Scientific Facts
| Common Name: | Rosy Boa |
| Scientific Name: | Charina trivirgata or Lichanura trivirgata |
| Life Span: | 30 years or more in captivity |
| Size: | 17 to 34 inches long |
| Habitat: | Coastal areas, Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert except in extremely dry and rockless deserts |
| Country of Origin: | The United States in the American Southwest, Baja California and Sonora, Mexico |
Physical Description
One of the most beautiful snakes found in the United States is the Rosy Boa. The name says it all; it has a beautiful, rosy glow from head to toe, and despite variations in color, it remains lovely no matter where it is found. It is one of the most popular pet snakes as well given their very docile nature. People new to having snakes for a pet will instantly fall in love with this charmer.
The rosy boa prefers warm to hot climates but not extremely hot. It is a small, non-venomous snake that belongs to the boa family. It is native to the southwestern United States from California to Arizona and also in western Mexico.
The rosy boa is found across the Mojave Desert and the deserts in Colorado. It also adapts to cooler temperatures as it is also seen along with the coastal areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange counties. This snake is also found in some islands off the shores of Arizona.
Despite growing up to 34 inches long, it is considered one of the smallest family members of the Boidae family of snakes. These are smart snakes as well with females growing larger and longer than males. An adult can grow large and stocky; it has a powerful body and can coil around and suffocate any large prey. The body has a diameter the size of a golf ball and from head to toe is very smooth scales. You can touch it and feel your hands glide.
The slightly prehensile tail is short and stubby and has a blunt tip. The rosy boa has an elongated head and is covered with smaller, finer scales. The eyes are very lovely with vertical pupils.
Possibly the most obvious feature of a rosy boa is its color variation. The boa’s colors range from very white, almost pearl white to darker and bolder colors. Experts say that the color depends on where the snake is found and may also depend on the subspecies that the snake belongs to.
The rosy boa’s common color pattern is three dark stripes against a light background. There is one central stripe that runs down the back of the body and two along the sides. But these patterns don’t hold true for all members of the family because some are uniformly colored and have absent stripes.
The boa’s stripes may come in irregular patterns or are defined. The stripes may be black, brown, reddish-brown, maroon, rust, rose or orange. Background colors can be white, cream, tan, yellow, bluish-gray, and many more.
Species
The taxonomic classification of rosy boas is still being studied, and according to some experts, there are five subspecies of this boa. Meanwhile, some argue that it only has three subspecies and not five.
Mexican rosy boa or Lichanura trivirgata trivirgata
This subspecies of the rosy boa is native to the western Sonora in Mexico, to the Maricopa Mountains in Arizona and along the southern half of Baja in California. It is also found in nearby islands.
Desert rosy boa or Lichanura trivirgata gracia
This subspecies of the rosy boa is found along with the mountain ranges of southeastern California as well as in the western parts of Arizona.
Coastal rosy boa or Lichanura trivirgata roseofusca
This subspecies of the rosy boa is found along with the coastal areas from the sea level to 6000 feet. This is from the northern coastal areas of Baja to San Diego and north to the mountains of San Bernardino and San Gabriel.
The additional subspecies are Baja rosy boa or Lichanura trivirgata sasiowi and the Arizona rosy boa or Lichanura trivirgata arizonae.
Life Span
The rosy boa can live long if given the right care. There are many proofs that this boa species can live for decades, one is a reptile enthusiast claimed that he had his rosy boa since the early 1970s. Another collector had his rosy boa in captivity since the 1950s. However, the average number of years is 30 years in captivity.
The rosy boa is considered a boa species of the “Least Concern” by IUCN Red List. But despite this classification, the US Geological Survey has revealed that this snake may also be affected by habitat fragmentation, urbanization and the construction of roads. These factors can significantly impact the wild populations of rainbow boa as well as the number of boas in nature reserves.
In 2008, California included the rosy boa in the list of “sensitive” snake species. At present, the population of the rosy boa has remained stable.
Eating Habits
The rosy boa constricts its prey until it suffocates and dies. Afterward, it will eat it whole. Its diet consists mainly of rodents, small mammals like deer mice, baby rabbits, kangaroo rats and woodrats, bats birds, amphibians and even snakes.
The way it captures prey is quite simple. It lies waiting for a long time to ambush its prey as it emerges from its hiding place. It takes hours of stalking before it can eat. It will move very slowly until it zeroes in on its prey and waits for the best chance to strike.
Rosy boas have recurved teeth which makes it easier to grab hold of its prey. The prey is swallowed head first most likely because it is easier to do. There are times when this voracious eater can eat two preys at one time. The snake may coil the lower half of its body around one prey and eat the other. It will let go of the other prey once he has consumed the other.
Feeding a rosy boa in captivity is quite easy; you just need to load live prey and wait till the boa consumes it. It won’t take long for the boa to eat small prey, but a larger one like a large bird, rabbit, or rodent can take longer.
After eating, a rosy boa may rest for a while. It will curl contentedly into a small ball and sleep. Feeding time should be scheduled so make sure to use a calendar to take note when your rosy boa last fed. Juvenile boas may need to be fed once a day while adult boas may be fed every two days or thrice a week.
To provide supplements to your pet rosy boa, dust its prey with a supplement or hide some in frozen food. Ask your vet for the best supplement product for your pet, rosy boa.
Sleeping Habits
Most boas are nocturnal, which means that they are more active at night and may sleep during the day. However, sometimes the rosy boa may bask during daytime especially when nighttime temperatures are low.
Considering this behavior of rosy boas, you must consider placing its tank in an area of your home where there is less traffic. The tank should be placed in your basement, attic, or spare room where the snake can rest and recuperate during the day. Schedule feeding your snake in the evenings.
Where does a rosy boa sleep? In the wild, this lovely snake will sleep anywhere; it will feel safe. In desert areas, it can be found hiding under large stones where it can find shade from the hot sun. It is active when the sun sets and starts to stalk its prey.
In coastal areas, it can be seen under fallen trees, rocks, and anywhere it is safe from predators. In captivity, pet owners create areas where the snake can hide and sleep. A clay pot would suffice while someplace large rocks, branches and stones inside the snake tank to serve as places to sleep.
Water
All snakes need water to hydrate and to manage humidity. To improve humidity inside a glass enclosure, a pan or bowl of water is kept inside the tank. The snake may also drink from this pan so you must change the water frequently. Take note, a rosy boa can poop anywhere in the tank, even in water.
Development and Reproduction
Compared to other snakes, male rosy boas do not fight with each other to get the best mate. The mating season is between April and June which is right after the snakes come out of brumation during spring. The mating may also depend on where the snake is located.
It was once thought that females breed only every two years. The frequency and the success of breeding depend on different factors, including geographical origins, seasonal conditions, and food availability.
Female rosy boas are viviparous snakes which mean females don’t lay eggs but incubate fertilized eggs inside their bodies. After the gestation period of 3 to 5 months or an average of 130 days, the young emerge from the females. The mother gives birth to their young between August to September.
The young are born inside a protective coat or membrane. This layer is opened by the hatchling using its egg tooth. Female rosy boas lay an average of 3 to 8 hatchlings that are around 18 to 36 cm long. There are times when only one hatchling survives but sometimes up to 14 neonates are born.
Upon closer look, the hatchlings look very similar to their parents. This includes the shape of the body and the distinct color patterns. Some hatchlings have contrasting scale patterns. Some have a lighter background color, while some have darker backgrounds.
Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 2 or 3 years. When mature, females will have a length of 60 cm. Males mature at the same time as females but have a smaller body and shorter length at only 43 to 58 cm.
How to Breed
If you’re interested in breeding rosy boas in an indoor enclosure or tank, then you made the right choice. This boa is one of the easiest to take care of and the most rewarding as well. Not only are rosy boas good pets but they are fairly easy to keep because of their minimal breeding requirements.
The very first thing to consider is to use an escape-proof enclosure where you can place a pregnant female. Take note that you must select a glass tank with a screen cover to ensure that there are no gaps or holes where the snake can escape. Rosy boas are known for being escapist and very smart snakes.
The screen cover must be locked because rosy boas can rub their snouts on the cover to escape. The screen must be heavy and locked to prevent escape.
As soon as the female lays the hatchlings, you can remove the young ones and place these in smaller containers like a deli cup. Puncture holes along the side of the lid of the container or cup but only small holes the size of a pin to prevent the snakes from escaping.
Use a good enclosure substrate. Breeders recommend aspen shavings or paper towels for easy cleanup. Always maintain the ideal temperature and humidity inside your pet’s tank. You can use a heating pad or a reptile lamp to provide heat. Install heat tapes, these are convenient thermometers that will tell you how warm or hot the tank temperature is. There are other efficient ways to accurately measure and correct tank temperatures like using a thermostat or a rheostat.
As the hatchlings grow, their enclosures should also grow as well. Medium-sized juveniles may be placed in larger, shoebox-like containers. Meanwhile, adults may do well in large 10-gallon terrariums. These containers are very easy to clean and are easy to maintain when it comes to applying the correct temperature and humidity. Snakes like the rosy boa would appreciate if you create an area inside the enclosure where it can hide and sleep. You can use a clay pot, plastic container, or a cardboard box as long as this does not have any jagged or rough edges. Having a small place where your boa can hide will also reduce its escapist behavior.
Common Health Problems
To understand the common health problems in boas, you must also learn how to distinguish a healthy snake from an ill one. Healthy snakes have bright and receptive eyes, clear nose and mouth, rounded and full body and have healthy skin. These snakes eat regularly, are alert and active, and are regularly shedding. If your rosy boa possesses these characteristics then you have a healthy snake.
Meanwhile, snakes with smoky or opaque eyes, wrinkled skin, abnormal feces, or vomiting could be sick. Take your snake to the vet if you spot poor appetite, lethargy and if your snake fails to shed its skin.
Rosy boas are mostly healthy snake species but are still susceptible to some common health concerns. Watch out for the following health conditions:
Abscesses
Abscesses are usually due to previous injuries that have become infected by bacteria. An abscess is a lump that can protrude from the skin or may also extend internally. It is mostly referred to as tumors, constipation or unlaid eggs but these are incorrect. The best way to understand what causes an abscess is to take your pet to a vet.
A vet will cut open the abscess and drain it. He will examine the abscess internally, and after diagnosing the condition, he will clean and dress the wound. An antibiotic will be prescribed to treat the wound.
Blister disease
Blister disease is fluid-like bumps on the skin that form along the underside of the snake. Blisters are mostly due to dirty cages and enclosures. Molds and dirt also cause blisters, and these could worsen causing infections of the skin. Blisters also can grow larger starting from being small spots to large coin-sized bumps.
When your snake develops one, two or more blisters, take it to a vet immediately to prevent the spread to the mouth, nose, and cloaca. When these happen, your snake may develop difficulty in breathing and defecating.
The best way to prevent blisters and other skin conditions is to keep the snake tank clean. Change the substrate regularly and spot clean any poop or urine.
One or two blisters may be treated by using a sterile needle and popping the blisters. Disinfect the affected area first using betadine in a piece of the cotton ball; apply to the blister using circular motions. Pop the blister with the sterile needle and use a cotton swab or ball, absorb the liquid or pus that comes out of the blister. Once the fluid is out, apply betadine or hydrogen peroxide and finish with an antibiotic ointment.
As the abscess heals, place the snake in a separate quarantine tank. Continue cleaning the wound with betadine or hydrogen peroxide twice a day. For multiple blisters, consult a vet,
Constipation
The time it takes to digest food depends on the size of the snake and its metabolism. It can take days for medium-sized snakes like the rosy boa to digest its food but if you think that it has been days since it moved its bowels, suspect constipation. A constipated boa looks bloated, with poor energy and looks lethargic.
The first thing to do is to first spot check the tank for any feces or leftover food. To treat a constipated snake, place this in warm water for about 30 minutes. If this won’t work, take your pet to the vet ASAP.
Also, the build-up of feces inside the colon may cause constipation. Surgery is needed by your pet to save its life.
Cuts or Abrasions
As much as we are prone to cuts and abrasions, snakes are as well. They slither and crawl on any surface, and one incorrect move can lead to simple or complex cuts and bruises. Treat simple cuts and abrasions just like you would your skin.
Wash the area and dab betadine and then an antibiotic ointment. If the cut is bigger, consider a waterproof bandage or band-aid. Smaller cuts don’t need to be covered. Just let your snake remain in a quarantine tank lined with paper towels to prevent worsening the wound.
And after treating your snake, find out what has caused the cut or bruise and remove it from its enclosure. Snakes may also get serious cuts or abrasions due to rat or prey bites. If this is the cause, you can switch to pre-killed or frozen food instead.
Inclusion Body Disease
IBD is a serious illness of snakes held in captivity and affects only snakes that are members of the boid family. The most commonly affected are boa constrictors and Burmese pythons. The symptoms may vary from every species, but the most common are neurological changes like unresponsiveness, asymmetrical dilation of the pupils of the eyes, regurgitation, not righting itself on its back and a symptom called “star-gazing.”
If you suspect your snake has IBD, isolate it from other pet snakes and consult a vet right away. There is no treatment for IBD yet, so it’s best to be safe. Quarantine the affected snake, discard the enclosure and clean and disinfect the room where the snake is in. These measures will prevent passing the disease to other healthy snakes. Prevent IBD by placing new snakes in isolation for at least three months.
Internal parasites
Intestinal parasites are common in snakes caught in the wild. Snakes with internal parasites have symptoms like lack of appetite, regurgitation, and an unwell appearance. The only way to tell if your snake has internal parasites is to get it examined by the vet. A fecalysis will be done to find out if your snake is harboring internal parasites. You also need to quarantine your snake to avoid passing on parasites to other snakes. Keep the tank clean to avoid internal parasites. Also, quarantine wild-caught snakes for at least 90 days before placing this inside the enclosure with your other pets.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation is caused by several factors including too much handling, especially after a meal, stress, poor care, and any undiagnosed condition or illness. Therefore, handle the rosy boa only hours after eating. Cut food into smaller pieces because large food is mostly regurgitated.
Avoid stressing your snake-like holding it too much and improper holding.
Take your snake to the vet if you suspect an undiagnosed illness is causing regurgitation. And if a snake regurgitates because of a particular kind of food, remove this from its diet.
Mites and ticks
Mites are acquired from snakes in the wild which may have been improperly introduced in the tank. You can spot mites as tiny, quick-moving dots found at the outside of the snake’s skin. You may also spot the same creatures moving inside the snake’s tank. Ticks are larger and will remain attached to the snake’s skin in between scales.
Do not attempt to remove ticks or mites on the surface of the skin. Place the snake in a warm water bath for a few hours to down the mites. Use petroleum jelly on the snake’s skin, this can suffocate the tick and thus will let go of the skin.
Remember, don’t remove a tick with tweezers because this can damage the skin and may leave the head of the tick attached to the skin.
Incomplete shedding
Rosy boas, like other snakes and reptiles, shed their skin. This happens in juvenile snakes more often than adult snakes. Shedding happens completely from head to tail in healthy snakes, including the eye caps. Shedding in flakes or incomplete shedding is mostly due to poor humidity.
To prevent incomplete shedding, raise the humidity levels in the tank as soon as you see signs that your snake is shedding. If the snake’s eyes are turning blue or cloudy, then it won’t take long for it to shed. Place a large bowl in the tank or mist the interior of the tank to increase humidity. You may also soak your pet in warm water daily.
If your snake is unable to shed its tail completely, help your snake by removing the old skin. If this is overlooked, blood flow to the tail may be restricted, and the tail may need to be amputated. For incomplete shedding of the eyecaps, help your snake by removing the skin. Use tape to safely remove the skin; do this several times until the skin is completely removed. If you are unsure about removing the eyecaps or tail, take your pet to a vet.
Respiratory problems
Respiratory conditions are preventable as long as you properly clean the tank. You must maintain humidity, temperature, and other tank conditions to prevent respiratory conditions. Signs that your snake is suffering from respiratory illness include wheezing, runny nose, open-mouthed breathing, clicking noises, and lethargy.
Your snake must be quarantined in a separate tank to avoid the spread of any contagious respiratory condition to other snakes. Place the tank in a quiet and stress-free room. Raise the temperature inside the tank to enhance the immune system of your pet. If your pet’s condition worsens, take it to the vet for treatment.
Stomatitis
Stomatitis or mouth rot is also common in snakes raised in captivity. This is usually due to bacteria in the mouth that affects an open sore or wound. If not treated properly, stomatitis can cause infection of the gums and digestive tract.
Symptoms of stomatitis include color changes in the snake’s mouth, swelling, gaps in the mouth when the mouth is closed and more. To treat a bacterial infection, take your snake to a vet right away.
Preventing Illness
To prevent illness remember the following techniques:
- Clean your snake’s enclosure or tank regularly. Clean using a strong disinfectant, hot water, and soap. Clean the snake’s accessories, feeding bowl, water bowl, and filter. Doing so will prevent bacterial infections, parasitic infections, and internal parasites.
- Keep temperature and humidity at the ideal levels. Juveniles need higher humidity levels than adults. Use a digital thermometer or hygrometer to accurately monitor tank conditions. Doing these measures can reduce shedding problems, respiratory conditions, and will enhance your snake’s overall health.
- Decorate the tank sparingly. This will prevent cuts, abrasions, and bruises. Use the right bedding to protect your snake.
- Quarantine sick and new snakes. If you’re expanding your snake collection and getting new snakes, quarantine the new pets in a separate tank for at least 90 days. This is enough time for any disease or condition to be observed. Snakes in quarantine should be kept in good humidity levels and at the right temperatures.
Behavior
Understanding your pet rosy boa is not rocket science. You can better raise a healthy, behaved, and well-developed pet when you get to know its most common behaviors.
Slow-moving
Rosy boas are known as one of the slowest moving boas. It moves very slow because it usually stalks its prey. Experts say that the rosy boa is so patient which is why it moves really, really slow. Take note that rosy boas move only 1 mph on an open area.
This very slow movement, even in an open ground has also made it easier to capture the rosy boa.
Docile
This is one of the most submissive snakes in the world. It is so patient and forgiving that even an inexperienced handler can hold the snake. But don’t forget that mishandling snakes can stress them so as early as you can learn to hold your snake well. For a beginner, relax, don’t grip too hard. Treat a snake as a baby.
Turns into a ball
One of the defensive behaviors of rosy boas is that they turn into a ball when they feel threatened. It will only recoil when it feels that it’s safe to do so. If your snake frequently does this behavior, then it might be stressed, or it may be suffering from a medical condition.
Good pets
Rosy boas make good pets. They love to be handled and are very mild-mannered. You can even take one out of the house and show it off to your friends. All the more reasons why the rosy boa is known as one of the most common snake pets.
Handling and temperament
When a wildlife expert hosts a show or an event regarding careful snake handling, expect him to choose a rosy boa. This is because rosy boas are very patient and will never mind being handled. But if your pet has a strong feeding behavior or response, nudge it gently on the head with an inanimate object before you reach inside its tank to pick it up. This will let the boa know that it is not feeding time.
Allow the boa to move around your hands without any restrictions. If you restrain it as it moves, it can become uncomfortable and try to remove your hold. Always use your two hands when handling a rosy boa.
Habitat
Rosy boas live in varying environments in the wild. It can be seen in coastal areas in California and the hot and humid deserts in Arizona.
But if you plan to keep a boa in an enclosure, use a simple glass enclosure. Don’t use cages as your pet can easily slide through the cage and escape. For terrariums, use cage clips to secure the snake. The lid should also be secured.
Don’t use a rough cover because rosy boas have a habit of rubbing their snouts on the cage to look for ways to escape. The tank bedding or substrate should be enough to provide good and safe cover for your snake. The substrate should also help maintain the temperature and humidity inside the tank.
Possible substrates include newspaper, paper towels, commercially-prepared substrates, or wood shavings. Place a depth of 1 to 2 inches of the substrate inside the tank so your snake can have a chance to burrow.
Lighting and Temperature
Tank lighting is not necessary for rosy boas unless you want to check up on your pet. The most important part of constructing a good enclosure is using a thermal gradient so you can choose from a wide range of temperatures.
As mentioned, use a heat tape that is available in different lengths. Stick this on one side of the tank. Meanwhile, pulse-proportional thermostats let you maintain a constant temperature and also prevent the lower part of the cage from being too warm.
Consider a temperature gradient of 65 degrees Fahrenheit along the cool end of the tank and around 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the warmer area. Adjust the temperature inside the tank since the rosy boa tends to move around.
To maintain your rosy boa’s health, let them cool down in the winder. This stimulates what they naturally do in the wild. This also helps stimulate the snakes feeding response during springtime. Hatchlings and feeders that are from a brumation period will come out with good appetites when this is followed.
Before cooling, the rosy boa should be in its natural temperature without food for two weeks. This way, the snake can clear its stomach and intestines. If you don’t do this, your snake’s digestion may be affected. Also, undigested food inside the gastrointestinal tract in the winter can cause illness and even death.
Water
Compared to other snake species, rosy boas will do well when these don’t have a continuous water source. Experts have seen a good response in their pets when these are provided with only a small amount of water in a month.
Also, rosy boas can regurgitate their food if they are given water right after eating. A good water rule is to give water today and every other day. Hatchlings will need more water. Place their drinking water inside a spill-proof container. You can use a non-spill water dish, party cup, or any low plastic container.
Sanitation
Spot clean the tank more often and change the substrate at least six times a year. Invest in proper cleaning supplies. The dirty substrate can cause a build-up of bacteria, and this is very harmful to your rosy boa.
Use a gallon of water with a small amount of soap and bleach can be a cheap but excellent cleaning solution. There are also store-bought cleaners like terrarium cleaners, waste removers, and disinfectants that can clean, disinfect and deodorize the tank.
After cleaning the tank, clean and rinse the water bowl, accessories, and other things inside the tank. If you must use a soft brush, then do so; clean all the different nooks and crannies of accessories in the snake tank.
After washing and scrubbing everything with the cleaning solution, rinse everything with copious amounts of water. Do this until the smell of the soap and bleach is removed. Dry the cage with paper towels and make sure everything is dry before you place your pet back inside its tank.
Availability – Where to Get One?
Rosy boas are available at reptile stores, shows, and events. Some online reptile shop sites also sell rosy boas for an affordable price of $25. Prices of rosy boas depend on the size, gender, color patterns and whether you’re buying one online or from a local store.
Experts say that boas that are bred specifically in its locality are more expenses. The best shops are found in local rosy boa areas like Mexican, Arizona, Coastal California, and Desert Phase.
Also, snakes that are purchased online are more expensive because of shipment and handling fees. You may also get rosy boa from a breeder who’s willing to sell or give away their pets.
How to Care for a Rosy Boa
Rosy boas are the easiest to care for plus make good pets because of their submissive and pleasant nature. But to make sure that your pet is in the best state of health, remember the following tips:
Maintain a clean tank
A clean tank is key to a healthy pet snake. Dirty substrates and dirty tank water are the most common breeding grounds for bacteria. This must be cleaned at least once a month and spot cleaned every other day. Use the right cleaning agents to clean the snake tank. Rinse with water and wipe dry with paper towels or a clean towel before you place your pet back in the tank.
Feed it the right food
A healthy pet rosy boa needs the right kind of food to keep healthy and well-adjusted to living in captivity. This kind of snake will eat almost all kinds of food but will prefer live food.
Juveniles need high-protein food and may need to be fed at least once daily. Adults will require feeding every two days or thrice a week.
To avoid regurgitation, feed only small food. You may also feed non-live food or frozen food if your snake is prone to regurgitation.
Maintain the right tank temperature and humidity
Snakes like rosy boas will require humid and warm areas. Use a reliable lamp light and tank heating tool. Always monitor tank humidity and temperature and adjust this accordingly. Increase humidity when your boa is shedding by placing a pan of water in the tank or by misting this with a water sprayer.
Choose the ideal substrate
The ideal substrate provides good layer protection for your rosy boa. Place around 2-inches of the substrate so your snake can burrow and keep safe. Change and never reuse substrates at least every month.
Select the right tank accessories
Your tank should be simple with the very basic accessories so you can easily monitor your snake’s activities. Use a large 20-gallon tank, add branches, plants and places where the boa can hide. A good idea is a clay pot, a plastic container, or an old cardboard box.
Monitor mother boa and her young
After the mother rosy boa gives birth to her live young, keep a close watch, and separate the young in smaller tanks. The mother boa should be fed high-protein food to recuperate and should be allowed to rest. Meanwhile, juveniles may be placed in small cups or containers. Poke small pin-sized holes for breathing.
Handle your pet rosy boa early
Rosy boas are docile animals, but you still need to start handling your boa early so it will be comfortable with you handling it. Hold the boa with two hands. Hold it naturally but carefully. Don’t prevent its movement, just let it be comfortable in your hands, and you’ll surely become good at handling your pet.
Take your rosy boa to the vet for regular checkups
Your pet needs the vet. It needs regular checks when it’s young and when it is in its senior years. Have a record of your pet’s checkups, medications, etc.
Shedding should be complete
Always take care of your pet when it’s shedding. Make sure that it sheds completely. Take it to the vet if it has problems with shedding. Increase the humidity inside the tank by misting the tank or keeping a pan of water inside it.
FAQ Section
Are rosy boas great pets?
Yes, rosy boas make good snake pets and the very first snake for a beginner. This is because this snake has a docile nature and won’t mind being held as long as you don’t drop them.
Are rosy boas dangerous?
No, rosy boas are not dangerous, and in fact, these make good pets. It is the poster snake of expert reptile handlers as they explain how to hold snakes safely and carefully.
Are rosy boas venomous?
Rosy boas are not venomous and will never bite when handled. However, when provoked, this snake may also bite so you must handle it carefully and learn how to do it while your snake is still young.
How do rosy boas eat their prey?
Rosy boas are constrictors which means that they coil around their prey to kill it. After stalking their prey, they will ambush it and coil around it. The prey will gradually suffocate and die; it will be eaten head first.
Can you find rosy boas living together?
Boas are naturally solitary, so it will live, eat and hunt on its own. You should separate young boas from the time they are born.
Can rosy boas burrow in the ground?
Yes, they can. They burrow into the ground to hide from extreme heat in deserts.
Where do you buy rosy boas?
You can purchase rosy boas from local reptile stores or an online reptile pet shop. Most people buy locally to avoid paying for expensive shipment fees.
Can you get rosy boas from the wild?
You can take one from the wild, but it’s not recommended. Snakes caught in the wild may harbor parasites and other diseases.
Can rosy boas hibernate?
Yes, they can hibernate and brumate. They do so in burrows or in any place where it’s comfortable and safe.
Do rosy boas shed their skin?
All snakes shed skin. Shedding is a way for the snake’s skin to adjust as the body grows. Snake shedding is complete when the skin comes off as a whole like a stocking.
How many eggs will the rosy boa lay?
Rosy boas don’t lay eggs. Babies are born from the mother in individual egg sacs.
Will rosy boas eat their young?
No, it will not eat their own young, but it can eat other snakes.
Will rosy boas bite?
It can bite if provoked, but naturally, it is a calm and submissive snake.
Can rosy boas live underwater?
No, it only lives in the coastal areas but not in water. It prefers to live on the land where there is abundant prey.
Can a rosy boa eat your other pets?
Yes, it can. If it escapes its tank, larger rosy boas can prey on smaller pets like rats, mice, frogs, and other snakes. This is why you should always keep its tank secure.
