The small size and docile personality of the rosy boa have contributed to their popularity as pets, particularly for first-time owners. Apart from being fairly interactive and easy to maintain, rosy boas are beautiful and could make a welcome addition to your home. Considered a trendy snake, you can find various rosy boa morphs from desert to albino. If you’re wondering whether rosy boas make good pets for beginners, this guide explores their diet, tank requirements, and suitability for new reptile keepers.
Rosy Boas Are Ideal for First-Time Reptile Keepers
When you hear the name “boa,” you wouldn’t be wrong to think of a large and menacing snake. But the rosy boa is anything but menacing. This snake reaches between three and four feet long and is distinguished by its striped red, tan, and grey color patterns. Despite the subdued nature of rosy boas, they’re favored among reptile keepers, particularly beginners.
These non-venomous snakes do well in a spacious tank. An adult rosy boa needs a tank of at least 30 gallons with a reptile-friendly substrate. They enjoy humidity of up to 50% and should have hiding spots in their enclosure to feel safe and secure.
Interestingly, the rosy boa is native to the United States, and they are livebearers, which means they do not lay eggs. For first-time snake owners, the rosy boa is an excellent choice, provided they have their needs met.
Rosy Boas Eat Mice
Once you’ve decided on a rosy boa, it’s time to learn how to address their physical needs. This small boa is one of many pet reptiles that eat live mice. A juvenile can be fed weekly or biweekly on pinky and fuzzy mice, whereas adults are fed mature mice or rats. Adult boas only require a feeding every two to four weeks.
Some rosy boas are fussy when it comes to feeding time, so don’t be alarmed if this happens. Always check that your boa’s tank conditions are correct, including their heat, light, and humidity. Remember that a stressed and unhappy snake will not eat. If your snake’s eating habits are accompanied by additional symptoms, such as weight loss, it’s best to take a trip to a veterinarian.
These Snakes Need Balanced Temperature and Humidity Levels
Raising a healthy snake means providing a suitably sized enclosure with accessories that mimic their natural environment. If you are raising your rosy boa in a tank, it should be a minimum of 30 gallons for adults. Rosy boas prefer tanks that have a cool and a warm side. This means that one side of the tank should be 75℉ and the warmer side of the tank heated to 85℉. A rosy boa will require a UVB basking light to help maintain a healthy and balanced metabolism.
Be sure to use a reptile-safe substrate to avoid any type of eye or respiratory irritation. The enclosure must be well-ventilated, particularly if you’re using a tank with a secure lid. While these snakes are small, they are strong and will escape if they feel threatened or unhappy. To offer enrichment, add stacked rocks and branches they can use to bask on. A soft substrate consisting of organic topsoil and play sand allows these snakes to burrow, which is one of their favorite activities.
What to Know About Handling Rosy Boas
The rosy boa is favored among new snake keepers because they are so easy to handle. Despite being an ambush predator, the rosy boa is rather placid and rarely ever bites in defense. They tolerate handling quite well, provided you are gentle and patient. To get your rosy boa accustomed to touch, handling them for a few minutes twice a week will improve their tolerance. Increase these sessions to three, then four times a week until they’re completely relaxed in your arms.
The rosy boa isn’t a confrontational snake. Instead of hissing or biting to scare a threat, they’ll curl up and produce a pungent odor to escape. It’s simply their way of letting you know that they’re unhappy or feel threatened. As a first-time reptile owner, avoid mistakes such as improper handling that could lead to irritation and distress.
Diseases That Affect Rosy Boas
Rosy boas are low-maintenance snakes, which is why they make such a great choice for beginner reptile keepers. However, they’re prone to some common health issues that affect reptiles. For example, they’re prone to inclusion body disease (IBD). Sadly, IBD is incurable and can spread to other snakes at a rapid rate. The arenavirus causes this disease and can go undetected for months or even years before it flares up.
To avoid the spread of IBD, always practice good hygiene when cleaning the tank or handling the boa. It’s best practice to keep your new snake isolated for three to six months from other pet reptiles. If you notice that your boa is lethargic, refusing to eat, and suffering from tremors, take it to a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles immediately.
Why Choose a Rosy Boa as a Pet Snake
The rosy boa is a good choice for beginners because they’re friendly, docile, and easy to take care of. But before you bring your small boa home, do your research first. Ask yourself whether you’re committed to taking care of a snake for several years. You may also consider purchasing pet insurance in case your snake develops any diseases or gets injured.
If you’re debating whether to get the ball python or rosy boa, as a new snake owner, the rosy boa is an excellent choice. These gorgeous snakes are friendly and very relaxed when they’re accustomed to being handled.
