Like all pets, it is imperative that you ensure that you give your Boa Constrictor the best possible chance at a healthy life. A Boa Constrictor is in no way any different from any other living being and has just as much right to be cared for with appreciation as any other pets. Snakes are very different from cats or dogs in that they need an entirely different level of care. It is not enough to merely toss a dead rat in their living environment and they will just survive, reptiles need care and continual up keeping just like any other animal. With dietary issues, housing, mites, skin care, and temperatures to keep in mind the raising of a beautiful Boa Constrictor will surely keep you very busy indeed.
While many pets do actually take up much of your time with attending to them, Boas really do not require as much in regards to maintenance and care. This is not to say that they can just merely be left alone and you never have to worry about their safety. Boas are a unique level of work when it comes to pets and their raising.
First and foremost, the most important thing to consider when keeping a snake of this species would have to be the housing or environment that you plan on keeping it in. while some animals like rabbits or chinchillas can get by with a cage as a dwelling it is not really recommended for snakes. A snake can easily slip through many very tiny spaces and become quite the escape artist, if you do not make provision for this you will surely find out the hard way. The best fashion of home for a snake, especially a large constrictor would be a glass or acrylic aquarium. This will allow you to view the snake at will and ensure that the pet is not finding its own measure of jail break while you are not home to monitor it.
Feeding is a very important issue as well, when it comes to Boa Constrictors. They do not eat your everyday housecat or family dog. Generally, people only feed their Boas once every week or bi-weekly. It actually takes a long time for the snake to digest the meal it has taken in, for this reason they are more prone to eat then lounge for a good period of time. It would be most helpful if you placed a heat lamp or hot rock which can be purchased anywhere reptiles are sold, into the tank. This will help the snake with their food digestion and help to prevent illness of the snake.
It is always best to provide your Boa with the best possible food from a reputable supplier when it comes to reptile food or snake food. Never feed your snake a wild caught mouse or rat, you do not know if there are any diseases present within the animal. This is a bad idea to feed your snake a wild caught rat or mouse anyways as the animal will be more prone to attack the snake in defense, and again the animal could indeed be a carrier of a virus or disease that will in turn kill your snake.
Periodic checks of the snakes skin is always a good idea, as many times snakes will be susceptible to mites or parasites on their skin. There are medications available from your local reptile specialist or pet stores around you that sell reptile supplies. When the snake is about to shed its skin, it is always best to leave the snake be. It is never a good idea to handle a snake when it is shedding, as it is very vulnerable and can easily startle. This is the most likely time when a snake would be more apt to strike at you, regardless of its nature or passive personality. When the snake is shedding it forms a film over its eyes and it is difficult for the snake to see what is around it. Take precautions should you have to move the snake while it is shedding to avoid startling the snake, and from it biting you by using slow and precise movements and by wearing thick gloves if at all possible.
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