Columbian Boa Care Sheet - Keeping Columbian Boas in Captivity

Scientific name: Boa Constrictor Imperator

The boa constrictor imperator is commonly known as the Common Boa, or Columbian Boa. The Boa Constrictor Imperator appears in literature with many different names, among which are: Sonoran boa, Hog Island boa, Central American Boa depending on geographic location, however it should not be confused with the popular Boa Constrictor Constrictor, or Red Tailed Boa, which is a separate sub-species.

Pattern: The Columbian boa is similar in appearance to the Red Tailed Boa constrictor. Most of the common boas have a reddish tail (though less vibrant than the true Red Tailed Boas), with the rest of the body a light brown with darker saddles.

Size: The Common Boa, or Columbian boa, while certainly a large snake, is relatively small for a boa constrictor. Its distinctive characteristic is the striking difference in size between the neck and the head; the body is compressed while the tail is very long. The adult Columbian boa weighs approximately 45 pounds and the female ones - which are by default bigger and stronger - weigh approximately 50 pounds. While adult red tailed boas may reach 12 feet, most common boas rarely exceed 9 feet in length.

Cage: The Columbian boa is known as a docile snake, easy to handle, and relatively easy to take care of. When young, it can be kept in a cage measuring 24x15x15 inches; most boa owners though buy a large aquarium from the beginning: a 72x24x24 vivarium will house an adult boa so there is no need to change cages later on. The vivarium needs to be easy to clean, well ventilated, and secure. For that reason, melamine or plastic vivariums with lockable glass sliding doors are recommended.

Heat: If you want to make your Columbian boa thrive in captivity, you need to provide not only adequate heat, but also a correct temperature gradient. The common boa comes from tropical environments, so additional heat is absolutely necessary. During the day an average temperature of 80-85F is recommended; at night the temperature should drop to 75-78F. You should also provide a basking area, where temperature is higher (closer to 90F). Providing a basking area is necessary for the Columbian boa, as it can avoid respiratory and other health problem. There are a number of heat sources available on the market. Incandescent bulbs, heat mat, and heat cable have all been used effectively but ceramic heaters are the most effective. Since they produce heat without light they do not affect the snake's photo period. Ceramic heaters however can get extremely hot so care must be taken to ensure that a guard is securely fastened to avoid burns.

Feeding: The Columbian Boa is a nocturnal snake and hunter; in the wild it usually eats small animals and birds. In captivity they can be fed exclusively on defrosted rodents which provide all the nutrients they need. A single prey item should be offered fortnightly for adults. The size of the prey should not be more than the snake's girth in order to prevent digestive problems. Juvenile boas should be fed weekly. A bowl of clean, fresh water should always be provided.

BY Billy Deakin