Snakes for Pets: A Boa Constrictor as a Pet

Many, many people have dogs and cats as pets. Some have fish and iguanas, however, there are fewer still that venture into the realms of having a snake as a pet. Yet even fewer than that are those that choose to have a boa constrictor as a pet.

When it comes to boa constrictors there are quiet a few different species and subspecies that you may come across if you happen to be looking for one in a pet store. The most common perhaps are red tailed boas, which are also called boa constrictor constrictors and you may also come across the boa constrictor imperator. Of course, there are others but these two species are the most prevalent.

If you're intent on purchasing a boa constrictor as a pet, you must be prepared for what it will take to care for and keep healthy a snake such as this. Boa constrictors can live nearly thirty years and in this time they will grow to lengths of up to ten feet long and can weigh as much as fifty pounds.

While the demeanor of a boa constrictor is commonly quite docile, one must remember that their bodies are extremely muscular and thick. Because of this, it takes very little for a person to become unguarded and have very serious damage done to them. Generally, once a boa constrictor reaches around six feet in length it is recommended that handling them only occurs when there is at least a second person on hand.

It should also be remembered that when owning a boa constrictor one is going to need a very secure and large cage to prevent any accidental escapes or harm to other people. Additionally, a full-grown boa constrictor will need larger prey animals for food. Mice simply will not keep an adult boa fed and one should make sure they can easily be supplied with animals such as rats, rabbits or something similar.

Finally, when you're looking at the variety of boa constrictors at your local pet shops there are a few things that will help you determine if the snake you are looking at is healthy or not. A healthy boa constrictor will be alert with a firm and muscular body. You will see a flicking tongue, no loose body skin, no parasites on the skin and when you handle the snake it should coil almost instantly and firmly around your arm.