![]() If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 84.A complete self cleaning, self maintaining BioDude bioactive vivarium kit for Brazilian Rainbow Boas. MerirtensĪn educational handout concerning reptiles and Salmonella is available through the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. The New Encyclopedia of Snakes, Christopher Mattison The Art of Keeping Snakes, Philippe De Vosjoli Adults are fed small to large rats every 14-21 days to maintain a healthy weight. Young snakes are generally fed mice to small young rats every 7-10 days. Chicago Exotics recommends feeding properly thawed frozen rodents. It is highly recommended to feed only pre-killed prey as live prey can severely injure or kill a snake. In captivity however, most are fed mice and small rats although the largest of them have been known to eat large rats. In the wild, these snakes feed primarily on birds, lizards, and rodents. All snakes can absorb the calcium from their whole prey for their own use but a UVB bulb still offers some health benefits as well as promotion of natural behaviors from the UVA being emitted. However, it is recommended that a 5.0 ReptiSun UVB bulb be offered during the day light portion of the light cycle. Rainbow boas are nocturnal by nature and do not require intense lighting despite their desert habitats. Also, adjusting the cage furnishings once in a while is recommended for enrichment as well. The addition of hay or dried leaves offers new scents for the snake to explore. Branches for climbing are encouraged and necessary for this species and are wonderful for enrichment. Hides can be as simple as a half a flower pot, half log, or as complicated as a rock structure (make sure it’s well anchored). Prolonged periods of low humidity (under 50%) results in death.Ĭage accessories should consist of at least one hide box in the enclosure. Humidity should be maintained at 70-80% to keep this species healthy as they do poorly in low humidity. Under tank heaters, heat cable (outside the enclosure not in the enclosure), heat tape, and ceramic heat emitters can all be utilized to maintain air temperature. One thermometer should be placed on the warm end an inch above the substrate and the other an inch above the substrate on the cool end of the enclosure. These temperatures should be maintained with a thermostat and monitored with two thermometers ideally. Any higher than 90F° and these snakes develop serious health issues and can die. The temperatures should range from 72 to 80F° with a basking spot maintained at 85F°. The ambient temperature in the enclosure is more consistent with what people believe to be a temperate snake than a tropical snake. Never use pine or cedar shavings as the aromatic oils are irritating to snakes. Aspen and Care Fresh can also be used as long as the aspen is agitated daily and bedding is changed weekly. Rainbow boas can be housed on newspaper, butcher paper, paper towel, or reptile carpet for ease of cleaning. Ventilation can be added to plastic enclosures via a soldering iron or a drill. Hatchlings and very young snakes tend to do better in smaller areas such as 10 gallon tanks or plastic shoe/sweater boxes with appropriate ventilation. Custom enclosures are encouraged and should be at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet high. Adults can also be kept in a minimum 50 gallon tank but larger is always better with these snakes. Vision cages are the best for monitoring, humidity support, and ample room for maneuvering. Adults can be housed in Neodesha, large plastic containers, and vision cages. These semi-arboreal snakes require vertical space in the cages as well as large amounts of floor space to suit their active lifestyles. There are many different ways to keep Rainbow boas, as with any snake. Probing is an excellent way to determine gender but should be done by a confident snake keeper or veterinarian as damage to the snake can occur. Generally, these snakes are found in the forests, grass lands, and swamps of this region both in the trees and on the ground.įemales are generally longer than the males. Rainbows are found throughout Costa Rica down through central South America. An excellent boa for those who want the length of a big snake without the overwhelming girth. This slender bodied snake is generally a maroon or light red color with brightly colored patterns surrounded by dark borders. There are 9 different subspecies of this snake known today. Rainbows typically grow between 3.5 and 6 feet in length and live 20-25 years with good husbandry. The iridescent sheen given off during the day light hours is breath taking on these nocturnal snakes. Perhaps one of the most stunning snakes in the reptile hobby.
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