Without wasting any more time, let’s take a quick look at everything KS boa related. It’s important for your Kenyan sand boa … The ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus) … HUMIDITY: Because Kenyan Sand Boas are from the desert, they need to be kept dry. If you want to maximize their lifespan, proper care is key. Male model shown is 6'0" / 183 cm tall and wearing size Large Female model shown is 5'8" / 173 cm tall and wearing size Small Midweight 4.2 oz. Despite their name, these small boas are found throughout East Africa’s dry scrublands, from Egypt south all the way down to Tanzania. Those materials are harder to burrow in and can be dangerous if your snake ingests them. Kenyan sand boas are a small and attractive boid indigenous to Kenya and adjacent countries in East Africa. Of course, the lifespan of a Kenyan Sand Boa is dependent on many factors. The size of the mouse and how often you will feed your Kenyan Sand Boa depends mostly on its age (more on this later). Place your dish on the cool side of the tank and make sure that it’s always filled with fresh water. For any snake, their enclosure should be as long or longer than they are. They should be able to stretch completely on one side. Females will only grow as long as 2 feet in length, and males will grow slightly smaller, making them a very manageable size for new owners. That said, they can get stressed pretty easily. Also referred to as “Pinkies,” these baby mice are readily available at most pet stores. Ideally, you’ll want it to be large enough for your snake to get in and soak its entire body. They live in hot desert climates and like to spend most of their time burrowing in the substrate. Your email address will not be published. Kenyan sand boas and western hognose snakes are two of the best pet snakes you can possibly get. As their name would suggest, sand is a good choice. Most owners will feed them every 10 to 14 days. There are a lot of reasons why Kenyan Sand Boas are gaining popularity in the herp community. Males, on the other hand, tend to be a bit smaller. Providing water is one of the easiest parts of Kenyan Sand Boa care. This species doesn’t need a ton of water, but it’s still important that they have access to it (obviously). This hot zone can get as high as 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In normal colors, a stripe morph produces a brown-bodied Kenyan sand boa with a vivid orange stripe running from nose to tail. Cost will fluctuate depending on how clean the colors are and how bright the stripe is. Like all snakes, Kenyan Sand Boas require the right environment and an appropriate diet to stay healthy. males will never usually need bigger than a 10 gallon tank too. The maximum length of a male boa will reach between 15 and 18 inches with a weight of around 70 – 100 grams. You have a lot of options for the substrate. However, that doesn’t mean that you should take their care requirements lightly. But cooler temperatures are fine at night. Make sure that your snake is getting those dark hours. The Kenyan Sand Boa is a tremendous pet snake option that’s rather popular these days. As a result, they’re a popular breed that’s readily available to any hobbyist up for the challenge! Pair that with some good clips and you shouldn’t have any escape issues. This condition manifests itself through redness around the mouth and nostrils. Kenyan Sand Boas fair well when the temperature drops to the mid-70s at night. These snakes are incredibly rewarding and fun to own. The Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus) is a small burrowing snake native to north-eastern Africa.Sand Boas are round stout snakes that are loved for their beauty, docile nature and small size.. Many owners prefer to keep their snakes in 15-20 gallon tanks so that they have room to roam. That behavior will continue in captivity. Use decorations sparingly, and don’t pile up rocks. If you are using sand as a substrate, you might want to transfer your snakes to a separate feeding tank with no substrate. The colors and patterns of this snake are quite interesting, and you’ll never get tired of looking at them. Kenyan Sand Boas are from Africa, so they’ll need plenty of heat! What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. There's plenty of space to put really deep substrate for burrowing but I'm not sure about the floor space. It is not a good idea to house two male sand boas in the same tank. This can be achieved with a standard incandescent light that’s turned on 8 to 12 hours a day. Frozen mice can be thawed by placing them in a plastic bag and placing the plastic bag in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 20 to 30 minutes. The old skin will hold onto moisture, making it easier to come off. Apply 2 to 3 inches of the substrate to the bottom of the habitat. Kenyan Sand Boas are carnivores that thrive on animal prey. This can lead to some health issues and irritation. As a child, Isabel spent countless hours following her older brothers on their search for reptiles, amphibians, and other critters. Now that you know how to provide good Kenyan Sand Boa care, you’re ready to get one for yourself. Some snakes encounter issues removing the skin around the eyes. This species is unique for its small size – Kenyan Sand Boa usually come with small heads, eyes, and their short tails, making them relatively easy to handle. They spend most of their time buried in the soil, waiting to snag passing prey items. That means that warmth is very important. As you may know, GoHerping doesn’t believe you can ever have too large of an enclosure, however, your can have too bare of an enclosure. Two female Kenyan sand boas: can cohabit the same tank. They could think that it’s feeding time and strike your hand! As an adult snake, you will need to upgrade the tank to at least a 20-gallon tank, though bigger is better. Make no mistake, these snakes are perfectly capable of biting humans. They might explore the tank a bit, get some water, or regulate their body temperature. Durable tank clips are essential. Even the largest female Kenyan sand boa can be comfortably housed in a 10-gallon reptile terrarium with a secure lid, or a similarly sized enclosure. If your Kenyan Sand Boa is kept in good living conditions and is fed appropriately, you shouldn’t encounter any temperament problems. Choosing the right substrate is paramount for Kenyan Sand Boas. Kenyan sand boas are sexually dimorphic, an unusual characteristic among snakes in general. Luckily, Kenyan Sand Boas aren’t fussy. Tank size. Throughout the day, most Kenyan Sand Boas are going to stay burrowed in the sand. In the wild, they will burrow in the sand to hide and protect themselves from the scorching African sun. other snakes that are considered beginner snakes . These snakes are extremely low-maintenance and a great option for owners of various experience levels. Not only that, but you want to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. Let’s start with their cage. A heat emitter must be used at night if you need to raise the ambient temperature in the tank. We wouldn’t consider them aggressive, and many snakes can get used to handling. These are usually caused by poor sanitization and dirty living conditions. The Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus loverdgei) is an easy-going snake that helms from East Africa and parts of the Middle East. The best enclosure for a younger Kenyan Boa Snake would be a 10-gallon tank. The dish also needs to be large and shallow. Adults will require less frequent feedings. In the wild, male Kenyan sand boas tend to fight over territory. Reptile sand is readily available at most pet stores. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Fortunately for you, their bites won’t cause major issues like they are with other snakes. Kenyan sand boas certainly aren’t going to be a big issue when it comes to space. I recently upgraded a gecko to a larger tank out of an 18x18x18 exo terra, and I was wondering if the old enclosure would work for something like a kenyan sand boa (a male maybe because they're smaller?). KSB are burrowers some keepers keep them in sand, just make sure you do not feed them on sand due to health risks, impaction and the such. This is a bacterial infection that usually affects the bottom scales, also known as the scutes. During the day, temperatures should be around 85 degrees. Falling rocks could cause injury. Most reptile keepers would assume that sand is obviously going to be the best substrate for a Kenyan sand boa. You can also get Anery Stripe Kenyan Boas, which are dark black with light gray stripes. Purchase small live mice … Much like the Kenyan sand boa, The Müller’s boa has an orange/ yellow coloration along with big brown splotches. You can put a decorative branch or some succulents in there to spice the environment up a bit, but it’s not necessary. Dodoma Kenyan Sand Boa. Kenyan Sand Boa Size. This is normal and most snakes will get more comfortable as they get older. kenyan sand boa Sanitize the environment monthly and get rid of waste often. After reaching one foot in length they should be transferred to a larger tank. That said, a larger habitat is always recommended. Kenyan Sand Boas are girthy snakes. Tank size: For any snake, their enclosure should be as long or longer than they are. If you’re trying to minimize risk as much as possible though, that’s something to be aware of. Slowly lift the middle of the body and allow the snake to get comfortable. Females are known to be larger than male, with males growing … Water should aways be available for both drinking and bathing. Humidifiers are not required. * if you have a large or active western hognose you can increase the tank size to 50-gallons. These reptiles are not only beautiful, but…, Green Anole Care: Diet, Habitat Setup, Lifespan & More, Colombian Rainbow Boa Care: The Full Guide, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Blueberries? A hatchling can start out in a 10 gallon enclosure or larger, and adults don’t require anything more than 20 gallons. One male and one female Kenyan sand boa: can cohabit the same tank, but will likely breed. Whatever size you choose, be sure it includes a rheostat or thermostat to control temperature. These snakes are a good option for reptile hobbyists who want to care for a Boa constrictor. Kenyan Sand Boas do require a rather extreme setup heat wise, and you have to keep the humidity pretty low as well. Best Substrate for Kenyan Sand Boas. They can stay healthy in tanks that measure only 20 inches long, 10 inches deep, and 12 inches high. First is utilizing a screened lid that’s strongly secured. Sand boas are cold blooded, so they rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. If you plan on incorporating rock into the enclosure, use a flat one that’s secured to the bottom of the tank. You can create a boost of humidity with a simple spritz of water. Following established care guidelines can keep your snake healthy and help it reach the upper end of the life expectancy range. It happens more frequently with younger snakes as they grow. Expert Tip: Kenyan Sand Boas are nocturnal, so they don’t require a special UVB lamp like other reptiles. (Expert Answer). You can also dust the live or thawed snakes with calcium and vitamin powders if necessary. They belong to the larger Boa constrictor family. Kenyan Sand Boas will shed periodically. To give you some perspective, the dimensions of an average ten gallon tank are roughly 20 inches (length), 10 inches (width) and 12 inches (height). Kenyan Sand Boa Care Guide. If needed, use a heat emitter to ensure that the temperature doesn’t get lower than 70 degrees. Currently, researchers recognize 13 different species in three taxonomic genuses. There are a few important things to remember when choosing a tank. Kenyan sand boas are considered a smal Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus) Getting to Know Your Kenyan Sand Boa: Kenyan sand boas are from eastern Africa. Expert Tip: As a good rule of thumb, make sure that your enclosure is no shorter than half of the snake’s length. Let’s say 75 – 80 (F) degrees on the cooler side. The shape and opening of the mouth is situated in such a way as to avoid ingesting soil while digging, and the rear por… While they don’t hibernate, some snakes will eat less when the temperature drops. There are two main reasons why this species is one of our all-time favorites: First of all, they look amazing. However, some owners have reported these snakes living past 30 years of age! However, those bites could injure the snake. Another common disease is mouth rot. It will depend on the size of the cage as well as the size of the mat. As a result, there are several unique morphs available. Live food always comes with risks. A 20 gallon tank, for example, will use a heater in the 8-12 watt range. Price: $75-$125. Stick to the recommendations below to ensure they’re happy and healthy. Pretty much every owner who’s gotten these snakes to reach 3 feet in length has done this. So in this list, we’ll suggest some pet reptiles for a 10 gallon tank. Learn more. Again, this disease is a byproduct of a dirty environment. A screened lid provides adequate ventilation. Kenyan Sand Boas are prone to dragging their food underneath the sand as they constrict. The Ringneck Snake. They’re frozen and can be thawed out prior to feeding. corn snake (popular) ball python (popular) milk snake. A Kenyan sand boa's diet consists of frozen thawed mice.While small the boa will be eating frozen mice roughly once a week.The size of the prey increases as the snake gets bigger starting with a pinky mouse. They’re nocturnal, so they don’t move around much in the daylight. Males can usually handle adult hopper mice while females enjoy larger feeder mice. Two male Kenyan sand boas: cannot cohabit the same tank. The Sand Boa is a group of snakes in the boa, or Boidae, family. Green anoles are a wonderful pet reptile that we highly recommend. Isabel spends most of her free time studying, caring for, and promoting conservation for all kinds of herps! Feeder mice are your best bet when it comes to providing a balanced diet. This should be more than enough for the snake to bury their body and get comfortable. Outside of shedding, keep the humidity levels as low as possible. Use a large heavy dish to keep water on hand. That said, these snakes are bred in captivity. Enclosure. Thus, you should do your best to avoid stressing the snake out. It is important that the temperature be around 90-94 on one side of the tank, while the other side of the tank be in the 80s so the snake can thermoregulate by moving from one side of the tank to the other. The maximum size of a male Kenyan Sand Boa is around 18 to 20 inches. The same saddleback pattern on their backs is present, but it’s much more subdued. [Answered], Can Bearded Dragons Eat Carrots? Enclosure; Baby Sand Boas pet can live in a 5-20 gallon terrarium depending on the species. Full-grown males are almost always less than two-thirds the size of adult females. Flame paradox Kenyan sand boa . They have a beautiful orange body with a dark brown blotching pattern similar to a dairy cow. Like other species in the Boa family, Kenyan Sand Boas have very long lives. they stay fairly small. a very deep layer of substrate is just as important as the tank's length+width. Brown patches cover the entire body, creating a distinct pattern. But don’t expect to see a ton of activity. Don’t use cedar shavings or gravel. They are constrictors, so they enjoy live foods that they can kill on their own. A single healthy adult female can do just fine with a standard 10-gallon tank! Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. Online, general consensus seems to be a 10 is the absolute minimum for males, but they'll definitely be happier with more room. The natural humidity levels in the snake’s African habitat are very low. We’re always happy to go the extra mile for our readers! / 145 gsm fabric, solid color t-shirts are 100% cotton, heather grey t-shirts are 90% cotton/10% polyester charcoal heather t-shirts are 52% cotton/48% polyester For adults, step up to an enclosure that is at least 30" x 12" inches (like Zilla critter cage 20 Long) or for a female, go bigger like a 36" x 12" (Exo Terra Large, or Zilla 30 gal). Pretty much every owner who’s gotten these snakes to reach 3 feet in length has done this. They have gained recent popularity because of their easily manageable size requirements and care, small size, interesting personalities, and variety of color morphs. Expert Tip: If you want to maximize the size of this species you’ll need to give them a large enclosure and a healthy diet. Tank Size: 20-gallon minimum*. Except for the tip of the tail and head, these snakes are very uniform. Kenyan Sand Boas are beautiful pets that don’t require a ton of specialized care. It should be heavy enough that your snake can’t tip it over and make a mess. The boas like to hide in the substrate. Tank or tubs can be used, but keep in mine to have plent of ventilation added to your tub. The equipment could do more harm than good with this pet snake. They will also accept thawed frozen foods as well. This makes them a long-term commitment. In this species, size makes the difference. Humidity can be helpful during the shedding process. as i said before an adults tank MUST be as long as it is MINIMUM. The main color morph you’ll see incorporates shades of black, dark brown, and orange. Feeding the Kenyan Sand Boa Feed live pink mice to newborn sand boas. king snake. This will make it harder for the snake to slither their way up. A complete, self-sustaining bioactive vivarium kit for Kenyan Sand Boas. Pretty as a picture is the Dodoma Kenyan sand boa morph. The food could escape or cause injury to your snake (although it’s highly unlikely). Like most snakes that are common as pets, Kenyan Sand Boas thrive on a diet consisting exclusively of frozen and thawed mice.. Stress is usually caused by environmental factors, so you’ll need to address those problems swiftly. The only exception is when they shed their skin. a 10 is technically okay, but 15-20 would be better. Kenyan Sand Boa care is pretty straightforward. snake size your average rosy boa is 2.5-3.5 feet long but 4 foot long isnt unheard of . If you’re still a little unsure and want to reach out with additional questions, you’re more than welcome to. Simple Kenyan Sand Boa Care Tips. When you need to handle them, approach the middle part of their body. Kenyan Sand Boa Size & Lifespan. They are a fossorial species and spend much of their lives burrowed under the sandy soil in which they live.These snakes are ideally suited for their lifestyle, and have some truly remarkable adaptations. Alternatively, these snakes fair well with standard play sand. This is important. Other substrates you could try include coconut mulch, aspen bedding, or even newspaper. The Kenyan sand boa is appealing to many keepers because of its minimal space requirements. While they are not too difficult to care for, the snakes can respond negatively to poor diet and ill-fitting habitat. We really can’t recommend them enough! Males should never be housed together. Lighting: basking light required. It’s caused by moving around in damp and dirty environments. The Charina boas consist of the rosy and rubber boas, and live in North America. Substrate: sand-soil mix . A red infrared bulb can be used to view your snake, but full light should be kept off. Both of these diseases are easily avoided by just keeping the habitat clean and dry. Mist the enclosure to facilitate the shedding process. This guide will teach you all the essential elements of Kenyan Sand Boa care. This process can cause them to ingest some sand while they’re eating. The Kenyan Sand Boa pet is a beautiful creature with pretty colors and incredible behaviors, making them almost PERFECT for pet use. Thus, Kenyan Sand Boas don’t need high humidity levels. Kenyan Sand Boa Enclosure. This species is also very easy to keep. They’re harmless, but don’t look it. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see girth measurements remain constant throughout the length of the body. Using a heat emitter, under tank heater, or directional lamp, make one side of the enclosure a bit hotter.