Kenyan Sand Boa
Housing
Housing sand boas is fairly simple. They don’t require as much space as many other snake species. That being said, bigger is better. A male sand boa can be housed in a 10 gallon aquarium and a female in a 20 gallon long. In a large terrarium, sand boas can be kept in groups, but with mixed sexes, this can lead to unexpected babies. Sand boas can climb, so ensure there is a tight fitting lid of screen or mesh.
Substrate
When choosing a substrate, it’s important to keep the needs of the snake foremost in your mind, above your own aesthetic desires.
Contrary to what their name implies, sand boas should not be kept in sand. The sand can cause fatal impactions when accidentally ingested. I keep mine in terra fiber made of ground coconut husk. This works well for me as it holds its shape fairly well while they make their tunnels. I mist it occasionally to keep it clumping together and to aid in shedding. Other people have successfully used carefresh (a paper mixture sold in pet stores) and paper towels. I prefer the natural look.Do not use shavings of aromatic woods, like pine, cedar, etc. as the oils can be fatal.
Heating and Lighting
As a desert species, Kenyan sand boas should be kept hot during the day with a slight drop in temperature at night. The warm side of the enclosure should be between 90 and 95 degrees during the day, with access to cooler areas in the low 80's. At night temperatures can safely drop to 70 degrees, although slightly warmer nighttime temps seem advantageous for younger animals.
Heat may be provided via the use of ceramic heat emitters, standard heat bulbs, and heating pads designed specifically for reptile use. Supplemental lighting is not required for this species. However, constant exposure to light can be stressful for any animal, so if heat lights are used during the day, they should be replaced by another form of heat after dark.
Size and Longevity
These are among the smallest boa species in the world. Males are typically much smaller than females and seldom measure more than 2 feet when mature. Females are heavier bodied (to support gestation and live birthing) and reach a maximum size of 3 feet.
Kenyan sand boas are extremely hardy and easy to keep. With good husbandry and attention to proper care guidelines, these snakes will live well over 20 years.
Handling
Although these snakes are rarely seen exploring their enclosures, they can be removed and handled easily. They are not aggressive, and specimens that have been handled regularly will become quite tame. Keep in mind that these snakes like to burrow, so their movements on solid ground and in your hands may seem spastic and jumpy. This is normal, and they should adjust to your touch over time.
As with any snake, avoid over handling. If your snake seems stressed as indicated by lack of appetite or unusual aggression, consider reducing the frequency of handling sessions until the animal’s behavior normalizes.
Water and Humidity
Kenyan sand boas should be kept dry as to simulate the deserts from which they originate. Shedding problems are rare with this species, but if they occur temporarily offering your snakes a localized area of increased humidity should remedy the problem.
In cages with screen tops, a small water dish may be provided at all times. However, because these animals are so sensitive to high levels of humidity, water bowls should only be offered a few times a week in less ventilated enclosures or in rack systems.
Feeding
Sand boas should be fed at night as this is when they are most active. Baby sand boas can be fed pinky mice. Try to purchase a sand boa that is already feeding on frozen thawed rather than live. This will make feedings much simpler. You simply thaw the prey at room temperature or in warm water (I suggest drying it off if you use the warm water so the coconut fiber doesn’t stick to it) and place it in the tank. I put mine in the warm side, so the smell is stronger. They are not left very long before they are either pulled under the substrate or the boa rises up and comes down on it. Larger boas can be fed pinky and fuzzy rats. Rats are better because they have higher calcium content. Babies should be fed every 5-7 days and adults around once a week.
Housing sand boas is fairly simple. They don’t require as much space as many other snake species. That being said, bigger is better. A male sand boa can be housed in a 10 gallon aquarium and a female in a 20 gallon long. In a large terrarium, sand boas can be kept in groups, but with mixed sexes, this can lead to unexpected babies. Sand boas can climb, so ensure there is a tight fitting lid of screen or mesh.
Substrate
When choosing a substrate, it’s important to keep the needs of the snake foremost in your mind, above your own aesthetic desires.
Contrary to what their name implies, sand boas should not be kept in sand. The sand can cause fatal impactions when accidentally ingested. I keep mine in terra fiber made of ground coconut husk. This works well for me as it holds its shape fairly well while they make their tunnels. I mist it occasionally to keep it clumping together and to aid in shedding. Other people have successfully used carefresh (a paper mixture sold in pet stores) and paper towels. I prefer the natural look.Do not use shavings of aromatic woods, like pine, cedar, etc. as the oils can be fatal.
Heating and Lighting
As a desert species, Kenyan sand boas should be kept hot during the day with a slight drop in temperature at night. The warm side of the enclosure should be between 90 and 95 degrees during the day, with access to cooler areas in the low 80's. At night temperatures can safely drop to 70 degrees, although slightly warmer nighttime temps seem advantageous for younger animals.
Heat may be provided via the use of ceramic heat emitters, standard heat bulbs, and heating pads designed specifically for reptile use. Supplemental lighting is not required for this species. However, constant exposure to light can be stressful for any animal, so if heat lights are used during the day, they should be replaced by another form of heat after dark.
Size and Longevity
These are among the smallest boa species in the world. Males are typically much smaller than females and seldom measure more than 2 feet when mature. Females are heavier bodied (to support gestation and live birthing) and reach a maximum size of 3 feet.
Kenyan sand boas are extremely hardy and easy to keep. With good husbandry and attention to proper care guidelines, these snakes will live well over 20 years.
Handling
Although these snakes are rarely seen exploring their enclosures, they can be removed and handled easily. They are not aggressive, and specimens that have been handled regularly will become quite tame. Keep in mind that these snakes like to burrow, so their movements on solid ground and in your hands may seem spastic and jumpy. This is normal, and they should adjust to your touch over time.
As with any snake, avoid over handling. If your snake seems stressed as indicated by lack of appetite or unusual aggression, consider reducing the frequency of handling sessions until the animal’s behavior normalizes.
Water and Humidity
Kenyan sand boas should be kept dry as to simulate the deserts from which they originate. Shedding problems are rare with this species, but if they occur temporarily offering your snakes a localized area of increased humidity should remedy the problem.
In cages with screen tops, a small water dish may be provided at all times. However, because these animals are so sensitive to high levels of humidity, water bowls should only be offered a few times a week in less ventilated enclosures or in rack systems.
Feeding
Sand boas should be fed at night as this is when they are most active. Baby sand boas can be fed pinky mice. Try to purchase a sand boa that is already feeding on frozen thawed rather than live. This will make feedings much simpler. You simply thaw the prey at room temperature or in warm water (I suggest drying it off if you use the warm water so the coconut fiber doesn’t stick to it) and place it in the tank. I put mine in the warm side, so the smell is stronger. They are not left very long before they are either pulled under the substrate or the boa rises up and comes down on it. Larger boas can be fed pinky and fuzzy rats. Rats are better because they have higher calcium content. Babies should be fed every 5-7 days and adults around once a week.