If you are thinking about keeping a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor as a pet, you must have significant knowledge of this snake’s care requirements before you purchase one.
After all, we want to inform you that having a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor as a home companion is not similar to owning a typical reptile pet.
In this online discussion, we will guide you on the essential matters that relate to caring for a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor.
We discussed aspects like this reptile’s fundamental nature; size, looks, and hues; demeanor; habitat arrangement; tank accessories; enclosure atmosphere; lifespan, diet, and wellness; and many more.
We want to help you learn about the important care guidelines to enable your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor to live healthily and happily in your home.
Table of Contents
REPTILE’S FUNDAMENTAL NATURE
The Colombian rainbow boa constrictor is the rainbow boa family’s northernmost species. It usually resides in Central America’s southern locations.
Additionally, the Colombian rainbow boa constrictor inhabits humid jungles throughout northern South America and territories like Trinidad and Tobago.
This semi-arboreal snake species is among the preferred reptile pets on the market today. In the reptile trade, we want to inform you that this favorite of snake enthusiasts is highly sought-after.
You will not be surprised by this trend. After all, the Colombian rainbow boa constrictor, with the scientific name Epicrates Maurus, is a marvelously stunning and rare animal.
This unique and eye-catching snake which is frequently mistaken for its more common cousins – the Argentine and Brazilian rainbow boa constrictors – is fairly effortless to care for and relatively docile.
The Colombian rainbow boa constrictor makes a wonderful home companion for reptile aficionados.
SNAKE’S SIZE, LOOKS, AND HUES
If it is your first-ever time acquiring a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor, you will discover that its average dimension is between three and five feet long. Its size makes it quite manageable to handle and a favorite among snake lovers, unlike other reptile pets.
We want to inform you that the Colombian rainbow boa constrictor can get near six feet long on rare occasions, though such snakes are exceptions rather than the rules.
A female Colombian rainbow boa constrictor is significantly larger than a male one, and this dimension applies to both girth and length.
Moreover, a female Colombian rainbow boa constrictor reaches the size spectrum’s upper end, while males remain nearly three feet long.
As for a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s physical appearance, you will find that most of this species has a light brown base hue and darker vertebral ring outlines that may feature lighter centers creating that iconic saddle pattern.
Furthermore, a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s coloration continues along its entire length. Nonetheless, its belly is typically different as it is slightly lighter and uniformly colored.
You will find out that the Colombian rainbow boa constrictor scales’ finish sets it apart from other snakes due to the stunning iridescent sheen noticeable when you shine a light on the reptile.
The scales can be dazzling in a spectrum of various colors, depending on the lighting conditions. Thus, we can tell you that you might witness conspicuous hues of blue, purple, green, and many more.
RAINBOW BOA DEMEANOR
When it comes to a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s temperament and behavior, you might feel surprised to learn that a juvenile snake can be slightly nippy, and its curiosity often results in its owner experiencing its tiny bites.
Nevertheless, most Colombian rainbow boa constrictors very quickly outgrow these behaviors and are generally very peaceful as adults.
We advise you to take things slowly and easily and give your reptile pet some time to get used to its new home.
Moreover, read your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s body language and do not force handling it if it appears uncomfortable. A docile and calm adult snake requires time to develop trust in you as its owner.
It would be best if you keep in mind that the more you interact with your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor, the more comfortable it will get. Hence, handling your snake pet will not be a problem once it trusts you.
SNAKE’S HABITAT
We advise you to remember that a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor demands an appropriately-sized enclosure that is neither too small nor too big.
If you place your reptile pet in a small tank as a juvenile, you will have to upgrade this habitat several times before your snake fully reaches adulthood.
A juvenile Colombian rainbow boa constrictor thrives in a standard 10-gallon glass aquarium, small snake rack baskets, and tiny plastic habitats.
Remember that keeping your young reptile pet’s residence small will prevent it from feeling undue stress.
Meanwhile, your adult Colombian rainbow boa constrictor will live wholesomely in an enclosure measuring at least 36 inches long by 18 inches deep.
Nonetheless, we recommend you avail of a larger tank, the ideal size of which is roughly 36 inches long by 24 inches deep by 24 inches tall.
Therefore, your adult Colombian rainbow boa constrictor will have much room for enrichment and exploration in its slightly larger enclosure.
ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES FOR THE REPTILE PET’S TANK
Your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor will be happy in its enclosure with the presence of climbing branches, vines, or other plants that offer the site a more organic appearance.
These accessories perfectly complement the snake’s semi-arboreal nature. Furthermore, you must include an appropriate substrate capable of retaining moisture without growing molds.
A juvenile Colombian rainbow boa constrictor will benefit from paper towels at its tank’s bottom, while an adult will thrive in a coconut fiber or orchid bark substrate.
We want to inform you that commercial products combining natural bark shavings and sphagnum moss balls are also applicable as substrates.
Additionally, you will help your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor curl up properly by putting one sturdy and large hide box on either end of its habitat. These recommended accessories provide an extra humidity boost in the reptile pet’s residence.
ATMOSPHERE IN THE SNAKE’S ENCLOSURE
Remember that a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor requires a high humidity level in its habitat as it hails from the warm South and Central American jungles. In its enclosure, your reptile pet will prefer 75 to 85 percent humidity.
We want to note that some Colombian rainbow boa constrictors prefer even slightly higher humidity levels of approximately 90 percent. We suggest you utilize a hygrometer to monitor and ensure the proper humidity levels.
Moreover, it would be best to mist your snake’s tank daily. Investing in an automatic misting system is ideal, as this mechanism will take care of the misting job for you.
The substrate material in your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor will perform considerably to keep the right humidity levels. Using plants can also raise these levels.
Adding a shallow water bowl in your reptile pet’s enclosure and filling it up every day will aid with humidity levels as well.
You should ensure that this water dish is large enough for your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor to enter since many of this reptile type utilize the accessory to soak, especially around shedding time.
Finally, it would help if you create a temperature gradient in the enclosure as a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor depends on external thermoregulation, like all reptiles, to adjust its body temperature.
On one side of the tank, you should keep the ambient temperature level a bit cooler, between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, on the other end, you need to establish a basking spot and raise the temperature level in the neighborhood of 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit utilizing a basking lamp with a high-quality protective dome.
Additionally, you can invest in a high-quality thermometer and check those temperature ranges regularly. You should merely switch on your lights during the daytime.
Putting them on a timer is also recommended to ensure your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor gets a full day-and-night cycle.
Installing red lamps that do not disturb the snake’s cycle or generate heat is ideal if you want to view your reptile pet during the evening.
RAINBOW BOA’S LIFESPAN, DIET, AND WELLNESS
A Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s typical lifespan is at least two decades, with top-notch maintenance. Most of this reptile type can exist for several decades more with quality care, an appropriate diet, and proper living conditions.
A Colombian rainbow boa constrictor can avert disease and premature death if you feed it with mice. A juvenile snake will survive by having it fed once a week, while a mature one will do so by merely being fed every ten days.
We advise you to provide your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor only with feeder mice as large as its body’s thickest part, regardless of its age.
It would also be best to feed your reptile pet in a separate tank to prevent it from associating with your hand while holding its food.
We recommend you avoid handling your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor after nourishing it to avert regurgitation.
You can always keep your snake pet healthy by staying on top of its living conditions. We recommend you monitor its enclosure’s humidity and temperature levels and overall cleanliness.
Moreover, you should perform full tank sanitation monthly and spot cleaning daily to keep harmful bacteria away from your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s habitat.
In this manner, you can easily aid your reptile pet in avoiding common wellness dilemmas. One of them is a parasitic infection similar to skin infections typically resulting from a poorly maintained tank.
You will need to take your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor to a veterinarian to eliminate the parasites internally wreaking havoc or latching onto its body.
A healthy lifestyle also prevents your reptile pet from skin infections and scale rot caused by a dirty environment.
This recommended state averts external fungal infections and blister-like lesions brought about by hazardous bacteria building up in the tank that is not regularly cleaned.
Finally, you can keep your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor from contracting respiratory infections caused by improper humidity or temperature levels.
This unwanted health issue can lead to your snake developing mouth rot or experiencing swelling in its respiratory tract tissue, bleeding nasal discharge, and other physical symptoms.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We agree that keeping a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor at home can be delightful. This shimmery snake is not really too demanding when you discover how to properly take care of it.
Furthermore, a Colombian rainbow boa constrictor is quite easy to handle as long as you are one gentle owner. You should support its body and not make any sudden movements.
After all, the iridescent reptile can initially be head-shy that it would jerk away if you try to touch its head. Therefore, you should avoid this step.
Finally, we advise you to always keep your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor’s enclosure clean and continue learning about the best ways to take care of this rare and luminous reptile pet. In this manner, you can relish the best ownership experience.
Have a wonderful time taking care of your Colombian rainbow boa constrictor!
