Red Tail Boas are a popular choice for pet constrictors, along with Carpet Pythons, Ball Pythons and Rosy Boas.
Their bright red tail markings are an easy way to identify them.
They are large pet snakes that can grow to eight feet long.
Colombian Red Tails are small enough that they cannot eat humans, but not dangerous or venomous.
Boa Constrictors make great pets. They come in many colors and morphs. Continue reading to learn more about caring for a Red Tail.
Red Tail Boa Species Overview
Red Tail Boas make up one of the four subspecies that Boa constrictors call Boas.
Each subspecies can be kept as pets, but only the Red-Tailed or Argentines are allowed to be kept.
- Boa constrictor constrictor (Red Tail).
- Boa constrictor longicauda (Long Tail).
- Boa constrictor occidentalis (Argentine).
- Boa constrictor ortonii – Orton’s Boa
Red-Tails are a popular pet for many reasons.
They can grow to a size of approximately six to eight feet. Reticulated Python, another pet constrict, can grow up to 20 feet.
The constrictor has beautiful colors and patterns.
Their base color is a tan or gray, pink, or brown with darker saddle markings along their dorsal. As they move closer to their tail, these saddle markings turn red. Many people have ruby red markings on their tail.
They are often hunted because of their beautiful skin. Some subspecies have been protected and considered endangered.
Red-Tailed Boas can be found in many ecosystems across Latin America. This species is often found around human habitations as they feed on rodents and other pests.
They can adapt to different environments and are capable of living in all kinds of humidity and altitudes.
Are Red Tail Boas Good Pets?
Pros
- Beautiful color and beautiful pattern, with ruby-red markings most of the tail.
- They can only grow to six to eight feet, so they are manageable as adults.
Cons
- Expensive ($200) compared to other pet snakes.
- Adults still need a large enclosure measuring 6x2x2 feet.
Red Tail Boa Appearance
Their head is normally wedge-shaped with dark markings running through the eyes.
There are four species of Boa Constrictor, each with a different appearance. This guide is focused on the Red Tail ( Boa Constrictor constrictor).
The base color for Colombian Red Tail Boas is gray, tan or olive.
Their saddles are darker and either brown or maroon. They have a range of saddle colors that can be from dark maroon to vibrant red.
Depending on their origin, constrictors can have different looks.
There are many morphs available that can alter the color or pattern of any morph.
Albino Red Tails keep their patterns but have a light base color and striking orange patterns. Albino Red Tail Boa
Red Tail Boa Size
Adults can be found between six and eight feet in length. Larger species can reach over 10 feet.
The size of the animals will depend on how they eat and what they sex.
Boas can be uniform in size, while others can be very thick and stocky.
Males tend to grow faster than females. Males can reach six feet, while females can reach eight feet.
Boas can give birth to babies between 18-24 inches and only a few ounces.
What is the Growth Rate of a Red Tail Boa?
Their growth is most rapid before they reach six years of age.
These snakes grow in length three to five times more than they were when they were six.
Healthy adults will be extremely girthy and overweight ( around 30 lbs). A Boa that is six feet tall is much heavier than a Colubrid six feet long, like a rat snake.
Red Tail Boa Care Sheet
They Are Healthy
- Well-defined muscle.
- Skin that is smooth and shiny
- Bright eyes and alert.
- All of the cage is used.
Sickness Symptoms
- Visible ribs
- The skin has not changed.
- Eyes that are dull or covered up
- Spends time on one side.
Boas are hunters and ambush-hunters. They wait patiently for their prey. They strike and capture their prey using muscular coils.
Boa constrictors are wild mammals that eat small mammals and juvenile birds.
Boas that are kept for pets ( or breeding) don’t require as much body mass. They eat mostly rodents, and should be fed according to the following:
- Each week, two mice until they reach the age of three feet.
- If your Boa is greater than three feet, you can have one rat per week.
- Adults over six feet can have one or two rabbits every fortnight.
The size of your snake will determine the size of the prey.
Feeding should be done weekly at first, but you can decrease this to once per week.
Your snake will need to be fed less often as they grow. It will depend on how old they are and how healthy they are.
Boas can be overweight or underweight so it is important to pay close attention to their body mass.
It is a good idea to keep track of their weight and growth.
Red Tail Boa Enclosure
The Colombian Red Tail Boa is found across large areas of South America.
The high humidity habitat is what they need and should be reproduced in their cage.
A humidity level of 60 to 80% works best. A light bulb placed above the water bowl will keep humidity high. A pegboard with many holes is required if your cage has a screen cover.
To monitor humidity, you should use humidity gauges.
You can observe the humidity rise and drop when the cage is being set up for the first time. This will give you an idea of how to regulate it.
- Tank Type – Plastic tub or Custom made.
- Tank Size 6′ x 3′ x 3′ feet
- Lighting: UVA basking bulb.
- Substrate cypress-mulch.
There are many opinions about the size of terrarium that is suitable for an adult Boa.
When your snake reaches adult size, you must ensure that there is enough room for it.
We recommend an enclosure at least 6’x2’x2′ for your snake. It can be difficult to find enclosures that are this large. They can often be custom-made.
Baby Boas can live in a 10 gallon aquarium. This is because most species will quickly outgrow it so it is best that you start with a 20-gallon terrarium.
They should be removed from the tank once they have reached four feet in height.
Taking your snake out can increase the cage size.
You can use appropriate-sized plastic tubs to retain humidity better than screen-top Terrariums.
Cage Setup
It is vital that the temperature gradient in their cages be maintained.
Ambient temperatures ( , and the cold side of the enclosure ), should be between 80-85degF.
The tank’s hot side should reach 95-100 degrees F. For a basking spot, you can use an UVA heat-emitting lamp .
Your snake will need a safe place to hide in their cage. You should place a hide at each end of the cage to give your snake a safe haven in both warm and cool places.
Boas’ cage must also make the decision to substrate.
Although aspen bedding is common, cypress mulch is a better choice.
Do not use aspen shavings. These substrates can be toxic for reptiles.
Your snake needs to be able to drink water at all times. A large water bowl should be available for your snake to soak in.
It is important to monitor & maintain water quality.
Does A Red Tail Boa Bite Hurt?
Red Tail Boa bites are extremely painful, but not fatal.
Boas aren’t known for being aggressive, and there are ways to stop bites.
The first is to know how to hold and handle a snake , especially large ones.
You must be careful when holding a snake
- Encourage them to lose weight.
- When removing it from its enclosure, make sure it is still awake and alert.
- Avoid grabbing or tapping its head, as some snakes are shy of touching their heads.
Keep in mind that handling and temperament can vary from one snake to the next.
Boas will shed their skin multiple time per year. Adults shed more frequently than juveniles.
You should never handle your Boa when they are in a shed. They may not be able see and could be more anxious when handled.
Instead, give them a moist hide. Make sure that their cage humidity is high. To help them remove their skin, place moist paper towels inside their hide.
After you finish eating, don’t hold your Boa.
Buyer’s Guide to Baby Red Tail Boa
This Boa species is extremely common in the pet trade. There are many breeders available to choose from.
You must first identify the type of Red Tail that you are searching for.
- Are you looking for a baby or an already-grown child?
- Are you looking for natural or color-morphing?
- Are you more comfortable with mail-order or in-person shopping?
Make sure that you only purchase captive-bred species. The next step is to ensure that your snake has a healthy weight.
You should look for a snake who is aware of its surroundings.
It should be alert and active.
Extreme aggression is a sign that there is stress. However, it’s not unusual for babies to be aggressive or head shy.
Make sure your reptile is in a well-designed cage and that the humidity is under control before you bring it home.
Allowing your snake to be alone for the first week will allow them to adjust to their new surroundings.
What is the Price of a Red Tail Boa?
It is expensive to purchase and keep a Red-Tailed Boa.
Common red tail babies can now be bought for $200. The albino, a rare color variation, can be more than $1,000.
A large enclosure can cost up to $500, which is comparable for most reptiles. Although plastic tubs are cheaper, they require more care to be properly enclosed.
Lighting, heating, sub-base, hides, and decorations will all be required.
These snakes are large and can be costly to keep.
How does it feel to keep this boa?
You should do extensive research before purchasing a snake. Also, you need to know how it is like to live with one.
Red Tail Boa Constrictors are a long-lived species and can be kept as a permanent pet.
It is important to:
- When your Boa reaches full size, make sure you have enough space. The Boa’s cage should be at least 6 feet in length.
- They can be disciplined and stick to a feeding schedule. This species is a good choice for young and old.
- To help your snake get used to you, be sure to handle it regularly. It is much easier to handle an aggressive juvenile than an aggressive adult of 8 feet.
- Clean the cage once a week and the bedding two times a month.
- Clean water is always available to your snake for drinking, soaking and controlling humidity.
When caring for your snake, it is important to follow all care instructions and use common sense.
Species Facts
| Common Name | RTB, Boa Constrictor |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Boa constrictor constrictor |
| Price | ~$200 |
| Size | 6- 8 feet in length |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Rodents (larger adults may eat rabbits). |
| Tank Size | 6 x 2×2 x 2 feet |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperatures: 80-85degF Basking: 95-100degF Humidity: 60-80% |
| Popular Alternatives | Carpet Python, Ball Python Rosy Boa, Kenyan Sand Boa |
Summary
Red Tail Boas are one subspecies in the Boa constrictor family and can thrive in captivity.
This species is native to Central America & South America. They require tropical conditions in captivity.
The cage should be kept at an ambient temperature between 80 and 85 degrees F, with a basking area of 95 to 100 degrees F. Humidity should not be lower than 60-80%
Their distinctive red tail markings are what make them popular. They are also available in many morphs. The Albino is the most well-known morph, with a white base and striking orange patterns.
Common people cost $200. They will need to live in large enclosures measuring 6x2x2 feet.
Are you a parent of a baby Red Tail? Please let us know.
