Sunday, December 2, 2007
Boa Constrictors can reach lengths of up to twelve feet, and weight about 20 pounds, depending on whether or not they are male or female.
Females are the larger of the two animals, with the largest one ever recorded in captivity reaching nearly 15 feet in length.
Boas have beautiful coloration and markings that are reminiscent of saddles of horses. They are red brown, or rust color, although the lighter background can go from white, pink or even grey or brown.
Boa constrictors are one of the few snakes which do not lay eggs, but instead give birth to live young, and can have anywhere from ten to fifty at one time.
During mating the male boa will hold the female with a small set of what are called spurs that are hidden beneath the scales. These are the remnants of the legs that are discussed earlier.
Boas gestation is about 100 days. Female boas will shed immediately after ovulation, and the count begins from then.
Boas are actually well adaptable to being captive, and will become very easily handled and even friendly when kept as pets, although they are not recommended as such.
Many are part of children’s zoos when they are smaller, teaching children to be less fearful of snakes in general.Boas will live extended periods of time, generally 30 years but some for as long as forty years when kept as pets, which makes them an extremely long term commitment for a pet owner.
Females are the larger of the two animals, with the largest one ever recorded in captivity reaching nearly 15 feet in length.
Boas have beautiful coloration and markings that are reminiscent of saddles of horses. They are red brown, or rust color, although the lighter background can go from white, pink or even grey or brown.
Boa constrictors are one of the few snakes which do not lay eggs, but instead give birth to live young, and can have anywhere from ten to fifty at one time.
During mating the male boa will hold the female with a small set of what are called spurs that are hidden beneath the scales. These are the remnants of the legs that are discussed earlier.
Boas gestation is about 100 days. Female boas will shed immediately after ovulation, and the count begins from then.
Boas are actually well adaptable to being captive, and will become very easily handled and even friendly when kept as pets, although they are not recommended as such.
Many are part of children’s zoos when they are smaller, teaching children to be less fearful of snakes in general.Boas will live extended periods of time, generally 30 years but some for as long as forty years when kept as pets, which makes them an extremely long term commitment for a pet owner.
Introduction to the Boa Constrictor
There are several subspecies of boa constrictor (species name boa constrictor) that are found in the pet trade. Red tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) are commonly found in the pet trade, and Boa constrictor imperator can be found as well, among other less common subspecies. The care for all the species is fairly similar.
Before committing to ownership of a boa constrictor, be sure you will be able to handle the size and strength of a full grown snake for the 25-30 years your snake might live. A full grown boa constrictor (red tailed) will reach 8-10 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds. These are very muscular and thick bodied snake. While generally quite docile in temperament, it is important to respect the inherent strength of these animals and that could inflict serious injury to a person.
As a general rule, for a constricting snake over 6-8 feet it is a good idea to have a second person present while handling the snake, just in case assistance is required. Keep in mind also that large, secure housing is required for these snakes, and as adults need large prey such as large rats or even rabbits.
As with other reptiles, owners should choose a captive bred specimen. Captive bred reptiles are generally more healthy and docile than wild caught counterparts. All boa constrictors fall under CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species) and are listed in CITES Appendix II (threatened in their native habitat). Additionally, Boa constrictor occidentalis is on CITIES Appendix I - endangered - and requires permits to buy and sell. Fortunately boa constrictors breed fairly readily in captivity.
When choosing a boa constrictor, look for the following signs of a healthy snake:
alert
firm, muscular body
no loose fold of skin
tongue flicking
clear eyes
no signs of retained shed (check eyes, end of tail)
no visible external parasites
clean vent
scales healthy, no brown or curled edges
no wounds on skin
reacts to handling by coiling firmly (but gently) on hand/arm, and relaxing a bit after a while
There are several subspecies of boa constrictor (species name boa constrictor) that are found in the pet trade. Red tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) are commonly found in the pet trade, and Boa constrictor imperator can be found as well, among other less common subspecies. The care for all the species is fairly similar.
Before committing to ownership of a boa constrictor, be sure you will be able to handle the size and strength of a full grown snake for the 25-30 years your snake might live. A full grown boa constrictor (red tailed) will reach 8-10 feet long and weigh up to 50 pounds. These are very muscular and thick bodied snake. While generally quite docile in temperament, it is important to respect the inherent strength of these animals and that could inflict serious injury to a person.
As a general rule, for a constricting snake over 6-8 feet it is a good idea to have a second person present while handling the snake, just in case assistance is required. Keep in mind also that large, secure housing is required for these snakes, and as adults need large prey such as large rats or even rabbits.
As with other reptiles, owners should choose a captive bred specimen. Captive bred reptiles are generally more healthy and docile than wild caught counterparts. All boa constrictors fall under CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species) and are listed in CITES Appendix II (threatened in their native habitat). Additionally, Boa constrictor occidentalis is on CITIES Appendix I - endangered - and requires permits to buy and sell. Fortunately boa constrictors breed fairly readily in captivity.
When choosing a boa constrictor, look for the following signs of a healthy snake:
alert
firm, muscular body
no loose fold of skin
tongue flicking
clear eyes
no signs of retained shed (check eyes, end of tail)
no visible external parasites
clean vent
scales healthy, no brown or curled edges
no wounds on skin
reacts to handling by coiling firmly (but gently) on hand/arm, and relaxing a bit after a while
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