So I Got My First Snake...

[artgecko]

So far, your setup sounds good. Congrats on the new purchase and on doing your homework in advance!

I would suggest a few things for you to look into that you either didn't mention, or I think no one may have mentioned to you yet.

1. Use binder clips (bulldog clips) or luggage straps as additional "security" to hold the tub lid down. I do this on all my stand-alone quarantine tubs and have seen baby boas push at tubs to test for weak points before. I place the clips/straps in the center of the long side of the tub and this seems to be sufficient.

2. You want the foot print of the tub to be the length of the snake or a little large (so if he is 3' long, a 2'x1' footprint or larger would work). You also want enough room for hides on either end and a waterbowl in the center.

3. Hides- You want the 2 hides to be identical in size and make so that the snake won't prefer one (due to size or design) and choose that over the correct temp. The hides should be snug to the snake's body size to make them feel secure. If your hides are too large, you can crumple up paper to put in the hide to help. I LOVE the plastic hides from Reptile Basics. They are cheap and I always keep a spare clean set on hand so that I can change them out quickly if the snake has a "blowout".

4. Waterbowl- Ideally, you want to use one that is wide and deep enough for the snake to soak if needed. Consider how much room the snake would take up if soaking and fill your bowl accordingly so that he won't flood the cage if he does this.

5. Watch for mites. Mites are a very common issue, especially with show pickups. If you see your snake soaking, check the water bowl for little black dots. You can also rub a wet paper towel down the length of the snake to see if any mites come off. If you do see mites, you can treat them, but it takes a couple months to completely get ride of them. Keeping your snake on paper towels while in quarantine can also make it easier to spot the mites.

6. Don't handle for the first month or so.. Wait until he has fed 4-5 times and defecated well before you handle him (other than for cage maintenence). Begin in a new environment is stressful and making sure he is well adjusted first will help.

7. Hook (tap) training- I own 5 boas and they have a massive feeding response as adults. To prevent any mistaken feeding bites, it is a good idea to begin tap training your boa at a young age and keep it up as he grows. To do this, use a hook, paper towel tube, etc. and gently touch your boa on the side (stroking motions) every time you go into his tub to clean, handle, or do anything other than feeding. This will wake him up and prevent him from being startled and he will also learn to associate the stroking with you messing with his cage and not feeding him. This can be very useful as he ages and help you get him out of "food mode" if you need to. My adult male BCA is 5.5' long and will slam the glass when he is in food mode. All it takes is a couple strokes of the hook and he knows he isn't going to be fed and calms down.

8. Feeding- Feed using tongs or foreceps..Not using your hands. This will prevent accidental feeding bites. As he ages, longer tongs may be necessary.

9. Caging- You mentioned waiting to upgrade him. I didn't upgrade most of my boas to their adult enclosures until they were about 4' long. Up until then, I used different plastic tubs as they grew. I would highly suggest that you look into and start saving up for a pvc cage to be his adult home. Most male boas will be good in a 4'x2'x 15" (or taller) pvc cage as adults.

I house mine in Animal plastics cages with sliding glass locking doors, basking shelves, heat tape, and recessed LED lighting. These cages aren't cheap, but they will last the life of the boa and are a better value than other cages on the market (IMO). PVC cages hold humidity better than glass aquariums and are much easier to clean with their front opening doors.

Good luck with your new little one and welcome to the snake-owning community! IMO, boas are one of the best snakes personality-wise and are my favorite species to work with.