Sand Boa Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

15-20 years

AVERAGE SIZE

1-3 feet long depending on species

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Daytime: 80-84°F

Nighttime: Not to drop below 70°F

Basking spot: 90-95°F

HUMIDITY

30% humidity levels

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Sand Boas have passive personalities and are generally easy to care for snakes. Handling is stressful for them, so keeping it to a minimum is recommended. These snakes are nocturnal, so they are primarily awake at night. They can be housed in pairs.

FEEDING

Sand Boas can be fed in the morning or in the evening. A healthy snake will usually eat about every 7-10 days. DO NOT handle your snake for 24 hours after eating to allow for proper digestion.

DIET

Sand Boas are carnivorous and eat frozen, thawed mice or rats (size depending on age and size of snake). DO NOT FEED LIVE PREY.

SHEDDING

Depending on the snake’s age and size, he or she may shed 2-6 times a year. Young snakes shed more often than older snakes; smaller ones more than larger. If the shed does not come off in one piece, it is a sign that its environment is not ideal and a shed/humidity box with wet terrarium moss should be provided.

WATER

A large bowl of clean fresh chlorine-free water must always be available. Change water out daily.

HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

Sand Boas do not climb and burrow in their substrate so tank decor should be kept to a minimum. Artificial or live plants can be added sparingly.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

A Sand Boa tank should be at least 20 gallons for a single boa. Ensure your enclosure has a secure mesh lid.

UVB LIGHT

While Sand Boas are not required to have UVB, exposure can be beneficial to their health.

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a sand or shaved aspen bedding 3-5 inches deep for borrowing.

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All snakes must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biologicalrhythms. Sand Boas need 8-12 hours of daytime and nighttime. 

HABITAT MAINTENENCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every couple of months.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 20 Gal (or larger) tank with very secure metal mesh top
• Small dome & appropriately sized heat light
• Fluorescent UVB bulb & housing (optional) 
• Under tank heating pad 
• Temperature/humidity gauge 
• Sand or shredded aspen bedding 
• Live or artificial plants (reptile-safe) 
• Large crock water bowl - big enough to soak in 
• Frozen mice 
• Humidity box with terrarium moss for shedding time (optional) 
• Water dechlorinate drops

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.