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 #2079330


ReptileJay
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 Boa cage. difference of opinion

I’m in the planning stages of my boa constrictor c. cage for Nero. I’m figuring he’ll get somewhere between 6-8 feet. Right now I’m planning a 5x4x4 foot cage. I figure as long as he stays under 8’ this should be good enough for him for his whole life. I’ve read different things though, and gotten different things from breeders. Some say you need at least 6’ feet long, some say 4’. Some say they will continue to climb and take advantage of the height. Others say they don’t need the height, and anything above 3’ feet high is a waste. any other thoughts out there? he’s young and won’t be ready for such a large enclosure for at least a year, so i have plenty of time to plan and build.
10/02/09  01:25am

 #2079366


Bciaddict
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   Message To: ReptileJay   In reference to Message Id: 2079330


 Boa cage. difference of opinion

Hard to say really.

If you want to build an enclosure that is 5’ x 4’ x 4’ for an adult boa then by all means go ahead. A boa would need 6’ feet if they are in a much shorter cage. The minimum recommended cage size for a 8 foot boa is 6’ x 4’ x I don’t remember the height. The idea being the the floor space is at least 2/3 the length of the boa by 1/2 the length of the boa. That way they could stretch out comfortably if needed (especially if they are ever gravid).

A 4’ x 2’ x 1’ enclosure is the minimum cage size needed for most smaller boas....boas that do not exceed 6’.

I use the 4’ cages for my Nicaraguan breeders (all of whom are 5.5 feet or smaller).

Opinions on height vary. A breeder looking to fit as many cages as possible in a room is going to go with the minimum height necessary but If given extra "head room" a boa will probably use it.

An older boa is not as likely to climb as a younger boa. Not to say they they won’t at all....that is different with each individual boa. Some are more active, some are more arboreal than others.

If you do build with the idea of extra height so that the boa can climb, make sure that you secure any climbing apparatus so that it will not come loose and fall, possibly injuring the boa.

Also, Peruvian Boa constrictor constrictor can get to 12 feet long...

Amie
10/02/09  07:05am

 #2079409


ReptileJay
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   Message To: Bciaddict   In reference to Message Id: 2079366


 Boa cage. difference of opinion

Thanks. I appreciate it. I know breeders want to stack as many snakes in a room as they can, and I made sure I was clear with them when I talked that this is more of a display case, than just minimum housing. I believe my boa is a columbian. Can’t be entirely sure of the locality type, but my local herp shop bought his sister from the same guy and says its columbian, but i didn’t ask the locality. Breeder told me that the sire was a little smaller than 7’ feet long, and he doubted very much that my male would get over 8’ feet. So, I do want to give him head room. I don’t want him living in a low-ceiling hall way... I just want to make sure he has enough room to stretch out, enough room to climb if he wants, but also that its not so big that I can’t keep it heated... If anyone has any good ideas on belly heat for such a large cage, that would be awesome as well.. the floor will probably be 1/2" plywood with tile or linoleum, and then some kind of substrate or carpet over that. Thanks
10/02/09  11:38am


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