Red-tailed Boa (Boa constrictor constrictor)

Red-tailed Boa Boa constrictor constrictor
Name	Red-tailed Boa
Name Lat.	Boa constrictor constrictor
Family	Boas
Family lat.	Boidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	South America
Habitat	Humid savanna
Diet	Small mammals
Humidity	60-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Ovoviviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	2-3 m
Temperature	28-30 °C
Temperature Local	30-33 °C
Housing Size	200 x 100 x 180 cm
US Units
Size	78"-118"
Temperature	82-86 °F
Temperature Local	86-91 °F
Housing Size	80" x 40" x 70"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular and nocturnal red-tailed boas are common in northern South America, where they live in areas of dense scrub near bodies of water.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

1-2 animals

0,75KL x 0,5KL x 0,75KL (L x W x H)

Body length (KL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space should be increased by 20%. A terrarium of e.g. L 200 x W 100 x H 180 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with large roots, horizontal climbing branches, branch forks, bamboo sticks and stones (hiding places and visual protection) with a moisture-retaining substrate, e.g. of peat-soil mixture with foliage, as well as a large, easy-to-clean water basin as a drinking and bathing possibility. Half of the substrate should always be kept slightly moist. Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better

Temp. day: 28-30 °C

Temp. night: 22-25 °C

Temp. local: up to 33 °C

Humidity: 60-90

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal.

Diet

According to their size, they feed on mice, rats, guinea pigs and other rodents, as well as chicks and chickens. After acclimation, they often succeed in switching to dead food animals. Juveniles should be offered food every 8-10 days and adults every 14-20 days, with occasional periods of fasting (e.g., skipping a feeding). If the snake is disturbed after feeding, this may result in vomiting of the prey. Generally, it is better to offer several small feeders, rather than one very large one. If it does not eat for a long period of time, both the timing and the food should be varied. It is important to enrich the food animals with vitamins and minerals. Since the snake could be injured by live rodents, it should not be left unattended with them.

Reproduction and breeding

Probing by the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. They are viviparous (ovoviviparous). The gestation period is 4-6 months, the fully developed 30-65 young are 25-60 cm long and can be fed young mice.

Life expectancy can be 15-20 years.

Species protection

They are exempt from the obligation to notify (Federal Species Protection Ordinance (BArtSchV) Appendix 5 to § 7 para. 2). It is essential to find out about any bans on keeping or permits for keeping dangerous animals in your state or municipality (e.g. public order office). Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Protection of species: WA appendix II; EU appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!

Important

It is offered in different breeding variants (color and pattern). The Boa constrictor subspecies imperator, constrictor and nebulosa bastardize among themselves. If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection. For the resting period, shorten the lighting time by 2-4 hours and lower the temperature by 3-4 °C for 1-2 months. Always have snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water ready when handling.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten -  Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF