Boaedon capensis

Closed terrestrial terrarium, glass or PVC, with a secure opening (a vigorous species that forces lids).

Minimum for an adult female; provide larger (120 x 60 cm) for large females. A male makes do with a more modest volume. Provide at least two hides (warm side and cool side) and a few branches, as the species climbs readily.

Moderate humidity. Offer a humid box (moss/sphagnum) during shedding periods to prevent incomplete sheds. Avoid a permanently soaked substrate, a source of dermatitis.

Dry to slightly humid substrate, absorbent and easy to change. Avoid constantly wet substrates that promote scale rot; remove soiled areas promptly.

Not essential since it is a nocturnal species; low UVB lighting (index 1-2) and a day/night cycle remain beneficial for well-being and bone structure. Provide a photoperiod of about 12 h.

Clean, fresh water available at all times, large enough to allow the snake to soak, especially before shedding. Clean and refresh regularly.

Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and neighbouring regions); inhabits savannahs, scrubland and the surroundings of human dwellings.

Carnivore (vertebrate generalist) — Rodents of suitable size (mice, then rats) with a diameter close to the widest part of the snake; thawed prey.

Voracious appetite and strong constriction instinct. Feed juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 10-14 days. In the wild it also eats lizards, birds and bats, but a rodent diet is sufficient in captivity. High risk of obesity from overfeeding: ration adults.

Clutch 8–18 eggs/young. A prolific species: females can produce several clutches per season (double or even triple clutches). Incubation of about 55-75 days at ~28 C on a humid substrate. A brief cooling/winter rest period stimulates breeding.

• Obesity linked to overfeeding (voracious appetite)
• Incomplete shed (dysecdysis) due to insufficient humidity or lack of a humid area
• Respiratory infections (environment too cold and/or too humid)
• Mites (Ophionyssus natricis)
• Regurgitation (prey too large or handling too soon after a meal)