Rainbow Boa care?

Hey all. Someday in the not so distant future, I would like a rainbow boa. I researched ball pythons for 2 years before I got one, but since rainbow boas are less popular than BPs, there is less information about them. I figure I good place to start is right here.

So, all you rainbow boa keepers, could you just tell me about them? How do you do a rainbow boa set up, what to they need, how big do they get exactly, what is their temperament, etc. Also, what is the difference between Brazilian and Columbian species (or any other locality, these are just the two I have seen for sale).

Thanks guys! Just tell me what anyone considering adopting one of these gorgeous things needs to know. I am just in the research stage to make sure it is a species of snake I want based on more than just "so pretty!!" and that I can give it what it needs before I even BEGIN looking for available animals. I probably won't even be practical for another year or more, but there is a reptile show is October..... darn it. **Need*bigger*apartment**

I got a Brazilian a few months ago and they are wonderful animals. She has quickly become one of my favorites. Everything I read led me to expect a nippy snake. Even the breeder said they are semi-aggressive. I can not say that is true of mine. She is very "alert", when you reach for her she comes around quickly to see what is going on. That is part of what makes her so interesting. With light grey eyes you can see what she is looking at and her personality is huge.

She has an amazing feeding response. So fast, powerful and accurate, and mine is pretty small still (60g and a little over 2') She gets it by the face every time and coils her whole body around it like 6 times. (yes, FT) Compared to my balls which normally just fold their body in half on it. I think the females get around 7 feet. As active as they seem I bet they are a handful as adults.

The main requirement they have is high humidity.They are very susceptible to dehydration if not kept around 75%. Because of the humidity I do a complete cage cleaning more often to make sure nothing grows. I didn't make as many holes as the tubs for my other snakes and it stays perfect.

I was a little intimidated by the intermediate requirements, but honestly just get their home prepared ahead of time to save you some stress later and it should be fine.

If you haven't found this site yet check the links down the side, beginners guide to brazilians, faq and care sheet.
http://www.moonlightboas.com/

Thanks! They are just so beautiful and I really want a "large" snake that isn't actually large. I would probably get a male so it would be a little smaller, but 7 feet would be all right. I'm a pretty slender girl, so I really would not feel comfortable with a boa constrictor or burm, or heaven forbid a retic, as beautiful as they are and as much as I love them. I think a rainbow boa is the size I am looking for. Impressive, but not dangerously stronger than I am.

Are they pretty active in their vivs, unlike balls? Do they make good "display snakes," coming out to make an appearance even if they aren't being held? I just think it's so funny that people can be in my living room for hours staring into my BP tank and be like, "sooo, what is in here exactly?" :D

Yes they are pretty active and that was my plan, to build something in my living room once she gets bigger. I had her in a tank but it was too hard to keep humid so I moved her to a tub in my rack for now. I offer two hides since I read that when they are young they may be more insecure, but honestly she only really uses the warm hide after a meal. If she is in a one her head is peeking and she used to burrow when I used mulch with just her head sticking out. I also put some things to climb on. They climb well with their long slender bodies, everyone comments how well she grips and how she maneuvers around differently than the balls.
They do change color as they get older and are not as colorful. Also they change color at night, the sides of her body get lighter almost white.

Hi Emily,

You're going about things exactly the right way. It's important that people research an animal before bringing it home. Brazilian Rainbow Boas look absolutely amazing, and are easy to care for when housed in a properly set up cage.

Mike already mentioned it, but here are direct links to Beginner's Guide to Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Brazilian Rainbow Boa Care Sheet, and Brazilian Rainbow Boa FAQs. If you have any questions about Rainbow Boas, I'd be happy to answer them for you.


Here is a picture of one of my Het Hypo Male BRBs named Spartacus:
http://www.moonlightboas.com/images/...-20110101b.jpg