Rainbow boas?

[blueberrypancakes]

I looked at some pics of rainbow boas after checking out pigfats' thread... and I'm sold on them. Do they keep their irredescence into adulthood? Whats their disposition compared to ball pythons? How about their care?

[carlisleishere]

Their iridescence lasts their lifetime. Disposition depends on the snake, but I find most are nice but I find that rainbows tend to have good days and bad days more so than ball pythons. Care depends on the subspecies, but they do not tolerate warm temperatures over 85F very well. My BRB had a cool end of 72-75 and a warm end of 83. Humidity can be an issue, but as long as a humid box is in there they'll be fine. Humidity should be around 80%. I HIGHLY recommend using a tub.

I never used a hide box, but I found when there was a little condensation on the side then that was the right amount of humidity. Make sure there isn't so much condensation that the substrate gets wet.

Also, adult coloration can vary greatly from when they were young. Sometimes they brown out or brighten up.

Here's my guy as a baby:


This was him this past summer:

[purplemuffin]

You know, compared to ball pythons, a lot of snakes probably seem more aggressive as babies because of how they deal with stress. We know ball pythons will ball up when they are scared as a natural defense, but most other snakes don't do that(at least not to the extent ball pythons will) and instead will react to their fear with their only other defenses--fight or flight! If we're holding them or they are trapped in a tub with a giant monster coming after them...well, that just leaves fight!

So if you have a high stress rainbow boa he or she will be more likely to nip at you to tell you to go away so you won't eat him or her! If you can manage to handle the snake without stressing it out, then you are less likely to get bit.

I have seen some really docile and sweet rainbows and a couple who were bitey, but most of the biting was really more out of nervousness than just being a mean snake. Just wanting the intruder to get out of their bedroom!


Best way to know what they will look like as an adult is to see their parents! I don't like to buy my snakes unless I can see the parents Oh, and they look most iridescent in UVB, but the best in true sunlight!

Don't let them get too hot! That's a big mistake I see a lot of people make when they expect them to be like every other snake they've had!

[SquamishSerpents]

i have 3 rainbows, been meaning to do a photo shoot with them, when i do i will post up the pics for ya!

they are great snakes, however mine are not as "handleable" as our ball pythons. i find they tend to be more like corn snakes in the sense that they don't sit still. they constantly are trying to run away.

and yes, they can be quite grouchy sometimes. i've been nipped in my face by a baby (no big deal, just scared the ever living daylights out of me!!). but for the most part they are pretty friendly snakes, easy to take care of. the humidity requirements are basically a non-issue if you keep them in a tub with a big enough water dish. i wouldn't recommend a glass tank for them, though.

i haven't noticed a huge color change in mine, but i'm going to have to look at some baby photos!

[MoonlightBoas]

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are awesome snakes. They can be nippy as babies, but usually grow out of it. The majority of my collection have mellow temperaments. As long as you set up a cage to maintain the proper temperature and humidity, they're very easy to care for. Also, Brazilian Rainbow Boas rarely refuse a meal. Here are a few links that should answer many of your questions:

Beginner's Guide To Brazilian Rainbow Boas

Brazilian Rainbow Boa Care Sheet

Brazilian Rainbow Boa FAQs


Here is a picture of one of my Male Brazilian Rainbow Boas named Apollo