Boa Constrictor

The Boa Constrictor is large snake which can be found in Northern Mexico, Central America, and South America north of 35°S.

Boa constrictors live in a wide variety of climates, all the way from tropical rainforests to dry semi-desert country. However, it prefers the rainforest due to the humidity and warm temperature,

The boa constrictor constricts its victim by wrapping tightly around the body until the prey is suffocated.

There are several popular species of boa constrictor, among them the Red Tail Boa. http://www.anapsid.org: [1]

The most important thing you can do is research this beautiful animal before you buy it, because you are getting a pet that will become very large, and live for a very long time. Read boa constrictor bookshttp://www.amazon.com/Constrictor-Manual-Advanced-Vivarium-Systems/dp/1882770765/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259396980&sr=1-2, surf the Internet, go to the reptile house at the zoo, and consider having a reptile birthday party or similar event where professional handlers will let you touch and hold the boas.http://www.reptilefamily.com/world/world-sa.html

After bringing your new pet Boa home, give it a couple days to get use to its new surroundings. Handle your Boa gently, not forcing it to stay still.

Your new pet may get frightened and hiss or lash its tail. Don't let this behavior scare you into putting the snake back in its cage. Doing so will only reinforce this behavior and the snake will think it is controlling you. Gently persist in your handling.

Handling should be done daily and soon your Boa will begin to establish a level of trust. Always be as gentle as possible, and try to avoid sudden movements or loud noises. If your snake wraps around your neck, unwind it by grasping it by the tail and gently unwrapping it. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1256&S=4

To avoid having your snake wrap around your neck, place it at the back of your neck and shoulders, then hold out your arms and let the remainder of the snake rest there. If you feel constriction, simply spread your arms further apart and gently hold whatever part of the snake is trying to wrap.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODOxhvizlpc

What do Boa Constrictors eat? Boa Constrictors eat small mammals, primarily rodents. When you purchase your pet snake, ask what size rodent it is eating at the time. Young boa constrictors often eat fuzzy mice, and large adults may be fed 3 adult rats or a small rabbit.

It is important to give your new snake time to acclimate to its new surroundings before attempting to feed it. Wait at least two weeks, any earlier might cause undo stress on the reptile.

Start by offering your Boa one pre-killed week to ten day old frozen feeder rodent called a "fuzzy". A smaller sized baby Boa may need a "pinky" mouse or small mouse. Larger Boas can be feed large frozen feeder rodents, specifically rats. It's a good idea to get your pet snake used to eating pre-killed food. This prevents injury to your snake.

Offer food that is no wider then your snake. Foods larger then the snake will result in regurgitation.

Adults should be fed once every 2 to 3 weeks. Younger snakes should be fed once a week to encourage proper growth. Appropriate sized small mammals should be offered. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1256&S=4 Boa Constrictor