WELCOME TO BCI/BI WORLD!
(Beginner snake, but keep in mind the length they can get up to)
We will review the care of your Boa Constrictor Imperator in this sheet! I have owned reptiles since I was six years old and have had a deep fascination with snakes. I have had years of researching, reptile-common-sense, and experience to debunk the false care info and put together a care sheet to meet your reptile’s needs and add enrichment to their lives.
What to consider before purchasing a new buddy:
Enclosure:
Boa constrictor
Babies can live in a 10-gal enclosure. It would be economical just to put your baby in the adult enclosure because space doesn’t bother them much, unlike ball pythons and corn snakes. Boa constrictors can get up to 6-9ft. Adult enclosure minimum is 6ft. long, 2ft. wide, and two ft. tall. They are semi-arboreal so that you can screw in climbing décor.
Substrate(Flooring):
Cypress mulch is an excellent substrate to hold moisture. Refrain from using repti-bark if you do not want their water dyed.
Décor:
Have a water bowl on the cold side (reduces bacteria), and you can put a hide on the hot and cold side. Refrain from cardboard. It molds super fast! Add climbing décor; they will use and appreciate it.
Cohabbing long-term isn’t a good idea.
Humidity & Temps:
60%-70% Humidity 75° Cool side 90° Hot side. Always have a basking light on a thermostat; snake burns are extremely painful to the snake & expensive to treat. Heating pads are not efficient for heating such a large species of snake.
Handling:
Boa constrictor hatchlings will act defensive when you swoop your hand down at them, so please use a snake hook. They are scared when they are so small. Regular small handling sessions will get them more used to being handled. Do not handle it 48 hours after their meal so they can digest 🙂
Feeding:
Feeding depends on how your snake weight is going, but here is a basic chart to go by:
- Hatchlings (under a year) should be fed once every ten days.
- Juveniles (over a year or 20inches) should be fed once every 14 days.
- Adults about 3ft and longer should be provided once every three weeks to a month!
Pick mice/rats by the width of your snake’s stomach. It can be bigger than the thickest part of your snake’s body!
Up the meal size or frequency of your snake is skinny (feel ribs), but this chart I go by should keep your boa constrictor healthy. Lower the meal size if your snake is getting hefty (white skin between their scales)
Cleaning:
Please clean your snake’s poops & pees once you see them; they can get sick if you don’t! Every six months, deep clean & replace the substrate.