Boas and pythons are very popular pets.  There are numerous species that are successfully kept in captivity.  Some have very basic needs, while some have more elaborate requirements.  If you have a specific pet in mind please contact us with specific questions.

Important considerations when purchasing a boa or python.

1. These are relatively long lived snakes 17-40 years.

2. Some can become quite large and strong.  e.g. Burmese and Reticulated Pythons

3. Just because they are not venomous, does not mean they can not be dangerous or aggressive.  e.g. Rock Pythons, Argentine Boas, Green Tree Pythons and some Burmese Pythons

4. Certain municipalities have restrictions on what types of reptiles can be kept.

5. Are you comfortable feeding mammalian prey?

Housing:

             For most of these snakes typical indoor temperatures are sufficient if a basking spot is provided that elevates the temperature in that area to 90-95F.

             Various size commercial terrariums are suitable as well as numerous easy to build home designs.  Of paramount importance is ease of cleaning and security.  You do not want a sliding or lift up lid that cannot be secured.

             Cypress mulch, natural soil or newspaper make good substrates.  Most snakes like to have a hide box, just big enough for them to curl up in.  Arboreal snakes require more elaborate set ups to accommodate their needs.

Feeding:            

            Never feed snakes live mice or rats unless closely supervised and remove them if the snake is not immediately interested.  Serious and life threatening injuries have resulted from non eaten live prey biting the snakes.  Thawed frozen or recently stunned prey is best.  While watching snakes eat is fascinating, resist the urge to over feed.  While your pet will grow rapidly it will become obese which can lead to health problems.

             Feed snakes in a separate container, so they do not associate you reaching in to pick them up with meal time.

             If you already own some snakes and are acquiring new ones, it is important to keep the new ones separate for at least 2 months to make sure you are not introducing any disease process.  Do not share tools, dishes or cage furniture between snakes.

Common Health Problems:

Respiratory infections - these can be viral or bacterial.  Frequent open mouth breathing, bubbles from mouth or nares.

Dysecdysis - incomplete sheds.  This is generally a husbandry problem and can be corrected with proper information.

Stomatitis - infection of the mouth - incomplete closure of the mouth, bloody or irregular yellow tissue evident when snake opens its mouth.

Prey injuries - bite wounds from live prey left unattended

Mites - small topical insects that can impair the health of your pet

If you suspect your pet has any of these issues or is in poor health please contact your veterinarian.

 Please contact our veterinarians at Animal Medical Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 for more information.