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Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates cenchria  cenchria)

     Brazilian Rainbow Boas are a beautiful snake found throughout Brazil and the surrounding countries.  They are a small boa and usually don’t exceed 6 feet in length.  The natural habitat of these boas is tropical rainforests of South America and you should duplicate this environment in captivity.  Brazilian rainbow boas are secretive snakes and will do best if provided with some type of hiding place.  Like all boas, Brazilian rainbow boas have live birth and they are sexually mature within three years.  Healthy female rainbow boas can give birth to 5-30 babies every year.  With proper care Brazilian rainbows are long-lived snakes and can live over 20 years.  Prehistoric Pets promotes responsible snake ownership and we recommend locking cages that prevent accidental escape.   Large constrictors and other escaped snakes can have a negative impact on the general public which can lead to a ban of snake ownership. 

Temperature

     Brazilian rainbow boas should be maintained between 80-85 degrees during the day and one should never exceed those temperatures.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 75-90 %.  Snakes shed in one complete piece, if yours is shedding in pieces the humidity is too low.  Another option to increase humidity is to provide a box with a small entrance, for the snake to enter, filled with damp potting soil and moss.

Housing

     Baby Brazilian rainbow boas can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Ideally the larger the snake the more room you want to provide.  Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage.  Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your snake. 

Bedding

     Our recommendation for bedding is bark, coconut bark, or Eco Earth.  This bedding holds moisture very well and duplicates their natural environment. 

Food

     Brazilian rainbow boas feed on pinkie, fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile Brazilian rainbow boas 1-2 times per week.  Adult Brazilian rainbow boas can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, Brazilian rainbow boas typically will not eat when they are preparing to shed.  After your snake has shed you can return to your normal feeding regiment.  If your snake doesn’t eat make sure you remove the rodent from the cage.  Rodents can bite snakes when they are hungry and can injure or kill your snake. 

Cleaning and Handling

     The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter should be cleaned out several times a week. The bedding should be completely changed once a month and fresh clean water should be provided at all times.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Brazilian rainbow boas can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.