How to Care for a Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictors are large snakes that originally live in areas from Mexico to the southern tip of South America. Many people around the world have boa constrictors for household pets. There is a special way that you should care for a boa constrictor if you have one as a pet. Providing good care will assure your boa constrictor a long, healthy life. Read on to learn how to care for a boa constrictor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Buy an aquarium that is large enough to hold your boa constrictor. Your snake will grow quite large, so you will want to purchase a large aquarium when you buy the snake.

2. Add a heat lamp to the aquarium or cage where you will be housing your boa constrictor. These snakes come from warmer climates and require warmth for life. It is necessary to maintain the area at 80 degrees or higher or the snake will die.

3. Include a large water bowl in the snake's cage. Boa constrictors require humidity in addition to heat. By providing a large water bowl, the snake can drink and have the required humidity at the same time.

4. Place a climbing stick or some decoration that the snake can climb on. This will allow it to exercise in the cage and make it feel as if it's going somewhere when it moves.

5. Clean the boa constrictor's cage every three weeks. However, it is good idea to spot clean it daily. Use wood chips or newspapers in the snake's cage. This will help them feel most comfortable.

6. Feed the boa constrictor every few days. Most boas like privacy when they eat, so it is best to place them in a dark, warm box with the meal and close the lid. Do not handle the boa for 24 hours after feeding. This could mess up their digestive tract and could possibly be fatal. Feed the snake small rodents such as mice.

Tips & Warnings

• Never force feed a boa constrictor. They will get upset and possibly attack. It could also cause regurgitation of the eaten meal.
• Never allow a boa constrictor to wrap itself around your neck.

[Shyjohn]

on 7/12/2008 Tip #2, when they are little guys, you need to feed a small meal as often as above. Mine is huge (9 feet), and he eats a large rat only every three or four weeks. Had him 15 years, must be doing something right...

[Shyjohn]

on 7/12/2008 Hot tip! This could save your life! I had a 10 foot boa, and my present one is 9 feet. They wrap around you to hold on; if it gets around your windpipe, just quickly slide your hand up your neck, palm inward. This will provide a space for you to breathe. It's not trying to kill you, honest! They just hold on, and when they get real big, it's all muscle. I am so glad for this medium, to pass along this important piece of information! Funny, I've had a snake for so long, if I dream about a snake, it's always a good dream.