Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The title essentially says it all...But here's the rest. I've been doing some reading about the KSB, and they seem to be great snakes. I'm looking into getting one next year about this time at a local reptile show, so I'm starting my research.

Here are the requirements I've found so far:

1. For sub-adults (and smaller adults) - 10 gallon aquarium with secure screen lid

2. Substrate: aspen is preferable.

3. Temps: 75-80F (cool side) and up to 90F (warm side)

4. Humidity: relatively low

How are they in terms of overall behavior and handleability?

Do they tolerate drops in temperature at night? If so, how much?

Would crushed walnut shell be an appropriate substrate?

What is the preferable humidity range?

Compared to corn and kingsnakes, how strict will I have to adhere to the above requirements in order to keep the snake healthy and happy?

Thank you for any and all advice.

Orocosos

Only been a sand boa keeper for 10 mos. With help from CHRIS and a few others here is my take on your post.
temp 80 to 95 deg farenheight
humidity 30 to 45 cept higher in shedding
mine is 18" 20 gal tank
reccomend aspen, keeps shape,absorbs excess moisture, and murphy(my boa) likes it.
frozen hoppers are his favorite right now about 14 grams.
he has a big rock thats split and you can take the half off from outside tank and check him. that one hooch and a big plastic bottle with a black sock on it for another and a seel-thru pencil holder one side covered with felt for nother hooch. hooch here means hide(picked hooch up in korea). climbing rope and water dish and aspen. one flat smooth 1x3x6 block with tape for feed platform. dont want aspen to stick to fur. two lllreptile heat pads glued to bottom outside and lll controller for heat. indoor outdoor thermometer on tank for quick ref. radio shack remote temp/hum for general ref. they say they are not climbers but he is all over the rope and goes right up the corners. looks neat on underbelly. got to get some pics online. feed him once a wk now. one 13gram hopper. was gettin fat. will bite if messed with. shedtime and feed time dont mess around his head or you will hurt. can bring blood on fingers. nice jaw realease and teeth when eating. fecies etc always same place. clean cage once mo. all cleand with 10 to 1 chlorox(rinse well) and finish rinse. he drinks water once in awhile. bred by rons reptiles in chico california. got him as animal trapper here in canton ohio on a call. he was shipped here in a return heater. like to breed him. I say him cause he has two big spurs on vent. hope I rite. need about 250 to 300 for mate albino I was told. GO WITH GOD, good luck with husbandry. blackhawk44(harold)

sand boas are very high on my top favorites!!!
i have a huge female and she has done amazing and is going on two years now very hardy animals. i have had great luck on a substrate that is very good with their burrowing so sand has worked well, and i have seen walnut shells but i prefer something that looks comfortable to me.

they are the best snake to handle i have never been bitten even after not handling for a while they are very good