Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,
I have a coupe questions regarding a Brazillian Rainbow boa's habitat. I've kept Colombian (common, not rainbow) boas before, but from what I understand they require very different setups. I am looking at a baby female to go in a 36"X18"X20" tank (I guess the standard "breeder" tank). Would this be too big of a tank to house a baby? I have a 10 gallon but no locking lid or heat pad.

As temperature goes, I read keep it at 80 on the hot side and a 10 degree drop on the other side with 70% or above humidity. Should I put the hide box on the cool side along with the water? And my last question is if it will be allright to use this "Jungle Mix" made by ESU reptile? The ingredients read.."A unique blend of sterilized virgin organic soil, fine grain sand, vermiculite, peat moss, orchid bark, and green tree moss." I've read of people keeping them in potting soil mixed with vermiculite. This stuff looks exactly like potting soil, my guess is they just sterilize it and hike up the price. Should I just stick with paper towels/newspaper because she is so young?
Thanks,
Erik

I just scrolled down and saw Jeff Clark's care sheet. It seems I'm doing everything right. About where should I put the probe from the thermostat? Right now I have it taped to the side of the glass about 1" above the heating mat. I have it set at 80 right now.

Erik,
If it were me, I would use a smaller enclosure for a few months and gradually work up to the larger one you described. Although the substrate you mentioned sounds okay to use my guess would be that it will be messy because it sounds like it is composed of very fine material. The concern would be the baby breathing in the particles and the ease of replacing the bedding. I think if it is difficult to see urates and fecal matter it may go too long before being removed. If the cost is high you may be less likely to change it frequently. Cypress mulch works well and would not contain the particulate matter as a "soil-type" substrate would bring. Personally I think it depends on the age of your snake. For a neonate humidity will be the priority and cleanliness will be equal to that or a bit less. I would use paper towels or newspaper/print for several weeks before adding a substrate.
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