The Brazilian Rainbow Boa - Care and Husbandry
The Brazilian Rainbow Boa is without doubt one of the most uniquely beautiful of all snakes.
The common name of "Rainbow Boa" comes from the iridescent sheen and coloration from the dorsal and lateral scales when viewed in sunlight.
This is caused by tiny scale ridges which refract the light.
They are a nocturnal and mostly terrestrial species from the rainforests of Brazil.
They are usually found near rivers and swamps, and require a similarly humid environment to thrive in captivity.
They have a reputation for being difficult to care for, although this is often exaggerated.
They are sometimes difficult to handle and prone to biting, especially when young, but many specimens do calm down with regular handling and, if their specific environmental needs are met, they can be maintained well.
Being relatively small and slender compared to many boas, the Brazilian Boa can reach lengths of 7 feet, but 5 - 6 feet is more common and they typically weigh less than 10 pounds.
The males tend to be a little shorter and less muscular than the females.
Females give birth to live young which are entirely self sufficient from birth.
In captivity Brazilian Boas are best kept individually in vivariums measuring 48" x 24" x 24".
They require a good thermal gradient in order to regulate their body temperature.
Heat should be provided by a properly guarded and thermostatically controlled heat source such as a ceramic bulb.
The thermostat should be set to produce an ambient daytime temperature in the high 80s F, dropping to the mid 70s at night.
No UV lighting is required, but a low intensity light can be installed for viewing so long as care is taken so that it doesn't affect the temperatures.
The humidity of the enclosure is especially important for these boas.
Coming from a natural habitat of rainforest, a relative humidity of 75 - 80% is essential.
If humidity drops below 50% severe health problems and even death can result.
Humidity can be maintained by daily misting.
Additionally a damp hide and deep water bowl, large enough for the boa to soak in, should be provided at all times.
A substrate of newspaper, or paper towels, will make it simple to clean the enclosure.
If you struggle to maintain a high humidity try replacing the substrate with sphagnum moss which will retain moisture.
While Brazilian Boas are mostly terrestrial they can and do climb.
Providing sturdy branches, properly secured to prevent them from being dislodged, will enable your boa to make best use of the enclosure's height.
Multiple hides should also be available since these boas are quite seclusive.
Most keepers find that their Brazilian Rainbow Boas will take frozen and defrosted rodents readily.
They are prone to obesity so care should be taken not to over feed.
A single rodent of a suitable size, no larger than the girth of the snake, should be offered fortnightly for adults, and weekly for juveniles.
So long as this care regime is strictly adhered to most owners will have no problems with husbandry of this species.
A magical snake, the BrazilianBoa is a pleasure to keep and a magnificent addition to any collection.
The common name of "Rainbow Boa" comes from the iridescent sheen and coloration from the dorsal and lateral scales when viewed in sunlight.
This is caused by tiny scale ridges which refract the light.
They are a nocturnal and mostly terrestrial species from the rainforests of Brazil.
They are usually found near rivers and swamps, and require a similarly humid environment to thrive in captivity.
They have a reputation for being difficult to care for, although this is often exaggerated.
They are sometimes difficult to handle and prone to biting, especially when young, but many specimens do calm down with regular handling and, if their specific environmental needs are met, they can be maintained well.
Being relatively small and slender compared to many boas, the Brazilian Boa can reach lengths of 7 feet, but 5 - 6 feet is more common and they typically weigh less than 10 pounds.
The males tend to be a little shorter and less muscular than the females.
Females give birth to live young which are entirely self sufficient from birth.
In captivity Brazilian Boas are best kept individually in vivariums measuring 48" x 24" x 24".
They require a good thermal gradient in order to regulate their body temperature.
Heat should be provided by a properly guarded and thermostatically controlled heat source such as a ceramic bulb.
The thermostat should be set to produce an ambient daytime temperature in the high 80s F, dropping to the mid 70s at night.
No UV lighting is required, but a low intensity light can be installed for viewing so long as care is taken so that it doesn't affect the temperatures.
The humidity of the enclosure is especially important for these boas.
Coming from a natural habitat of rainforest, a relative humidity of 75 - 80% is essential.
If humidity drops below 50% severe health problems and even death can result.
Humidity can be maintained by daily misting.
Additionally a damp hide and deep water bowl, large enough for the boa to soak in, should be provided at all times.
A substrate of newspaper, or paper towels, will make it simple to clean the enclosure.
If you struggle to maintain a high humidity try replacing the substrate with sphagnum moss which will retain moisture.
While Brazilian Boas are mostly terrestrial they can and do climb.
Providing sturdy branches, properly secured to prevent them from being dislodged, will enable your boa to make best use of the enclosure's height.
Multiple hides should also be available since these boas are quite seclusive.
Most keepers find that their Brazilian Rainbow Boas will take frozen and defrosted rodents readily.
They are prone to obesity so care should be taken not to over feed.
A single rodent of a suitable size, no larger than the girth of the snake, should be offered fortnightly for adults, and weekly for juveniles.
So long as this care regime is strictly adhered to most owners will have no problems with husbandry of this species.
A magical snake, the BrazilianBoa is a pleasure to keep and a magnificent addition to any collection.
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