If you quite fancy being a pet owner, then you may have given some consideration as to adopting a boa constrictor as a pet. However, it is imperative that you come to appreciate that caring for a boa takes commitment and they require a considerable amount of time and patience devoted to them in order to them keep happy and safe. In particular, a prospective boa pet owner should consider the following two factors:
The size of a boa: The most commonly kept species of boa which is kept in domestic captivity is the boa constrictor imperator and will reach a grand length of around 7 - 8 feet, and if that was not scary enough, the red tailed boa can grow bigger than ten feet. Therefore, the prospective boa constrictor owner will need to ensure that they set aside a considerable amount of free space for their pet to move around in. Too many boa owners purchase a small cage which is perfectly fine for when the boa is young, but becomes totally cramped as the boa grows. The bigger they are, the more they eat and so an adult boa will require a regular diet of rats or rabbits.
Lifespan: Even with a conservative estimate being used, a boa constrictor in captivity can survive to around the 20 year mark, which is an extremely long period of time to set aside for the care of a pet. You may find that the long term logistics involved in the care for a boa constrictor is just too hard to manage. After all, whilst most people maybe happy to look after your pet goldfish for a period of time whilst you are on holiday, they may think twice when presented with a 10 foot snake!
Now that we have considered some of the practical issues, let us now raise another, equally important question: is a boa constrictor really worth all the hard work?
Snakes are classified as exotic pets and the amount of pleasure that they bring the lucky owners who are fortunate enough to own them is immeasurable. I speak from personal experience for I have owned and cared for a large number of different reptilian friends over the years, but it is the boas that really capture my heart. Some people take one look at them and feel fairly intimidated by them as they fear that they are dangerous or that the boa will strike at any moment. In reality, most captive boas are docile creatures indeed and to be perfectly blunt, they are probably much more frightened of you than you are of them. Just be gentle, patient and reassuring with them and give them the respect they deserve, since no matter how docile they seem they are still large and powerful animals.
There can be no denying that a boa constrictor requires a very carefully controlled environment which includes a number of specifically regulated variables such as the proper temperature, feeding regime, humidity ratio etc. However, on a more positive note, once you manage to achieve the optimal condition regime for your boa, you can be rest assured that you will not need to provide them with anything else. Boa constrictors are extremely autonomous creatures indeed and so you will not need to contend with its constant craving for attention, approval, or being let out to relieve its bladder every few minutes!
In summary, boas do require a certain amount of work, patience and commitment to keep in good health. However, if you are both able and willing to invest the requisite amounts of time required to keep them happy then you will be well rewarded for your efforts with a loyal and exotic pet who will be your faithful companion for a number of years. Before you make a decision as to whether they are the right pet for you, then make sure you read up on the subject, speak with other boa constrictor owners and get their opinion on the matter. They can help provide invaluable insight into some of the common pitfalls that a boa constrictor owner will need to contend with.
Click for a boa constrictor care sheet or a guide to the boa constrictor imperator.
