Kenyan Sand Boa
care sheet
Housing:
These small snakes can be housed in as small as a 10 gallon enclosure,
but the larger the better. Enclosures should typically be longer than
they are high. You may choose from numerous different types of enclosures,
including glass or plastic tubs. Be aware that these little guys are great
escape artists, and you should make sure that you have a secure lid.
Lighting/heating:
The key to heating your enclosure is providing a temperature gradient
from a hot basking zone, to a cooler hide area. Basking temps should be
in the lower-90s. The cooler zone should be around 80 degrees or lower.
Make sure ample hiding space is available. You may opt to heat from above
or below for these snakes.
Substrate/cage decor
There are numerous options for substrate. Sand boas typically do well
on aspen shavings, playsand, or newspaper. Do not use cedar shavings,
the oils can kill your pet. Some people opt for newspaper in fear of the
snakes digesting substrate, but we have found that a combination of playsand
and aspen works well and is more natural and comfortable for the boas.
Sand boas spend most of their time below the substrate, poking their heads
out occasionally for food and water. If you use newspaper, make sure there
are lots of hiding spots for your snake to feel secure. Decorative rocks,
logs and fake plants may also be nice in your enclosure.
Feeding:
Sand boas are relatively easy to feed. Hatchlings should be fed small
pinkie mice (live or thawed). Adults can eat fuzzy mice or small hoppers.
We suggest removing your snake from it's enclosure to feed. Deli cups
or sweater boxes work well for this task. Make sure to be as gentle as
possible when returning the boas to their enclosure so as not to disturb
their full tummies.
Water: We leave a water-dish inside the boa enclosure and put a little
water in it 1-2 times per week (especially after feeding). Don't leave
a lot of water in there for long as sand boas become ill in humid conditions.
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