How to Care for Redtail Boas

Red tail boas are powerful constricting snakes that can attain a length of up to fourteen feet. These long lived reptiles are quite popular as pets, and can provide over a decade of entertaining fun for its owner. This guide will cover the basics of caring for your red tailed boa.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Red Tailed Boa
• Snake Enclosure
• Heating Lamp
• Heating Pad
• Substrate
• Thermometer For Reptile Enclosures
• Water Dish
• Time Set Aside To Interact With Your Boa
• Reptile Veterinarian

How To Care For Red Tail Boas

1. Keep your boa from escaping. First and foremost know that boas are powerful snakes. They can and WILL escape from any enclosure that is not secured properly. The lid of the enclosure should have a keyed lock or padlock.

2. House your red tail boa properly. With the snake coiled up the cage should be no narrower than twice the coiled diameter of the snake, no shorter than three times the coiled diameter of the snake and at least as tall as three times height of the snake at its thickest point. A cage that is four ft long, two ft wide and two ft high is considered adequate for an eight to nine foot snake. These are considered to be the minimum dimensions required for the snake to be comfortable. If you choose to use a cage liner or substrate, make sure that it is safe for reptiles.

3. Maintain the correct temperature. Cage temperatures should be kept between eighty two and eighty six degrees Fahrenheit. The basking area should be in the mid ninties. This can be accomplished using heat lamps and radiant heating panels. You can also use hot rocks or any of the various types of heating pads that available.

4. Feed your red tail boa a proper diet. Rodents make up a large part of a snakes diet. Most snakes should be fed weekly or at the very least every two weeks. Do not feed items larger than 1 1/2 times the snakes diameter at its thickest point. If at all possible purchase a snake which has already been trained to accept pre killed prey. Live prey left uneaten can injure or kill your boa. Always have a small dish of fresh water available for your boa in case he gets thirsty.

5. Handling your boa regularly to keep him tame. In order for your boa to become and remain comfortable being handled you should interact with him regularly. You should be confident and firm. If you are afraid, the snake will sense this and become nervous as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Any new reptiles added to your collection should be seen by a reptile veterinarian and be isolated from your other reptiles for six months to a year.
• When you bring your red tailed boa home wait a few days before handling him or offering food to allow him to get used to his new surroundings.
• Never allow children to handle a boa constrictor without close supervision.
• Snakes bigger than ten feet in length should never be handled alone.