How to Set Up a Habitat for a Red Tail Boa

Red tail boas are among the most popular exotic reptiles kept as pets. However, it is controversial to keep these animals in captivity at all. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals warns that it is unethical and potentially dangerous to keep exotic animals, including snakes, in captivity. Most people can not adequately provide for the demands of a living reptile, and as many as 90 percent of these animals carry infectious diseases such as salmonella. If you have chosen to keep a red tail boa despite these concerns, it is critical that you meet all of the animal's habitat requirements.

Things You'll Need

  • 29 gallon Plexiglas tank
  • Thermometer
  • AstroTurf sheets
  • Half-log hideout
  • Hollowed artificial rock
  • Heating pad
  • Bathing pool
  • Sea sponge
  • Live or artificial plants
  • Real or artificial rocks
  • Branch suitable for climbing
  • Hood with fluorescent bulb
  • Reptile-safe cleaning solution
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the tank in an area of the room far away from any windows. If the tank is too close to a window, it can cause abrupt temperature fluctuations, which are harmful to the snake. Do not put the tank on top of a shelf or other piece of furniture unless you know that it can withstand the weight.

    • 2

      Hang the thermometer on the side of the tank. A red tail boa needs an ambient daytime temperature of 82 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature should remain above 78 at all times.

    • 3

      Lay a sheet of AstroTurf across the bottom pane of the tank. It should be flush with each corner. If you'd like, you can use a glue, tape or other adhesive to keep it stationary. Note that you will have to remove the AstroTurf at least occasionally for cleaning.

    • 4

      Place the boa's hiding spaces against the sides of the tank so that you can see the animal when it is inside them. Most pet stores carry logs, false rocks and other hiding spaces appropriate for red tail boas.

    • 5

      Place the boa's heating pad either in the corner of the tank or in the middle of the tank. Heating pads in pet stores generally emit a temperature about 20 degrees higher than the ambient temperature. Your boa will bask on this heating pad when it is cold.

    • 6

      Situate a bathing pool in the red tail boa's habitat. It should be large enough to accommodate the entire snake. The snake will use this pool to drink and soak itself. Note that boas also defecate in their bathing pools; for this reason, you must change the water at least once daily.

    • 7

      Securely place a climbing-log inside the boa's habitat. Note that red tail boas are strong and my pull down a log that is not arranged tightly within its space. This provides an opportunity for exercise and stimulation for your pet boa.

    • 8

      Arrange potted live plants, artificial plants, rocks and other ornaments inside your boa's habitat. These provide shade and opportunities for exploration within the habitat space.

    • 9

      Clean your red tail boa's habitat at least three days per week. Eliminate any solid waste that you find, and scrub the walls and floor of the habitat to eliminate excess moisture and ammonia from the snake's urine. Understand that red tail boas may carry salmonella and other zoonotic diseases; wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your snake or its habitat.