Description:

Common boas are a large heavily bodied constrictor growing to a lengths of between 5 and 9 feet depending on gender, newborn boas are around 12 inches long. The colour of common boas can be quite variable, they can have a base colour ranging from sandy through to dark brown ranging from sandy through to dark brown with darker brown hourglass shapes going down the back. The last quarter of the body the brown base will change to a mahogany red.

Distribution:

Common boas inhabit the forests and rain- forests of Central America as far north as Mexico stretching south to the northern regions of Ecuador and Colombia. Sub-species will range across South America as far south as Argentina.

Feeding:

As babies common boas should be fed weekly on defrosted fuzzy mice or rat pups, as the snake grows the food size should be increased until the snake is taking adult rats. Larger specimens have been known to feed on small rabbits. Adult common boas can be fed once every two weeks as they can become overweight if fed weekly.

Water:

A water bowl must be available at all times for not only drinking but also bathing; the water must be changed every day.

Vivarium:

From a few months old a 36 x 18 x18 wooden vivarium with sliding glass doors is sufficient. As the boa grows the vivarium size should be increased, the minimum size for an adult is 48x24x24. Boas will climb given the opportunity so the higher the vivarium the better. Neonate boas are best kept in small, well ventilated plastic containers until they are feeding on a regular basis. WARNING: Common boas, especially hatchlings, are very good at escaping even through holes and gaps you would not have thought possible.

Heating:

Common boas require a day-time temperature of 86F, can have a basking area up to 90F and do not really require a drop in temperature at night. The best form of heating a common boa vivarium is to use a thermostatically controlled ceramic heat bulb at one end of the vivarium so as to create warm and cool ends. It is not advisable to use heat mats with boas as they will not create the air temperature required, if a spot bulb is used to create a basking area then it must be turned off for at least 10 hours a night so the snake has a day/night photo period. WARNING: All ceramic bulbs and spot bulbs must be guarded with fine enough mesh so the snake cannot get through.

Lighting:

No specialist lighting is required for common boas although a viewing strip light or spot bulb can be use. Any lights used need to be turned off for at least 10 hours every night to give the snake a day/night photo period. If lights are left on for 24 hours a day it can stress the snake and it may show signs of aggression.

Substrate:

Beech chip is a suitable substrate as it is dust and mite free, also aspen bedding, hemp bedding and coconut bark are adequate substrates. WARNING: Do not use any damp or wet substrates as these can harbour mites and cause scale rot.

Décor:

The only décor essential to a Brazilian is some form of hide, weather it be a box, piece of wood or cork bark make sure there are no sharp edges or points that the snake can damage itself on. Branches securely positioned in the vivarium will give the snake the option of climbing and give it the chance to exercise. Any branches used have to be strong enough to support the snake. Common boas are deceptively strong and can easily dislodge or break branches.

Potential Problems:

Common boas are relatively easy to keep as long as the vivarium is set up properly. Common boas can be susceptible to respiratory problems if not kept warm enough and this may require veterinary treatment to solve. Common boas are a large and potentially intimidating snake so when purchasing a baby boa be aware of the size they grow and vivarium size they require.