A guide to keeping boa constrictors as pets. Covers habitat setup, temperature and humidity control, what to feed them, and safety tips for handling these snakes.
Hello and welcome to this new video from Animal Expert. Today we're going to talk about caring for a boa constrictor. In order to properly care for a boa constrictor, it's important to take into account the specific subspecies to which it belongs. In general, we know that boas grow from approximately 30 centimeters at birth to a much larger size of between 1 and 4 meters in length. As adults, they are solitary and crepuscular animals, as well as semi arboreal and excellent swimmers. They can live between 20 and 40 years in captivity. We'll start by choosing a good terrarium. We should look for one that is taller than it is wide. This way we can add a branch and a shelter that allows our snake to climb and hide as it would in the wild. If you can't find a suitable terrarium, you can also use an aquarium. The size of the terrarium varies depending on the age of the boa constrictor. Hatchlings measuring between 30 and 40 centimeters will fit into a terrarium measuring 60 by 50 by 30 centimeters. Young ones, up to 15 centimeters in length, will need a larger terrarium measuring 150 by 90 by 70 centimeters. Finally, adults should have a terrarium measuring at least 300 x 100 by 70 centimeters. Remember that the larger the size, the better their quality of life will be. In order for the boa to feel comfortable in its new terrarium, it must be acclimated according to its needs. It is highly recommended to use a thermo micrometer device that will allow us to know the level of these factors at all times. The temperature of the terrarium should be between 24 and 26. To reach this temperature, we can use a heat spot, but there are also other devices such as thermal plates, panels or ceramic lamps. Humidity of the terrarium is a very important factor and should be around 50 to 60%. However, during molting seasons, it will be necessary to increase the humidity to 70% or 75%. Just as in the case of having a baby, it is very important that your snake is within these parameters. Inappropriate temperatures can cause health problems such as regurgitation and even death. Once the terrarium is acclimated, we can add the different elements to the boas terrarium. Find a substrate that covers the base of the aquarium terrarium. The most recommended is hemp. Get a hiding place so that it can take refuge during the day. We can use a thick branch with a hole, an artificial cave or even a cardboard box. It would also be interesting to add some tall and thick branches so that the boa can climb and rest whenever it wants. It is very important to follow a cleaning routine for the terrarium to prevent the appearance of fungi and parasites. Remove dirty areas every time the snake urinates and defecates and completely change the substrate once a month. To clean, you can use bleach diluted with water at a ratio of 10% chlorine to 90% water. Your snake should always have plenty of fresh water available. Also, if it has a container large enough to bathe in, all the better. Always use bottled water. The diet of the boa constrictor in captivity is based on small rodents or lagomorphs. We can use mice, guinea pigs, rats or rabbits. Generally, it is enough to offer it one rodent per week. But remember, the appropriate size of the prey must be chosen in relation to the size of the snake. For example, a baby snake should be given newborn rodents, while an adult will be given adult specimens. The ideal time to offer them is at dusk. Remember, you should not leave the snake and its prey without super, since if it is not hungry, it could probably attack. If this option is not for you, you can always offer it frozen animals which you can heat in the microwave. Finally, we offer you some basic advice. If you notice that your boa constrictor is sick, see a vet as soon as possible. Be careful when handling it and always get help from another person. Do not leave the boa constrictor within reach of small children or pets. Thank you very much for watching this video. If you enjoyed it, give it a like, share it with whoever you want and don't forget to subscribe to our channel to learn more about the animal kingdom. See you in the next video. Until next time, experts. Mhm.
