WELCOME TO THE VIPER BOA WORLD!
(Easy level care)
On this page, we will go over the care of your boa! 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 enrich their lives.
What to consider before purchasing a new buddy!
Additional Info:
Candoia Aspera
They also go by Papuan Ground Boa or New Guinea Ground Boa. On average, they are 2ft, but they can reach 3ft.
Enclosure:
Babies can live in a 20-gal enclosure. They are highly terrestrial. Moving them to an adult enclosure after the baby enclosure would be economical. Adult enclosure minimum is 3ft. long, 2ft. wide, and one ft. tall.
Substrate(Flooring):
Cypress mulch is an excellent substrate to hold moisture. You can add coco fiber or organic topsoil for extra humidity. Refrain from using repti-bark if you do not want their water dyed. They burrow, so leaving a thick substrate layer will keep this boa happy.
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! Other decors like fake plants, vines draping, or natural plants will help the reptile feel secure. They love water, so allow them to swim in a large enough water bowl.
Cohabbing long-term isn’t a good idea.
Humidity & Temps:
70%-80% Humidity. 75° Cool side, 80° Hot side. Always have a heating pad on a thermostat; snake burns are extremely painful to the snake & expensive to treat.
Handling:
Viper Boa 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:
This snake has a low metabolism.
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 seven days.
- Juveniles (over a year) should be fed once every 10-14 days.
- Adults (about two years old) should be fed once every 14-21 days
Pick mice/rats by the width of your snake’s stomach. It can be more significant 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.