Boa Imperator – a guide to the Common Boa

The Common Boa, also known as Boa Constrictor Imperator, is one of the most common and popular reptile species kept as pet. The Common Boa is a beautiful and fascinating species, and has the strong reputation of being an easy pet to handle and take care of. The common boa is a very strong and tolerant snake, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not particular about his preferences and needs. This page will give you a good overview of the species, and its husbandry requirements, but for more information visit Boa Care where you can research more about the needs of the common boa, and other boa species.

Like all reptiles, boas are exotic animals, and have specific requirements in captivity. If you understand those need, boa constrictor is a rather hardy snake, which can thrive in captivity if taken care of properly. Boas are non venomous snakes that kill their prey via constriction. A common misconception is that only the boa constrictors hunt and eat in this way. In fact, while boa constrictor is a truly apt name, most non-venemous snakes use this method to desptach their prey so they can eat it safely.

Boa constrictor imperator is slightly different than other subspecies; its tail markings are brownish, differentiating from the typical red of boa constrictor constrictor. The ones coming from Columbia are typically larger boas, while the ones coming from the Caribbean Islands are smaller. The population of Sonora Desert in Mexico represents the smallest of the family.

Boa imperators are relatively small in comparison with the other boa constrictors.  Their length is approximately seven to nine feet while the female's are slightly bigger and heavier than the males.  The common boa usually weighs around 6-7 kilos, again with the females a litte larger. Their lifespan can be more than 25 years in captivity.  This makes a common boa a long term commitment so care should be taken to ensure you are capable of caring for such a large snake for a very long time before investing in a snake like this.

Common boas come from Mexico and southern America, but the main region of origin of the boa imperator is Columbia, which is why they are often called Columbian boas. Boas are used to living in different kinds of environments and habitats, from wild woodlands to rainforests and they are considered to be somewhat terrestrial reptiles.  In captivity many boas will climb if given the chance, especially young boas, so climbing branches should be provided.

In their natural environment boas usually eat small mammals, rodents and birds. Smaller reptiles, such as lizards are also taken. In captivity there is no need to provide such a varied diet. The most common food for pet boa imperators are small rats and rabbits. Juveniles can be fed on small mice and the prey size gradually increased as the snake grows.

Juveniles should be fed weekly, while adults are normally offered a meal once every 14 days. The prey item offered should be no larger than the girt of the snake. While common boas are usually good feeders, some specimens can be problematic to get started.

Housing

Adult boas should be kept in an enclosure no smaller than 72" X 24" X 24". They are mostly terrestrial and so height is less important than floor area, although many will climb if give then chance. A sturdy branch which can been secured properly should be provided to facilitate this.

The proper temperature gradient should be maintained thermostatically at 28 – 30 C (82-90 F) with a basking area (hot spot) of around 32 – 35 C (90 – 95 F)

Heat is best provided by use of a ceramic heater element controlled by a thermostat and properly guarded to prevent potential burns.

A substrate which is hygienic and easy to clean should be provided. Many keepers use bark or wood chippings, but paper towel is a better choice as it is cheap and hygienic.

A large water bowl, changed daily, should also be provided at all times. This should be large and deep enough for your boa to soak in when it is time to shed.

Check out the Wikipedia entry for common boas.

For more information about this species visit Boa Imperator Introduction.

The boa imperator does really well in captivity, and most of the snakes become very tame and calm. The boa imperator is also seen in zoos very often. Their long life span makes them a very long term commitment as pets; therefore, whoever decides to adopt a boa imperator should know that he makes a very important decision.