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Dumeril's Boa (Acrantophis dumerili )

     Dumeril’s boas are docile medium sized snakes that are found throughout southern Madagascar.  Adult Dumeril’s boas are usually 4-6 feet in length but occasionally reach 7-8 feet in length.  These snakes are usually found on the ground near the base of trees or bushes.  Their coloration helps them blend with the surrounding foliage, enabling them to ambush prey.  Breeding can begin when these snakes are around 3 feet long and clutch size varies between 4-12 offspring.  Dumeril’s boas have live birth and the gestation period usually lasts between 6-8 months.  With proper care, Dumeril’s boas are long lived snakes and you can expect them to live 20-30 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

     Dumeril’s boas should be maintained at 85-90 degrees during the day, with a hot spot under the heat light reaching 95 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  If you keep your snake too cool it can regurgitate, so make sure the temperatures are maintained.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 70-80 %.  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 Dumeril’s boas can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Dumeril’s boas grow quickly and we recommend that you provide the largest cage possible.  One can expect an adult Dumeril’s boa to need a cage at least 6 feet long by 3 feet wide. 

Bedding

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

Food

     Dumeril’s boas feed on 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 dumeril’s boas 1-2 times per week.  Adult Dumeril’s boas can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, Dumeril’s 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.  Dumeril’s boas can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.