Use of live plants in a cage with baby boas can help raise humidity within the cage, although adults will often crush live plants. Pieces of cork bark, half-logs, and large pieces of grapewood are all acceptable. More important, though, are hiding areas on both the warm and cool regions of the enclosure. Additionally, clumps of sphagnum moss are recommended as they not only add to the naturalistic feel of the enclosure but serve as a great source of added humidity when misted regularly.īaby rainbow boas will climb occasionally if given the opportunity, so small, branchy sticks are often a welcome cage addition. Highly recommended are cypress mulch, orchid bark, and pulverized coconut husk products such as plantation soil. The bedding of choice for keeping rainbow boas should be one that retains moisture and promotes humidity within the enclosure. The use of a full spectrum fluorescent bulb will work well for display lighting, as the animals will not only benefit from a regular photoperiod, but the balanced light will display their colors as a dazzling rainbow. Supplemental lighting is not required for this species, but as such a beautiful animal, many keepers want to view their snakes during the day. In solid enclosures such as vision cages, use of radiant heat panels can be a safe alternative to bare bulbs within the cage. In these cases the supplemental use of red bulbs, standard basking bulbs, or ceramic heat emitters will be necessary to maintain proper temperatures. Unfortunately, during most of the year in most climates, heat pads alone will not suffice. Heat pads should be used whenever possible, as they provide heat without the drying side effects of high wattage heat bulbs. Babies should be kept warm 24 hours a day, but adults can tolerate cooler nighttime temperatures. Rainbow boas inhabit the tropics and as such should be kept between 85 and 90 degrees during the day and between 75 and 80 at night. While all glass terrariums with secure screen lids work, molded plastic enclosures such as those produced by Vision Herpetoculture will aid in maintaining the high humidity levels required for this species. Pairs or exceptionally large individuals should be provided with more space. A single adult will thrive in an enclosure measuring 4 long by 2 feet deep. Larger animals will of course require more space. Housingīaby boas up to 2 feet in length can be housed in standard 10 to 20 gallon terrariums. Brazilian rainbow boas have been reported to live nearly half a century in captivity, although this would certainly be an exception rather than the norm. Average adult size is between 5 and 6 feet with larger and smaller individuals being the exception.Īs with all boas, rainbows are long lived, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live in excess of 25 years. Adult size can range from just over 4 feet to monstrous specimens measuring nearly 7 feet. Snakes - A comprehensive introduction Size and Longevity While different in appearance, and in some cases species, the care of these other rainbow boas is the same as that outlined here. In addition to the Brazilian form, rainbow boas from Colombia, Argentina, and Guyana are sometimes offered for sale. Although mostly terrestrial, they have been found in trees, and in captivity some will climb if given the opportunity. These snakes are indigenous to the lush forests of Brazil and bordering countries. Additionally, rainbow boas get their common name as a result of the spectacular iridescence they display when viewed in good light. They typically have a red to maroon background color with black-bordered "crescents" which are often a bright orange. Although opinions will vary, this species is in fact quite attractive.
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