Care of an African Sand Boa

Sand boas are native to Africa, Asia and Europe. The East African, or Kenyan sand boa, is the most common. Its range includes East Africa, Egypt south to Tanzania and southwest Somalia west to Kenya. Kenyan sand boas are orange in color with dark brown markings and a white or cream colored belly. Females can reach 26 to 32 inches in length, while males may reach 15 inches in length. With proper care, Kenyan sand boas can live 20 to 35 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with secure lid
  • Substrate
  • Heating pad
  • Thermometer
  • Humidity box
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Humidity gauge
  • Water dish
  • Tongs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your snake in a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid. You can house males in a 10-gallon aquarium and females in a 20-gallon aquarium. You can also use transparent shoe or sweater boxes as long as you provide adequate ventilation. Males will need one square foot of floor space, while females will need 11/2 to 2 1/2 square feet of floor space.

    • 2

      Spread a layer of substrate in the bottom of the enclosure. The substrate must be a minimum of 4 inches deep. Don't use sand. Aspen shavings or Carefresh are preferred. If you use newspapers, provide a hide box at one end of the enclosure where your snake can hide.

    • 3

      Establish a temperature gradient within the enclosure. Sand boas prefer temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep one end of the enclosure at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a heating pad under one end. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the substrate.

    • 4

      Maintain proper humidity levels. Sand boas prefer 50 to 60 percent humidity. Keep a humidity box half filled with slightly damp sphagnum moss inside the enclosure. A humidity box is a plastic box with an access hole cut in the top. Use a humidity gauge to monitor humidity levels.

    • 5

      Provide adequate water. Keep a bowl of fresh, chlorine-free water inside the enclosure. The bowl should be large enough for your snake to lie in.

    • 6

      Feed your snake mice. Use either commercially available frozen or live rodents. Feed your snake every two weeks or as needed. Place a frozen mouse in a cup of hot water for 10 to 20 minutes to thaw before feeding. If feeding live mice, use tongs. Don't put your hand in the enclosure if it smells like food.

    • 7

      Perform regular maintenance. Empty and clean the water dish daily. Remove uneaten food. Keep feces picked up. Once a week, thoroughly clean the enclosure. Scrub the tank and furnishings with a five percent bleach solution. Rinse well and let it dry. Add clean substrate.