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Boa constrictor

The boa constrictor is a large, heavy-bodied snake ranging from northern Mexico through Central and South America, with several regional forms differing considerably in adult size.

Unlike most pythons it gives birth to live young rather than laying eggs.

Common boas typically reach 1.8 to 2.7 metres, with females larger and some mainland forms exceeding three. They are generally calm as adults and tolerate handling well, but a snake of that mass is genuinely powerful, and adults should be handled with a second person present. Twenty to thirty years is normal.

Origin
Northern Mexico through Central and South America
Adult size
1.8–2.7 m; some forms larger, females bigger
Lifespan
20–30 years
Basking temperature
30–32°C hot spot, 26–28°C ambient
Humidity
60–70%
Diet
Appropriately sized rodents, every 1–3 weeks as an adult

Related: Amazon tree boa · Brazilian rainbow boa

3 boa constrictor photos, newest first

  • Solomon, a boa constrictor

    Solomon

    Solomon arranges himself along the branch each morning and considers that the day's work done.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Flint VII, a boa constrictor

    Flint VII

    Flint VII stacked the lemons that high and then set something fizzing underneath them. We have decided to be impressed.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Flint VII, a boa constrictor

    Flint VII

    Flint VII was told to stay. Flint VII negotiated.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a boa constrictor

Plan for the adult, not the animal in the shop. A hatchling boa is 50 centimetres and a metre-eighty adult needs an enclosure of at least 1.8 × 0.9 metres. Buying a boa is committing to build or buy that.

Handle adults with another adult present. Boas are not aggressive but they are strong, and they anchor by wrapping.

Maintain 60–70% humidity with a large water bowl and a gradient from about 32°C at the hot end to 26°C at the cool. Respiratory infection — open-mouth breathing, bubbling, wheezing — follows cold or damp conditions and needs a vet.

Do not overfeed. Obesity is the commonest health problem in captive boas; an adult eats every two to three weeks, not weekly.

Inclusion body disease is a serious concern in collections; quarantine new arrivals.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual reptiles vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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