Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found out last night that I'm likely to "inherit" an adult (approx 4')ETB, possibly today. The snake, in poor condition, was given to a rescue organization several months ago, hasn't fed since, and they're not equipped to deal with it.

Not that I am. I haven't kept a tree boa of any flavor for several decades, and never an ETB.

I have a 150 gallon aquarium, 5'x2'x2'. With a screen top, would this be comfortable and appropriate? I suspect it's inadequate in terms of height at the least--what size would be appropriate--not minimal, but comfortable? I'll probably have a glass terrarium made up to fit the necessary specs, unless there are other suggestions. After reading what care sheets I could find, I'm still unclear as to the lighting required--fluorescent/incandescent, wattage, and UVB requirement.

I'd very much appreciate input on these questions, as well as any other info I'll need to give this puppy a fighting chance.

Tnx very much for your input.

howdy, best of luck to you and your snake. A five foot tall cage should work out fine. I don't think that uvb is nessesary but it does seem to have positive effects on etb's. A 2% bulb should be enough. Also misting them helps rehidrate them, I mist mine adults 3-5 mabey more times a day. And unless he looks close to death skinney dont tryand feed him right away, let him get ajusted.
hope this helps

Just to add a little here, first let me say I've never kept an ETB, but have several decades of experience with many other boids including ATBs. I would strongly suggest a rubbermaid/sterilite container (90 quart is usually about 3 ft long) to get him started. A smaller enclosure will allow you to monitor and maintain your temps and humidity levels much better than a giant glass terrarium, and that will be essential to get him acclimated and feeding. The semi-opaque nature of these containers will also afford some sense of security as will the smaller overall size of the enclosure. As for lighting, again, to reduce stress, I would suggest just ambient room lighting since these guys are nocturnal. Newspaper/paper towel or water substrate, one or two good perches and a bunch of artificial foliage should complete the setup. Once you have that done, hold off on feeding attempts for at least a week to try and ensure a properly hydrated snake (I will almost guarantee that animal is dehydrated!). Once your reasonably sure it's "settled in", try a very small meal like either a smallish mouse or rat pup/crawler after dark. Hopefully some of the ETB experts will chime in here with some more advice, but best of luck with your new "inheritance". Billy

>>howdy, best of luck to you and your snake. A five foot tall cage should work out fine. I don't think that uvb is nessesary but it does seem to have positive effects on etb's. A 2% bulb should be enough. Also misting them helps rehidrate them, I mist mine adults 3-5 mabey more times a day. And unless he looks close to death skinney dont tryand feed him right away, let him get ajusted.
>>hope this helps

Billy boy hit the caging right on the nose. As for hydration LOTS OF WATER BOWLS, they like to drink if they can find it, remeber these animals will not be scraweling out long division so do the thinking for them.

Second, I would have the snake vet check for worms internal parisites, mouth rot, all the good stuff that inexperienced vets should be ASKED to check. This may be alittle saltly on the wallet, but hell you got the animal for free.

If it is in over all good health just skinny, I have never had a emerald starve himself to death, just remeber patience is the key to working with emeralds. Keep food small at first, and work your way up to larger prey, I like adult mice.

joe