Boa constrictors are among the most rewarding of all snakes to keep at pets. While they do reach a substantial size as adults, in general they are easy to handle, docile, and a pleasure to keep.

All boas give birth to live young. New born boa constrictors will be approximately 15 to 20 inches in length. Adult females can reach 8 - 10 feet, with exceptionally large specimens being even larger, and males tend to be a foot or two shorter and less muscular. While they are a relatively easy snake to care for, without any hugely demanding requirements, they are potentially a dangerous animal due to their size. For that reason, adults should only be handled when another person is close to hand, and they should always be given the respect they deserve.

Boa Constrictor Care

These snakes are best kept singly, in a glass fronted vivarium. While youngsters will climb, and therefore appreciate some height to their enclosure, adults tend to be quite terrestrial. A floor area of approximately 5 x 3 foot is adequate for an averagely sized adult.

An ambient temperature of approximately 82 - 90 F should be maintained through the use of heat mats and/or bulbs controlled by a thermostat. A thermal gradient is required with a basking area a few degrees warmer, and a cooler area so that the boa can thermoregulate. Bulbs, whether ceramic or incandescent, should always be protected with a guard to prevent burns. Since they are mostly nocturnal animals, no special lighting is required.

The floor of the vivarium can be covered with newspaper, paper towels, or bark/wood chippings. While a natural substrate such as bark looks nice, it can be harder to keep clean so paper towels are advisable particularly for juveniles. Care should also be taken when using loose substrates that they are not ingested with prey items.

A water bowl should be provided at all times, and changed frequently. Boa constrictors will occasionally bath, especially when shedding, so a bowl which is large enough for your boa to coil into is advisable.

At least 2 hides should also be provided, one at the warmer end of the vivarium, and one cooler. Hides can be bark, hollow logs, artificial plastic caves, or even cardboard boxes.

Feeding your boa

Juvenile boas should be fed weekly, larger specimens less frequently. A single prey item so larger than the girth of the snake should be offered. Newborns are started on pinkie (day old) mice, and work up through small to large mice, rats, and even rabbits for large adult boas. Most captive bred boas will feed happily on frozen and defrosted food. Be careful to ensure that prey items are fully defrosted before offering them.

Handling your boa

One of the reasons for boa constrictors being so popular is that they are very tolerant of handling. Young snakes may take a little time to learn that a human hand is not a threat. Give a newly acquired snake a few days to settle in to its new home before handling. Start by gently holding the snake for a few minutes at a time. With time your boa will learn that you are not a threat, and most adults boas are very docile and will be quite happy for you to handle them for longer periods. Care of course should be taken not to allow a large animal to wrap around your neck as they are very strong and powerful constrictors. Always have another person close by when handling a large snake.

Boa constrictors can live for 20 - 30 years in captivity so please do some research before buying a boa. Learn about their habits and requirements before making a commitment to care for an animal for such a long time, but if you do decide to keep boas you will find them a fascinating and rewarding snake to care for.