How to Build a Snake Enclosure for a Red-Tailed Boa

A red-tailed boa can grow to up to 10 feet in length and weigh 50 pounds as an adult. Boa enclosures require at least three different activity areas to ensure that the occupants will be comfortable. Red-tailed boas are also great escape artists, finding any weakness in the structure to push through. For this reason, these enclosures need to be fairly large and sturdy, and, if the enclosure has a detachable top, the top must fasten securely into place.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon aquarium, with a long configuration
  • Aquarium stand or table
  • Wire mesh aquarium lid
  • Under-tank heating mat or heating pad for humans
  • 2 thermometers
  • Aspen shavings or cypress mulch
  • Water dish
  • 2 items in which the boa can hide
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a space that is at least six feet long, three feet deep, and three feet wide in which to house your snake. The 20-gallon tank you are starting with does not need as much space, but you will need room to expand as your snake grows. Put the aquarium stand or table in the space you have selected.

    • 2

      Put your heating mat or pad on top of the table or stand. Place your aquarium on top your heating pad. The heating pad should be under one end of the aquarium, so that your snake can have both warm and cool environments. If your tank is on a solid surface, elevate the tank about one inch above the table or stand, to ensure proper air flow and heat distribution. Make certain your aquarium is level and firmly in place before continuing. Set the heating pad to ̶0;medium.̶1;

    • 3

      Cover the bottom of the aquarium with a 1-inch layer of substrate.

    • 4

      Secure the thermometers to the aquarium, one at each end. Each thermometer should be about one inch from the bottom of the tank.

    • 5

      Place your snake̵7;s bowl and hiding places. Ideally, your snake should have a hiding space at either end of the tank, so that it will have both a cool and a warm secure place to rest. Heavy forked branches of appropriate size, ceramic half-logs, or anything free of chemicals that will also hold your snake̵7;s weight is appropriate for use.