True red-tailed boa — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult True red-tailed boa get?

An adult True red-tailed boa typically measures 2–3 m.

Husbandry requirements

True red-tailed boa — origin: Amazon basin of South America (northern Brazil, the Guianas, Suriname, Peru, Colombia). A species listed under CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B): keeping, transfer and trade are regulated, and supporting documents are mandatory..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side26–28 °C

Warm side30–32 °C

Basking spot32–34 °C

A thermal gradient is essential: warm zone/basking spot 32-34 °C (surface), cool side 26-28 °C. Night-time drop tolerated down to ~22 °C, ideally not below 24 °C. Control every heating element with a thermostat; rule out heat rocks (burns).

Enclosure (adult)

180 × 90 × 90 cm

A spacious, sturdy front-opening terrarium (PVC or wood); provide solid branches for semi-arboreal juveniles.

Minimum dimensions for an adult; bigger is always preferable. Two hides (one at each end of the thermal gradient), sturdy branches and a secure closure: an adult boa is very powerful and seeks to escape.

Humidity

60–80 %

60-70% ambient, to be raised towards 70-80% during sheds. Of Amazonian origin, this subspecies is more demanding in humidity than B. c. imperator. Maintain good ventilation to prevent respiratory infections.

Substrate

Coco fibre (coco husk)Cypress mulch / orchid barkAdditive-free potting soil/humus

Favour moisture-retaining substrates, kept clean and moist without being waterlogged. Avoid cedar and pine shavings (toxic oils) as well as abrasive mats.

UVB

Optional

Not essential (a nocturnal species), but low UVB (Ferguson zone 1, ~5%) is beneficial; provide shaded areas and hides in that case.

Water source

Always available

A large, stable bowl of clean water, wide enough to allow immersion, especially before shedding. Renew frequently and disinfect regularly.

Origin

Boidae

Amazon basin of South America (northern Brazil, the Guianas, Suriname, Peru, Colombia). A species listed under CITES Appendix II (EU Annex B): keeping, transfer and trade are regulated, and supporting documents are mandatory.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore (mammals) — Appropriately sized rodents (mice for juveniles, then rats and, for large females, young rabbits).

Thawed prey of a diameter close to the widest part of the snake. Juveniles fed every 7-10 days, adults every 2-4 weeks. Overweight is common in captivity: space out adults' meals.

Breeding

Viviparous

Litters of 10 to 30 neonates, generally fewer but larger than in B. c. imperator. Breeding triggered by a seasonal cycle (a slight drop in temperature and photoperiod). Reminder: a CITES Appendix II species — breeding, transfer and trade are regulated.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (unsuitable temperature or humidity, poor ventilation)
Incomplete shed / dysecdysis (humidity too low)
Ophionyssus natricis mite infestation (snake mites)
Inclusion body disease (IBD), serious and specific to boids
Obesity and stomatitis (mouth rot)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 3 documented genes and 1 named combos for True red-tailed boa.

Albino (T-) amelanisticRec
Black-Eyed Leucistic (Princess Diamond) belRec
Paradox (Random)Dom

Named combos — 1 documented combined morphs

Sunglow (Hybrid)

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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True red-tailed boa × True red-tailed boa

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the true red-tailed boa.

How big does an adult True red-tailed boa get?▾

An adult True red-tailed boa typically measures 2–3 m (adult total length. females are markedly larger and more massive than males and can exceed 300 cm. a heavy and powerful snake in adulthood.).

What temperature and humidity does a True red-tailed boa need?▾

A gradient of roughly 26–28 °C on the cool side to 30–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 32–34 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a True red-tailed boa eat?▾

Carnivore (mammals): Appropriately sized rodents (mice for juveniles, then rats and, for large females, young rabbits)..

Is the True red-tailed boa a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Generally more defensive and reactive than the Boa constrictor imperator, especially in juveniles, but tames with regular, calm and predictable handling. To be reserved for keepers capable of managing a large, powerful constrictor snake. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–30 yrs.

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