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Kenyan Sand Boa

A small, burrowing snake that’s easy to house and usually feeds well. Expect more ‘peek-a-boo’ than constant display due to its sand-burrowing habits.

scientificName
Eryx colubrinus
careLevel
Beginner
adultSize
45 to 75 cm
enclosure
75L (20 gal) with deep, dry substrate
temperature
24 to 32C
humidity
30 to 40%
diet
Frozen/thawed rodents
lifespan
15 to 25 years
handling
Usually tolerant with calm handling
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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