What is the best bedding for sand boa?

A mixture of Zoo Med Aspen Snake Bedding and Zoo Med Repti Sand makes a good bedding for Sand Boas. Make sure your substrate is at least 2” deep to allow for burrowing. Sand Boas require all day temperatures of 80° to 85° Fahrenheit. A hot spot of 90° to 95° F should be provided at one end.

How much substrate does a Kenyan sand boa need?

As a fossorial (burrowing) species, Kenyan sand boas do best when they have a thick, 6” layer of sandy substrate in their enclosure.

Do sand boas need sand?

Kenyan Sand Boa Temperament

Sand Boas are crepuscular or nocturnal so are most active during dawn and dusk. The day tends to be unbearably hot for these small snakes so they spend most of their time buried in the sand. During dawn and dusk they will often emerge from their burrows to explore.

Can I use play sand in Kenyan sand boa?

Sand just collapses. In the wild they aren’t on play sand its a mix of sand, dust, clay, and dirt. When its all combined they can easily make sturdy burrows. Plus aspen is so much easier to clean and definitely doesn’t have a smell to it like soiled sand can.

Do Kenyan sand boas need a night light?

Also make sure that the fixture your UVB bulb is in does not have a clear plastic bulb cover. Due to their equatorial origin, Kenyan sand boas should receive roughly 12 hours of light year-round.

Do Kenyan sand boas need a heat pad?

We recommend a Zoo Med heat mat or Exo Terra heat pad which stays on 24/7 to give them a little bit of supplemental heat during the night. Both of these are placed on the outside, underneath the enclosure. You want a heat pad that only covers half the tank (or less).

How often should you hold a Kenyan sand boa?

Don’t handle your Kenyan Sand Boa for 24-48 hours after it eats.

Prey Size & Feeding Schedule.
Kenyan Sand Boa Feeding Schedule
0-12 Months Old:Appropriately sized meal every 5-7 days.
12+ Months Old:Appropriately sized meal every 7-28 days.
Nov 29, 2020

What size tank does a Kenyan sand boa need?

15-20 gallon tank
Due to their small size and inactive nature, sand boas can be housed in an enclosure that is both small and convenient. Young boas can be housed in a 10-gallon tank, while single adults should be housed in a 15-20 gallon tank.

How long does it take for a Kenyan sand boa to reach full size?

Males reach full maturity at two years of age and measure 15 – 18 inches. Females will not mature until they are over two feet long, which can take up to three years. Males reach full size when they are two years old, though slow growers may require an additional year.

Should I get a male or female Kenyan sand boa?

Its easy to sex kenyan sand boas without relying on the spurs or popping which can damage snakes if done improperly. Males have a longer tail from their cloaca (anal vent) to the tip of their tail, and the tip has a rounder look to it. With females the tail is shorter from the cloaca to the tip and the tip is pointed.

How often should I feed my sand boa?

Feed your sand boa 1 mouse every 7-14 days.

Females tend to eat more frequently, so offer your female snake food once a week. Your male snake will typically only want to eat every 10-14 days. You can set up a schedule based on your snake’s preferences.

How do you pick up a Kenyan sand boa?

Pick a Kenyan sand boa up from the middle of its body, giving the snake a chance to realize that it’s not dinnertime. If you approach a Kenyan sand boa from above, near the front third of its body, it may assume you are food and strike at you.

Are Kenyan sand boas good beginner snakes?

A Kenyan sand boa is an excellent beginner snake, and if you like the idea of frequently handling your pet, this might be the snake for you. It doesn’t get very large—adult females typically max out at a bit more than 2 feet, and males around 20 inches—and is usually quite accommodating.

Are Kenyan sand boas endangered?

Conservation of the Natural World

The Kenyan Sand Boa is currently classified as least concern on the IUCN Mediterranean Red List, and little study has been done on possible threats the species may be facing today.

What kind of sand do you use in a sand boa?

Sand boas are most comfortable on a loamy, slightly moist soil mixture. Answer: One of the most widely spread myths in reptile-keeping today is, as you’ve rightly surmised, that sand boas of the genus Eryx should be housed on soft, dry sand.

Are Kenyan sand boas picky eaters?

Sand boas can be picky eaters, so don’t be alarmed if your snake refuses a meal or two, but check that your temperatures, humidity and enclosure setup is proper. The best way to feed a snake is using a tongs to dangle the prey in front of them until they strike for it.

How big do Kenyan sand boas get?

Kenyan sand boas are heavy-bodied stout snakes with a blunt head, small eyes, and a thick, short body and tail. Females are larger, reaching length between 26 and 32 inches, while males grow to about 15 inches.

Are sand boas low maintenance?

The Kenyan Sand Boa is a tremendous pet snake option that’s rather popular these days. … These snakes are extremely low-maintenance and a great option for owners of various experience levels.

How do I know if my sand boa is hungry?

You can tell whether your snake is hungry by watching its movements. For the most part, a Kenyan sand boa will lie still until it is ready to eat. Then it will emerge from its hiding spot to prowl its territory in search of food.

How do you know when a sand boa is hungry?

And when they’re hungry, many will try to climb the walls in search of food…they rely on scent, which in MOST cases is coming from the TOP of their enclosures.

How long after feeding can I handle my sand boa?

How Long Does It Take For A Kenyan Sand Boa To Eat?
Kenyan Sand Boa Feeding Schedule
0-12 Months Old:Appropriately sized meal every 5-7 days.
12+ Months Old:Appropriately sized meal every 7-28 days.
Feb 25, 2022

How do I know if my snake is happy?

Signs a Snake Is Comfortable
  1. Casual Tongue Flicking. When a snake flicks its tongue in the air, it is tasting the air and ingesting chemical samples. …
  2. Casual Movement. A happy snake can appear lazy as it ambles and slowly slides around its enclosure. …
  3. Casual Alertness. …
  4. Casual Grip. …
  5. Casual Behaviour.