kenyan sand boa care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: Kenyan Sand Boa
Scientific Name: Eryx colubrinus loveridgei
Adult Size: 2' to 3'
Distribution: East Africa
Temperament: Usually easy to tame.
Housing:
An adult Kenyan Sand boa will require at least a 20-gallon aquarium. Suitable substrates for
your snake's home include reptile bark, calcium carbonate sand or reptile carpet. Provide
branches for climbing and basking, also provide dark places for hiding.
Temperature:
Kenyan Sand boas are indigenous to desert and scrubland areas; therefore, it's crucial that they
be provided a temperature range of 78-85°F during the day and in the low to high 70's°F at night
There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using
spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank
heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use
red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place
lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use
a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Food:
Kenyan Sand boas are carnivores. Feed only rodents of appropriate sizes, such as mice, and rats.
Never leave uneaten rodents in the cage; they can cause serious injury and even death to the
snake.
Water:
Kenyan Sand boas should be soaked once a week and no other water is needed. This species requires
low levels of humidity.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for snakes. However it may prove to be beneficial
to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your
pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should
never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start
for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is
received.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
