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I posted last night that I had gotten an argentine boa/red tail cross, and had some questions... thank you for the advice. I thought I'd post some details as to enclosure, etc, to see what anyone thinks.
It's in a 55 gal tank with a wire lid, hooded light on top, 100 watt incandescant bulb. I'm using coconut fiber substrate, a heavy low dish of purified water that is of sufficient size for the snake to fit into entirely if it so wishes, and several branches for climbing, including one directly under the bulb.
I fed the snake today, a smallish to medium sized mouse (considerably larger than a hopper). It struck almost immediately, coiled it incredibly quickly and ate it, after which we could barely see any lump at all. In fact, we're not sure that we could see one at all.
I have a couple of questions: should I keep the substrate a little damp? I bought a spray bottle to mist the snake/enclosure, how often should I do so(the air where I live, in the mountains, is very dry)? I assume that a larger sized mouse is in order next time since there wasn't really a detectable lump after feeding, and should I wait 7 days before offering another mouse? Last question: I plan to add an under tank heating mat soon; should it go on the side of the tank that the bulb is on, or the opposite side?

Thank you.

Undertank Heating: Place it on one side of the tank and make sure there is a hide above it, also place a hide on the cool side of the tank. Place the heating light in the middle of the cage for the daytime 12hrs. So long as the ambient heat is 70 or above, the undertank heating should be warm enough for the snake to enjoy its nights.

Good luck w/ your new friend.
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-Iman

1.1 Sugar Gliders
2.0 Balls (Spot and Speck)
0.1 Colombian BCI (Belle)
1.0 Colombian Rainbow (Rex)

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i would mist his hide box everyday, but i wouldn't keep the substrate damp all the time. i would actually allow it to dry before moistening it again. often people think that columbians need to be wet all the time. this is not true...in fact that will certainly lead to health problems...dermititis, respitory infections. alot of the literature on that subject is misleading. i would monitor the humidity daily as you would the temp. beware of screen lids...they are not cooperative when it comes to regulating heat and humidity. you might try covering half the enclosure with a piece of plastic. yes, place your heat pad on the same side as the basking light...this will allow him to move away from the heat if he wants...most of the time he probably will. i feed my young boas every 5 days. without seeing him it's hard to tell you how large of a prey item you should feed him.

good luck, chris o

someone posted that the ambient air temp. should be above 70...that is wrong...and it will likely result in respitory infection. 82 is a resonable ambient temp. 78-82 night temps. and 85-90 daytime temps will have great results. those are cool side-warm side temps.

no offense to the previous poster...

good luck again, chris o