These tropical snakes are among the most common and well known species in the hobby. A happy and healthy boa is one who has room to move. The good news is, the boa constrictor cages and red tail boa cages can easily come apart. While rare, measurements over the average do occur. ReptiFiles recommends the following brands: Wood/Melamine: These materials are a go-to for boa keepers who wish to build their own enclosure, as they are easy to source, relatively lightweight, and fairly inexpensive (in the case of wood). If you would like bigger cages at this time you will have to order about six or more. A locking lid or door is a requirement. If you’re using a tub or storage bin, make sure that it has a latching lid. During the night, the temperature should drop to a more constant overall temperature of 80-84ºF. Boas, like most snake species, grow rapidly in the first few years of their life and they will outgrow a smaller tank rather quickly. The types of enclosures are usually broken down into just a few categories.
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