Boa - Kenyan Sand

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Egyptian Sand Boa, East African Sand Boa Scientific Name: Eryx colubrinus loveridgei

Basic Info

Male Sand Boas will grow to a length of about 15 to 18 inches and weigh as much as 70 to 100 grams. They reach maturity at about 2 years, and after this point, most will eat very little. Females will grow to a length of about 24 to 36 inches and weigh in between 400 and 900 grams. In the wild, they will live into their teen years. Sand Boa colors vary from orange to yellow with chocolate-brown or black splotches with white or cream colored bellies.

Health

For housing, a 20-gallon-long terrarium will work well for one or two adult Sands. Keep the daytime temperature 80 - 85 degrees and provide a basking spot of 90-95 degrees. Provide about 2 or 3 inches of loose substrate, such as sand or aspen bedding. These snakes do not like to soak like most others do, so the water dish does not have to be very large, but it does need to be heavy because they will burrow under and around it and easily tip a light bowl. The enclosure should be well ventilated so humidity is kept to a minimum. Breeding The Kenyan Sand Boa produces live young. Their litters generally consist of anywhere from 4 to 12 young. Gestation takes approximately four months. Gravid females will frequently stay at the warmer part of the enclosure and may eat less frequently.

Habitat

Found in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Chad, Niger, Yemen, Tanzania, and Somalia

Behavior

The Kenyan Sand Boa is a desert-dweller and in areas with loose substrate, it will spend almost its entire life buried. It will also hide under stones and in burrows. It is important to mimic this in their captive habitats. They avoid the midday heat and come out in the early morning and evening to search for food. When handling them, be sure to support them well, particularly the females. They are not good climbers and will fall if placed on tables or furniture.

Origin

Africa

History

Sand Boas are a mostly Asiatic group of small boas. Also known as the East African Boa, the Kenyan Sand Boa is commonly found in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Chad, Niger, Yemen, Tanzania, and Somalia. In the wild, they are primarily nocturnal, but may occasionally move during the afternoon and will live in arid areas.

Common Foods

N/A