Geographical Region

Found in the rainforests of South America, Surinam, Guyana and Colombia

Habitat

Warm semi-humid rainforests. At home on the floor disguised by leaf litter, as well as on branches in the lower canopy.

Colour

Sandy/grey background with darker irregular patterning, bright red tail develops with age.

Size

Can reach 13 – 14-feet, usually measure between 7 – 10-feet.

Captive Environment

Due to their huge size a very large enclosure will be needed for them. 72 x 36 x 36 should be considered as this will allow the snake/s ample room to move around. Extra shelving can be put into the enclosure to create more floor area. A large water tray should be included as these snakes do sometimes like to bathe in water. A moist substrate such as orchid bark should be used as this replicates their natural environment. This can be sprayed twice weekly.

Heating/lighting requirements

A basking area of 90°F should be given with a general ambient of 84 - 86°F, night time temperature should not drop below 70°F. A ceramic heater on a thermostat should be considered for heating an enclosure of this size. Always remember to cage any light/heat source as boa’s are inquisitive and will coil around them and probably burn themselves.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 11 hours light – 13 hours dark.

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark.

Feeding

Hatchlings are currently feeding on fluff mice, one every 7 days

Adults feed on a diet of adult rats or small/medium rabbits, ever 21 days or so.

Sexing

Males have a longer, more slender tail that tapers gradually from a wide base.

Females have a shorter tail that tapers more abrupt from a thinner base.

Shedding

Snakes periodically shed their skin, their colouration tends to become dull and they usually go off their food during this time, and their eyesight is poor. Keep handling to a minimum during this time.