![]() ![]() This means that due to their natural habitat they are able to survive in much colder temperatures than other snakes in their family like a Boa Constrictor or the Emerald Tree Boa. Rubber boas are cold-temperature tolerant. The substrate should be completely replaced every month. ![]() Spot clean the substrate daily of any fecal matter. There should be at least one hideaway that is lined with moist sphagnum moss to help keep your boa’s skin well hydrated.Ĭedar or pine shavings should never be used as a substrate because they are toxic to snakes and can cause respiratory problems. Cover can include fake plants, pieces of bark, smooth rocks, or other hides. There should be hideaways throughout the enclosure with enough cover for the snake to move between them without feeling exposed. The fit needs to be snug as a hide box that is too roomy can lead the boas to feel insecure and exposed. Your Rubber boa is going to need plenty of hiding boxes, pieces of material (like denim), or pieces of bark that it can curl up in or under to feel secure. ![]() You can do this by having a screen however, this might lead to inquisitive boas damaging their delicate scales and noses on the rough surface of a screen.Ī good way to maintain ventilation is by using a small fan (like a computer fan) installed at the top or side of the enclosure to help circulate the air so it does not become stagnant.Īlso, high up on your priority list will be adequate hideaways. Make sure they have suitable ventilation in their enclosure. They are strong and persistent snakes so make sure your enclosure locks securely! If a Rubber boa can squeeze its nose into a gap in the enclosure it will escape. High up on your priority list for the enclosure needs to be securing it correctly. These snakes can be social in so far as to ball up together during hibernation months. We recommend an enclosure that is as long as the snake and at least half its length wide. Make sure you are ready for a commitment that could easily last most of your lifetime! Enclosureīaby Rubber boas can be kept in a 10-gallon enclosure. The oldest known Rubber boa was 50 years old! There are many specimens that have been repeatedly caught and release for population control purposes that exceed 20 years. The minimum lifespan appears to be 20 years. This means that they love burrowing and will happily spend their days in a hideaway, under their substrate, or under a bit of bark or fabric that fits nice and snug around them. These snakes will also prey on other snakes, lizards and their eggs, and other small mammals. While eating the babies, the boa will make false strikes at the adult with its tail! Remember that its tail looks like its head to a predator and prey item! The mouse of vole will attack the tail which is why wild-caught specimens will have scars on their tales. These boas have very small and smooth scales which gives them a slightly wrinkly appearance when they are born and contributes to their rubbery feel. However, the sexual dimorphism ends there and it can be quite difficult to sex them if you do not have a size comparison. Females are also rounder and have more weight to them. ![]() Rubber boas are roughly 1 to 2.5 feet in length. However, there is the threat that over-collection by the illegal pet trade will damage wild population numbers.īe responsible and do not support the illegal pet trade. The Rubber boa is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is illegal in most states to trade in wild-caught specimens so make sure you are getting your rubber boa from some you trust will not take part in the illegal pet trade. These scales are somewhat basic in coloration but the Rubber boas make up for it by loving a good cuddle with their handlers. Their small, soft, un-keeled scales give them a rubber-like feeling and a smooth glossy look. They are unique in that they can withstand almost freezing temperatures! They can be found on the Pacific West Coast of the United States of America and in British Colombia and Canada. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |