BOA HABITAT
A SNAKE HIDE

A hiding place should be provided for small Boas. A half-log, an empty
cardboard box or upside-down opaque plastic container, with an access
doorway cut into one side, can be used. The plastic is easily cleaned when
necessary; the box can be tossed out when soiled and replaced with a new
one. Many Boas enjoy hanging out on branches; provide branches big
enough to support the Boa's weight. If you find a branch you would like to
use in the cage, soak first in the bleach/water solution, then rinse with non-
bleach water and let thoroughly dry. If you use rocks and bricks to
construct a cave, be sure to affix them firmly in place. Boas are very strong,
and can easily topple such a structure when crawling around. If the rocks
tumble on the snake, severe injuries or death may result.


SNAKE PROOF ENCLOSURE

Select an enclosure especially designed for snakes, such as those with the
combination fixed screen/hinged glass top that lock or are latchable. Snakes
are escape artists; Boas are powerful and can easily escape from a tank
covered with a board and a couple of bricks when larger. A 20 gallon tank
is a good starter tank for a hatchling but after a couple of years, you will
need to build or buy a larger enclosure for your Boa that has a secure
access door. There are many nice ones currently on the market such as The
Boaphiles, Animal Plastics, Visions, and others if you are really into your boas,
that hold both heat and humidity very well.


TEMPERATURE

The proper temperature range is essential in keeping your snake healthy. The
daytime air temperature throughout the enclosure must be maintained
between 80-90 F with a basking area kept at 90-95 F (32-35 C). At night,
the air temperature may not be allowed to drop no lower than 78-85 F (26-
30 C). There are special adhesive pads that can be stuck to the underside
of a glass enclosure but most still need some type of thermostat to regulate
the heat. Many times people buy these believing they are made especially
for snakes and some are but that isn't always the case. I have seen these
type heating elements leave burn marks on the bottom of wood caging
many different times. If you put your hand on it after it has been plugged in
for 20 minutes and it feels hot to you, you need some type of thermostat to
regulate the power coming into the heating device. Heating pads made for
people, which are available at all drug stores, work great; these have built-in
high-medium-low switches and can be used under a glass enclosure. You
can also use incandescent light bulbs with reflector hoods to provide
additional heat required for the basking area. Another option that is available
are the ceramic heating elements which screw into regular light sockets and
radiate heat downward much like the sun but without the light. All
lights/heating fixtures must be screened off top prevent the snake from
burning itself. Warning do not use a hot rock, they far exceed the needed
belly temp required and are known to cause thermal burns. Buy at least two
thermometers - one to use in the overall area 1" above the enclosure floor,
and the other in the basking area.  Don't try to guess the temperature—more
than likely you will end up with a sick snake, one who will be too cold to
eat and digest its food or one who is constantly dehydrated. No special
lighting is needed. You may use a full-spectrum light or low wattage
incandescent bulb in the enclosure during the day if you desire. If you do
use such a light in the tank, make sure the snake cannot climb into direct
contact with the light bulbs, nor hide itself into the casing of the fluorescent
hood.

SUITABLE SUBSTRATE

Use paper towels or newspaper at first. These are easily and quickly
removed and replaced when soiled. Once the animal is established, you can
use more decorative substrate such as commercially prepared shredded
aspen, cypress, or fir bark. The bark should be monitored closely and all
soiled and wet portions pulled out to prevent bacteria and fungus growths.
Every once in awhile a thorough cleaning should be done with bleach water
at a ratio of about 2tbs. to 1 gallon of water.


REMEMBER: THE EASIER IT IS TO CLEAN THE FASTER YOU'LL DO IT!