Pet Boa Constrictor Habits

A pet boa constrictor can live 20 to 30 years if you care for him extremely well. A boa constrictor doesn't need to go on walks or chase a laser pointer; he needs you to accommodate his habits, which are deeply ingrained by natural instincts. By equipping him for indulging his natural habits, you ensure his health and his happiness.

  1. Feeding Habits

    • Your boa constrictor's feeding habits are relatively easy to keep up with -- depending on his size, he needs to eat only once every five to 14 days. Because he swallows his food whole, he spends the in-between time slowly digesting and breaking down the meal. He generally acts lethargic for the first few days after eating. While boa constrictors in the wild kill their prey by squeezing it to death, your pet should never have to bother -- feeding him prekilled meals is safer and prevents the injuries he could otherwise sustain during the killing process.

    Climbing and Hiding

    • Boa constrictors are habitual climbers, using their naturally strong, thick bodies to wrap around tree trunks and branches. That in mind, your snake habitat should include branches on which he can climb, exercise and explore. Boa constrictors like to hide, so your pet should have a hide house in his cage -- this is a small, dark, cavelike enclosure that he can enter when he needs to relax and/or digest a hearty meal. His fullness should barely fit in it.

    Basking and Soaking

    • Because they naturally live in a jungle habitat, boa constrictors are accustomed to high heat and humidity. Your pet's cage should have a basking spot -- a particularly warm area, as hot as 92 degrees Fahrenheit, where he can relax. He should also have plenty of access to water. This isn't like a dog or cat's water dish, either -- he needs a water dish big enough to slither into, as pet boa constrictors enjoy habitually soaking their bodies.

    Being Handled

    • Boa constrictors aren't used to being handled in the wild, but, with training, habitual handling will be second nature to your pet. The key is to be gentle and nonthreatening, staying away from his head when you pick him up. Otherwise, he may feel threatened enough to administer a painful but non-poisonous bite, or to wrap his powerful body around your arm and put the squeeze on you. Careful and gentle handling, however, will help him break any aggressive natural instincts and relax when you hold him.