Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

I've just recently came across a snake because a guy who had it passed away and his father wanted the snake gone. Neither of them were told the right information as they were told it was a rock python, turns out it is an Amazon Tree Boa, No idea of it's age, or anything. I've had corn snakes, kings, and a couple hots, but this is new grounds for me. Could somebody post some good resource sites, care sheet, recommendations, or anything you think could help me make this creature's stay in captivity as enjoyable as possible. I've included a few pictures I snapped yesterday. Any information provided would be greatly appreciated.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0765.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0768.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0779.jpg

Thanks in advance,

Kristopher S.

Hey Kristopher,

First off welcome to the world of amazon tree boas! Here are some things that might help you with your new acquisition.

Amazons are an arboreal snake so they like something to perch on...but not always. They can have an enclosure that gives them the opportunity to either be off the ground on some branched or on the ground with somewhere to hide in or under. The enclosure itself should have some height to it for climbing but not a necessity.

They should be kept on the humid side and depending where you live you may need to mist them a couple of times a day to ensure that they don't have dry sheds or get stressed from being too dry. A water bowl is must so they can keep hydrated!

They can be kept on anything from paper towels to mulch...it all depends on what you feel like dealing with when you clean. *DO NOT KEEP THEM ON ASPEN AS THIS WILL DRY THEM OUT*

Temperatures should be anywhere from 80 - 85 during the day and high 70's to 80 at night but this can fluctuate a bit but try not to get them too hot. If you are keeping it somewhere cool some under tank heat source or side tank heat source would be a good idea so it can regulate body temps a bit.

Amazons can feed once a week with no problem and the rule of thumb is a meal that is just a little bigger around than the largest part of the snakes body. They also will readily eat frozen thawed items.

That should cover the basics and oh yeah...they bite so a snake hook is a handy thing to have. Try not to let the snake bite you too much because they can break teeth off and possibly get infections in their mouth and surrounding area.

If there is anything else you would like to ask...fire away
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Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

>>Hey Kristopher,
>>
>>First off welcome to the world of amazon tree boas! Here are some things that might help you with your new acquisition.
>>
>>Amazons are an arboreal snake so they like something to perch on...but not always. They can have an enclosure that gives them the opportunity to either be off the ground on some branched or on the ground with somewhere to hide in or under. The enclosure itself should have some height to it for climbing but not a necessity.
>>
>>They should be kept on the humid side and depending where you live you may need to mist them a couple of times a day to ensure that they don't have dry sheds or get stressed from being too dry. A water bowl is must so they can keep hydrated!
>>
>>They can be kept on anything from paper towels to mulch...it all depends on what you feel like dealing with when you clean. *DO NOT KEEP THEM ON ASPEN AS THIS WILL DRY THEM OUT*
>>
>>Temperatures should be anywhere from 80 - 85 during the day and high 70's to 80 at night but this can fluctuate a bit but try not to get them too hot. If you are keeping it somewhere cool some under tank heat source or side tank heat source would be a good idea so it can regulate body temps a bit.
>>
>>Amazons can feed once a week with no problem and the rule of thumb is a meal that is just a little bigger around than the largest part of the snakes body. They also will readily eat frozen thawed items.
>>
>>That should cover the basics and oh yeah...they bite so a snake hook is a handy thing to have. Try not to let the snake bite you too much because they can break teeth off and possibly get infections in their mouth and surrounding area.
>>
>>If there is anything else you would like to ask...fire away
>>-----
>>Matt Lerer
>> Ghi Reptiles

Matt,

Thank you very much for the warm welcome and abundant information. I have a few questions so I'll shoot.

#1. What is the average maximum length of Amazon Tree Boa's
#2. What size enclosure would you recommend for a full grown adult.
#3. Can I use a heat lamp? If so is there a specific type of bulb I should use?
#4. Is it normal for them to hiss when startled?

Thanks again,
Kristopher

P.S; Figured I'd throw in a couple pictures

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0765.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0768.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm207/htv420/DSCF0779.jpg

#1. What is the average maximum length of Amazon Tree Boa's

Look for both sexes to max out at about 6'...but some females grow to 7'. I would say average is 4' - 5' for males and 5' for females.

#2. What size enclosure would you recommend for a full grown adult.

If you would like a display enclosure I would say anything in the 18" x 18" x 24" range would be fine for most adults.

#3. Can I use a heat lamp? If so is there a specific type of bulb I should use?

A heat lamp would be fine in an enclosure like I mentioned above and I have used normal bulbs (60 watt) for daytime use and red bulbs for use at night for gravid females so they can bask...otherwise none at night.

#4. Is it normal for them to hiss when startled?

They can hiss, musk, bite, urinate, defecate, or hit you with a closed mouth when they are startled. They do settle in though pretty easily and quickly get use to a routine of feeding and cleaning...
-----
Matt Lerer
Ghi Reptiles

>>
>> Could somebody post some good resource sites, care sheet, recommendations, or anything you think could help me make this creature's stay in captivity as enjoyable as possible.

Do a Google search for Amazon Tree Boas and you'll find enough reading material to get you started.
-----
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org

I highly recommend Mikes site:
Care sheet:www.amazontreeboa.org/treeboa.html
-----
Thanks, Matt