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Red Tail
Boas (Boa constrictor)
There
are several forms of Red
Tail Boas ranging from
Mexico, Central America, and
South America. Some of the
more popular types of Boas
are Hogg Island, Argentine,
Colombian, Peruvian and
Suriname. Size varies
between the different
species, Colombian Boas (Boa
constrictor imperator)
range from 5-10 feet. True
Red Tail Boas (Boa
constrictor constrictor)
such as Suriname, Guyana,
and Peruvian Boas can reach
10-14 feet. Hogg Island
Boas (Boa constrictor ssp.)
are located on small islands
off the coast of Honduras
and are a smaller species,
typically growing 3-5 feet.
Argentine Boas (Boa
constrictor occidentalis)
are found in Paraguay and
Argentina and grow 7-9 feet
in length. Boa Constrictors
are long lived snakes and
can live over 20 years. The
oldest Boa Constrictor lived
over 40 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
Red Tail 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. 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 Red Tail Boas can be
kept in 29 gallon or larger
terrariums. Red Tail Boas
grow quickly and we
recommend that you provide
the largest cage possible.
One can expect an adult Red
Tail 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
Red Tail Boas feed on fuzzy
or small adult mice as
babies and juveniles. As
your snake grows it will
soon move up to rats and
even small rabbits. We
recommend that you feed baby
and juvenile Red Tail Boas
1-2 times per week. Adult
Red Tail Boas can be fed
once every 7-10 days to
maintain proper body
weight. Like most snakes,
Red Tail 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. Red Tail Boas can
be handled on a daily basis
and always wash your hands
before and after handling
them.