Boa - colombian Rainbow

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Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Scientific Name: Epicrates cenchria maurus

Basic Info

Colombian Rainbow Boas are smaller than most Rainbow Boas, typically growing to a length of about 4 or 5 feet, though some may grow as large as 7 feet. Due to the unusual texture of their scales, Rainbow Boas shimmer with iridescence in daylight, a phenomenon that gave these Boas their colorful name. Colombian Rainbow Boas generally have a light brown or tan base color on which a faint pattern of circles and spots may be seen. These patterns are darker in younger snakes and fade with age. Colombian Rainbow Boas live about 25 years in captivity.

Health

Though easier to care for than some Rainbow Boas, the Colombian Rainbow Boa can be easily stressed and sensitive to improper environmental conditions, so is not recommended for beginning snake keepers. Native to South American tropical forest regions, the Colombian Rainbow Boa requires a humid environment. Provide a 60 to 80 percent humidity and an ambient daytime cage temperature about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a warmer area about 85 degrees. At night the temperature should be lowered to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Colombian Rainbow Boa should also be provided with hide boxes and branches for climbing. Breeding The Colombian Rainbow Boa becomes sexually mature when it reaches about two and half to four years of age. Breeding requires lots of energy and should only be attempted with healthy snakes, which have a substantial weight. The breeding season occurs between October and April, though much of the breeding will take place in the autumn months. Colombian Rainbow Boas are best encouraged to breed when one female is allowed to interact with many males, and the temperature should be dropped down to about 70 degrees at night and the lower 80's in the day time. Reducing the amount of daylight to the animal and misting it occasionally have also been known to encourage breeding; eight hours of daylight should suffice. Before giving birth, the snake may become restless for a day or so. Colombian Rainbow Boas give birth to live young, usually ten to 30, after a gestation period of 115 to 135 days on average. If possible, live young should be removed immediately from the mother, as in eating her stillborn young, a live Boa may be mistakenly consumed.

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Colombian Rainbow Boa is one of the subspecies of Rainbow Boas that is a bit easier to care for than its relatives. A truly lovely animal, the Colombian Rainbow Boa is an interesting pet, which will greatly reward its owner if given proper care. Colombian Rainbow Boas are a bit more rare in the United States than the other subspecies of Rainbow Boa, though they are more placid and less demanding in care than the other Rainbow Boas. These snakes are nocturnal and can climb trees.As with most young Rainbow Boas, Colombian Rainbow babies may be hyper or nervous. With calm and patient handling though, they will calm considerably. In fact, Colombian Rainbow Boas are among the most placid Rainbow Boas.

Origin

South America

History

In the wild, Colombian Rainbow Boas are by no means common. Native to Northern South America, they were heavily exported for the pet trade from the wild, and deforestation of their habitat has also reduced their numbers.

Common Foods

In the wild, these Rainbow Boas eat birds, lizards, and small mammals.