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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Red-Tailed and Common Boa (Boa constrictor, B. imperator and select other Boa spp.)

Care level: Intermediate

Temperament: Generally docile and handleable

Behavior: crepuscular, semi-arboreal, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: Smaller adults under 6’ (2m) – 6×3×3’ (2×1×1m); larger adults 6-8’ (2-2.5m) – 8×4×4’ (2.5×1.2×1.2m); add 1′ (30cm) of enclosure length for each additional 1′ (30cm) in length of snake over 8’ (2.5m)

Basking spot temp (surface): 86-90°F (30-32°C)

Cold side temp: 75-80°F (24-26°C)

Nighttime/minimum temp: 68°F (20°C)

UVB: UVI 2-3/zone 2 (e.g. Arcadia T5HO 6% at 11-16” (28-41cm) away with no mesh or 7-11” (18-28cm) over typical mesh)

Humidity: 55-75% (75-85% when shedding)

Diet: Carnivorous, mainly feeding on mammals and birds

Adult size: 5-12′ (1.5-3.5m) depending on species/subspecies

Wild Distribution: primarily rainforests throughout Central and South America as well as various islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean

(care guide written with contributions by mandi#6740)


Other Resources:

Reptifiles Guide – Boa Constrictor

Dubia.com – Boa Constrictor

ADW – Boa constrictor