Description:

​

The Nicaraguan Boa Constrictor is a member of Boa imperator genus. As their name suggests, they're found in regions of South America, where they live comfortably in humid forested environments.

​

These animals are identified by their characteristic patterns, and when sold in the pet trade come in a few color variations and mutations made common through selective breeding.

​

Size:

​

These are considered "medium" sized snakes, but this term would be deceptive to your average keeper as they are still quite large for a pet. Over the course of their lives, they will grow to an average of 4-6 feet in length (146-183 centimeters) - occasionally larger, with the females of the species typically being larger and heavier bodied than males.

​

Temperament:

​

The Nicaraguan boa is generally considered to be a fairly docile snake. They can be a bit more prone to nipping as juveniles, but with age and regular handling they calm down significantly. I own a number of them in varying size and gender, and in my experience they rarely strike at humans. If they do strike, it is usually in confusion, or due to a careless mistake made on the part of their handler. However, before rushing to own one of these animals, you should consider the fact that they do grow to a respectable size. A bite from one can be painful, and will inflict moderate damage to human skin. If this possibility is something you are not prepared to live with, they may not be the right pet for you. 

​

Housing:

​

As newborns and juveniles, these snakes will not require much space. At their smallest size, a 10 gallon tank is sufficient, but they will grow quickly and continuously during the first few years of their lives. You will need to be prepared to regularly size up their enclosure in accordance with this growth.

​

I personally keep my full grown specimens in PVC enclosure with a dimension of 2 x 4 feet (61 x 123 centimeters). This will provide them with adequate space, but is also a fairly large space commitment within your home - another factor to consider when deciding if this is the right pet for you.

​

Whatever you choose to house your snake in, it should be well secured. Snakes are notorious for being escape artists, and will quickly find and exploit any weakness in their containment. Despite their large size, it can be difficult to find one of these animals if they do make an escape. They will seek out a warm and confined space, in which they will stay until feeling the need to emerge for feeding.

​

Temperature and Humidity:

​

Being the cold blooded animals that they are, boa constrictors absolutely require an external heat source to properly maintain their body temperatures. Ceramic heat emitters, heat pads or light fixtures can be used to maintain a proper daytime ambient temperature of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Slight temperature drops during nighttime are normal and acceptable, but aim to keep it within 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit at the absolute minimum.

​

Always make use of a static or digital infrared thermometer to take daily checks of the temperature within a reptiles enclosure. 

​

The heating elements within your boas enclosure should also ideally be placed to one side to allow for heat gradient. This is essential for ensuring reptiles do not suffer from overheating without anywhere to escape to.

​

As for humidity - these snakes require a moderate, but not overly high level of it. If using a hygrometer to monitor this (which is always recommended - particularly for less experienced keepers), a good base reading would be 50-60%. Spraying their enclosure and placing water dishes to raise this level is the easiest way to maintain it. When your boa is going into a shed this humidity level should be higher to facilitate the process in being clean and successful.

​

Lighting:

​

These snakes can benefit from UVB lighting, but it is not considered a necessity for keeping them in captivity. A source of lighting on a 12 hour day and night cycle is sufficient for their minimalistic care.

​

Substrate:

​

The type of substrate used for boas, is generally not considered of much importance, but you should avoid types of wood chips that are known to lower and pull humidity out of the air.

​

I keep all my Nicaraguan boa constrictors on paper within PVC enclosures. This simple form of substrate comes with the benefit of being cheap and easy to clean/change.

​

If using another type of substrate, consider the fact that these are large animals. You will need a significant amount of this material to provide full coverage of their enclosure, and replacing it will be costly and time consuming. Ultimately the choice comes down to how naturalistic you want their enclosure to be and how much time you will be willing to invest in its upkeep.

​

Diet:

​

As with all snakes, juvenile boas will need to be fed more frequently to facilitate the fast growth they undergo in the first years of their lives. Feed them appropriately size pre-killed mice or rat pups once per week for the first couple years of their life.

​

Feeding larger food items on a bi-weekly schedule when they have reached a few feet in length will be sufficient for their nutritional needs.

​

These animals are good eaters. I have rarely seen them turn down a meal. If your snake goes for an extended period of time without eating, it could be either brumation or you may need to more closely examine the conditions under which they are being kept. Feeding live prey is something that is sometimes known to spur their appetites, but should only be done as a very last resort.

​

Provide you snake with fresh treated water at all times.

​

Lifespan:

​

Nicaraguan Boas are known to live for a period of 20-40 years of age. This large variable in lifespan is dependent on the quality of their care and individual genetics.

​