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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus ssp.)

Care level: Beginner

Temperament: Generally docile, but often shy and reclusive

Behavior: crepuscular, terrestrial/fossorial, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: Male – 20L (30×12×12” (75×30×30cm)); female – 40B (36×18×18” (90×45×45cm))

Basking spot temp (surface): 94–95°F (34–35°C)

Cold side temp: 78-83°F (26–28°C)

Nighttime/minimum temp: 65-70°F (18-21°C)

UVB: UVI 1-3/Ferguson zone 2 (e.g. Arcadia Shadedweller 7% at 12-15” (30-40cm) away with no mesh or Arcadia T5HO 6% at 11-21” (28-54cm) away with typical mesh) 

Humidity: Around 30% (higher while shedding and should have access to humid hide)

Diet: Carnivorous; mammals and occasionally avians and reptiles

Adult size: Male – 12-20” (30-50cm); female – 2-3’ (60-90cm)

Wild Distribution: arid habitats such as savannas, shrublands, deserts and grasslands in various countries throughout Africa, mainly Niger, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia

(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

ReptiFiles Guide – Kenyan Sand Boa

Dubia.com Guide – Kenyan Sand Boa

IUCN – Eryx colubrinus