>>I was put in touch with this researcher by the breeder of the boa (you all know the breeder, I won't mention his name) and spoke with him on the phone. He's a little eccentric, but highly knowledgeable, and his exact words were "water's a killer in bottae" - even the breeder has said "Rubbers HATE water. They'll get really sick from soaking or otherwise excessive ambient humidity." I tend to agree based on my observations.

I've never heard this rumor. Hate water? Really?

Having been fortunate to observe significant numbers of boas in the wild (thanks to my Father), I'd disagree with the statements from the eccentric researcher and the unknown breeder. I've never had negative experiences with boas kept in moist conditions, but have had negative experiences as a result of dry conditions.

A boa that has recenlty been in a moist hide has a skin texture similar to that found on a wild boa. I've seen a number of captive boas that have been kept too dry for too many years, and their skin is not healthy - very rough and beaded.

When surface conditions are dry in their habitat, searches are less productive. A moderate amount of surface moisture is best. As a general rule, I attempt to emulate wild conditions when keeping any reptile as a captive.

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