Boa - Colombian

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Alternative Name

Boa Constrictor, Columbian Boa Constrictor, Common Boa Constrictor Scientific Name: Boa constrictor imperator

Basic Info

The Colombian Boa is a primitive snake that closely resembles its lizard ancestors anatomically. The Colombian Boa is often called a Red-tail Boa because of the reddish brown markings on its tail, but in actuality the Red-tail Boas are a different variety of Boa Constrictor. A true Red Tailed Boa is generally much more expensive than the Colombian Boa. The Colombian Boa can be shades of grey or tan and has 15 to 20 dark reddish-brown or brown irregular rectangular bands on its back (often referred to as saddles) and a maroon or brownish tail. Though there have been reports of specimens 15 or more feet long, these are unreliable and such a size is unlikely. Their maximum size is about 10 feet, and adults average about 7 feet in length. Females are generally considerably larger than males. Females will often ultimately reach about 8 feet, and males about 6 feet, but females usually have a much larger girth.

Health

Because Colombian boas can get quite large, they are not suitable pets for children, and they can be difficult and costly to house and feed as adults. Even the most handleable Boas can behave aggressively without warning or provocation, and one should always use caution when approaching or handling large Boa Constrictors. In captivity, Colombian Boas should be provided both climbing area and plenty of ground space. Younger, smaller boas tend to climb more than their larger counterparts, but some individuals continue to climb regularly, even as very large adults. Branches need to be sturdy and arranged in such a way that the boa cannot get stuck between branches. For large specimens, it is often more practical to make an elevated perch for them to bask on, than to furnish the cage with a branch capable of supporting them. A 6' high by 5' long by 3' deep enclosure is the minimum size recommended for a large adult. Indoor/outdoor carpeting, astro turf, newspaper, and aspen bedding are all suitable substrates; however, particularly for large snakes and enclosures, using aspen bedding or newspaper will make cage cleaning much simpler. Most Colombian Boas will soak frequently, particularly when they are preparing to shed or defecate, which soaking helps them to do. Because of this, they will need a large water bowl that they cannot easily tip, and it will most likely need to be cleaned fairly often. Keep their ambient day temperature about 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a basking spot in the low 90s, and the humidity moderate to high. During the night, you should drop the temperature to between 70 and 75 degrees. Breeding In the wild, breeding generally occurs during the rainy season. In captivity sexual maturity can be reached at three years of age, but older, larger females are generally much better breeders. Only females with good body weight should be bred. The gestation lasts four to ten months. The Colombian Boa is a livebearer, bearing up to 60 young at one time. The young are anywhere from 14 to 24 inches long and weigh two to three ounces. The young generally do not eat until after their first shed, which is approximately one week after birth. If you do intend to breed your Colombian Boas it is recommended that you feed additional food to both the males and females prior to breeding so as to increase body weight. Skinny snakes should not be bred.

Habitat

Living in hollow logs, and mammal burrows

Behavior

The Colombian Boa, also known as the Boa Constrictor, Colombian Boa Constrictor, Common Boa Constrictor, or Colombian Redtail, is a common pet store boa. They are regularly kept by hobbyists worldwide. Though they are most commonly labeled as Colombian Red-tails, this name is incorrect and misleading, as they are not true "Redtail" boas. The Colombian Boa is relatively non-aggressive and is usually quite easy to handle. In some parts of the world they are kept as pets to control rodent populations. Wild Colombian Boas are largely terrestrial snakes, though they also have arboreal tendencies. They are often found living in hollow logs, and mammal burrows. The Colombian Boa is not venomous, rather it suffocates its prey with its powerful body by constriction, hence the name. Their jaws can disjoint, which enables it to swallow animals with bodies much larger in diameter than its head.

Origin

South America

History

Colombian Boa Constrictors are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. The Boa's numbers have been lowered because they have been hunted for leather and meat. Captive breeding is doing much to ensure their survival.

Common Foods

In the wild, their diet includes prey such as rodents, birds, iguanas, and monkeys.