How Often Should You Clean a Boa Constrictor's Cage?

A properly cared for pet boa constrictor has a lifespan of between 20 and 30 years. If you want your pets to live long, healthy lives, you have to spend a significant amount of time maintaining your boa constrictors' living environment. Failing to keep a boa constrictor's living enclosure clean can cause significant health problems for the snake due to bacteria and infections.

  1. General Cage Maintenance

    • As a general rule of thumb, the more often you clean your boa constrictor's cage, the healthier your snake will be. Cleaning the cage properly removes harmful bacteria and prevents bacteria from building up to dangerous levels. Regular cleaning also ensures you are handling your snake often enough to detect changes in his condition or environment early enough to catch potential problems in the beginning stages. Your boa constrictor's living enclosure should have everything removed and thoroughly cleaned or replaced at least once a month, preferably every other week. This includes replacing the substrate materials lining the bottom of the cage.

    Daily Cage Maintenance

    • Daily cage maintenance is essential for keeping your boa constrictor healthy. You should remove your snake's water bowl from the cage every day and thoroughly clean it, disinfect it and replace the water with fresh water. The water bowl is a prime breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to infections and many boa constrictors like to soak in their water bowls, making an unclean water bowl a real health hazard for your pet.

    Soiled Materials

    • It is important to immediately clean the cage and remove any soiled materials if your boa constrictor has a bowel movement or the cage is otherwise significantly soiled, such as by blood or bodily fluids from a live meal for the snake. All soiled materials should be removed and either thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or replaced with new items. If you have a question as to whether an item is still usable, treat it as if it is not.

    Other Considerations

    • You should clean your boa constrictor's cage thoroughly if your snake has experienced any type of illness or parasite infestation. A less than completely clean cage can make these health problems worse and prevent your snake from recovering. Mites or other parasites on the snake's skin can cause it to suffer significant discomfort and irritation. If your snake is ill, obtain proper veterinary care for it as well as cleaning the cage completely on a daily basis to get rid of contaminated materials.