Chris,
Whatever works for individual obviously differs. But from my standpoint, both your day time and especially your night time temperatures are far too high if such temperatures are maintained throughout the active season. Those temperatures might be expected at low elevations during the warmest times of year.

But even at higher elevations, night time subterranean temperatures are likely to fall into the 50 degree range by early morning hours. Surface temperatures in the mountains at this time of year often fall below freezing and are generally quite cool even during mid summer. Subterranean temperatures fluctuate to a much lesser degree than do surface temperatures and of course, native snakes will seek out their preferred temperature be they on the surface or underground.

Right now, the temperatures beneath my hides during the daylight hours (presently at 12 hrs. daylight / 12 hours dark) may get up to the high 60's, possibly low 70's. Night time temperatures are allowed to fall into the low to upper 40's in response to current outside temperatures. It just takes boas a longer time to digest their meals at this time of year. But that is what is now occurring in the wild. As a matter of fact, my conditions are actually somewhat artificial in some respects as it has been a very cool this spring so daytime temperatures in the wild have generally remained in the 50's and probably not much above mid 60s on the ground surface for much of March.

Another aspect of my setup is that I maintain adult specimens in large cages or aquaria that allows them a choice as to temperature conditions. And even though I have a hide over which there is a heat source, some boas purposely seek out hides at the coolest part of the cage ---- even during mid summer.

Some boas will readily take lab mice while other won't. Given enough time and patience, I believe I have gotten all boas to eventually to take lab mice but for some, it took longer than two active seasons (years). This is why I sometime search and find nestlings of native species of small mammals (small lizard as well) and also maintain a lab colony of our native Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). I have never tried lab rats as I choose not to maintain that species. My son does and has had good success as I believe have others besides yourself.

Richard F. Hoyer

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