Boa Constrictor
A powerful, long-lived snake that can become a calm companion, but only with serious space, handling experience, and long-term commitment.
scientificName
Boa constrictor
careLevel
Advanced
adultSize
180 to 300 cm
enclosure
Large adult enclosure (often 180 cm+ long)
temperature
25 to 31C
humidity
55 to 70%
diet
Frozen/thawed rodents
lifespan
25 to 35 years
handling
Requires confident handling and safe protocols
lighting
No UVB required for most; day/night light cycle helps
weeklyMaintenance
Spot-clean as needed; full clean monthly or as needed
Best for
- People who want a quiet, low-odor pet with simple routines
- Owners comfortable with frozen/thawed rodent feeding
- Homes that can keep enclosure temperatures stable
- Keepers who enjoy observation and calm handling
Not ideal for
- Anyone uncomfortable with rodent feeding
- Homes with frequent temperature swings
- People who want a pet that seeks attention
- Impulse buyers without space for an adult-size enclosure
Temperament
- Typically calm with regular, gentle handling
- Prefers secure hides and predictable routines
- Can become defensive if stressed or overheated
Daily routine
feeding: Feed on a schedule appropriate for age and body condition; avoid overfeeding.
heatLighting: Check warm and cool zones; use a thermostat for safety.
check: Confirm sheds are complete and water is clean; watch for wheezing or mouth issues.
handling: Handle between meals; avoid handling right after feeding.
Living fit
smallHome: Good fit for small to medium species; large boas and pythons need significant space.
kids: Better for older kids with calm supervision and hygiene habits.
firstTimeOwner: Corn snakes and sand boas are good starts; ball pythons can be intermediate.
Health notes
- Incomplete sheds usually point to humidity or hydration issues.
- Respiratory issues are often linked to low temps or damp, dirty substrates.
- Weight creep is common; adjust feeding schedule and prey size.
Cost and time
time: Low to moderate once set up; feeding is infrequent but monitoring is daily.
cost: Moderate; larger species can be high-cost due to enclosure size.
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