Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been thinking seriously about getting a pair or trio of Madagascar Tree Boas. What color phase, Green or Manderin is the most popular? How would they be best housed? I have several empty vision cages, and a 4x4x2 foot melamine. What about temp and humidity?

Mad' Tree Boas are extremely easy to care for. About as easy as any snake I've ever had. Mandarin phase or Green Phase is a matter of choice. Mandarins get bigger, Greens tend to perch a bit more. A pretty Mandarin is, in my opinion, as pretty as the species can get. BUT average Greens might be considered by most to be prettier than average Mandarins. Go with what you like.

Neither are too demanding when it comes to humidity, temp's or feeding. In fact they can tolerate temperatures that are so cool that they would kill most other Arboreal snakes. They are also among my most trustworthy snakes when it comes to handling.

They don't need to be fed frequently as adults. I feed my males about 4-6 times a year. Females get more in years they aren't reproducing. In years they do, they'll fast for 8-10 months.

I keep mine together in pairs almost all year as they seem to take advantage of the company and mate a LOT, any time of year. I would keep an adult pair of either phase in the 4x4x2 Melamine cage. It's probably a bit large for most green phase but these guys don't suffer from too large cages as long as some climbing and hiding spots can be found.

Multiple males "might" be helpful with breeding. I have multiple males and I do combat them... but that doesn't mean it's needed, just that it doesn't hurt. If you want to breed them and if you find an extra male, probably worth getting it. Don't keep males in the same cage. They'll just wrestle all day. At least that's what I've seen.

I hope this helps.

Doug Taylor

Here's a pic of one of my females (obvious background alteration).