The Colombian rainbow Boa is a non-venomous species that hails from South America. It is a light-colored snake with dark markings. When exposed to light, its scales show a rainbow-iridescent sheen.
The care of a Colombian rainbow snake boa is simple because it is small, easy to handle, and has a calm temperament.
Colombian Rainbow Boa Overview
| Common name | Colombian rainbow boa. Brown rainbow boa. |
| Scientific name | Epicrates maurus |
| Natural habitat | In and around Colombia, South America, there are humid rainforests and dry coastline clearings. |
| Size for adults | 50-72 Inches |
| Average life expectancy | 17-20 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Housing | Minimum 30 gallons. 70-85degF. 75%-85% humidity. |
| Experience level | For Beginners |
Origin
Rainbow boas can be found all over South America. The five species of rainbow boas have been named after the regions they are found in: Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. Colombia is where the Colombian rainbow boa ( epicrates maurus ) originated.
The Colombian rainbow boa’s juveniles are semi-arboreal, and can climb trees to escape danger. However, the adults become more terrestrial. Colombian rainbow Boas are found in the wild around streams and rivers — they are skilled swimmers.
Appearance & behavior
The Colombian rainbow snake is a light-colored snake with dark brown vertebral patterns. This snake is distinguished from other rainbow boas from other parts of the world by its light color. It has a more uniformly colored belly than the rest. Its shining scales are the snake’s most distinctive feature. They shimmer under bright light in a variety of colors.
The male Colombian rainbow boas (or Colombian rainbow boas) are smaller and more slimmer than the females. However, they are much stronger than the females.
See more: Kenyan Sand Boa, Red Tail Boa, Brazilian Rainbow Boa
Size and life span
A female Colombian rainbow boa measures 60-72 inches in length, while a male is 50-65 inches. The average lifespan of a Colombian rainbow boa is 17-20 years. The snakes can live up to 20 years if they are taken care of properly.
Temperament
The Colombian rainbow boas, which are calm snakes, can be easily tamed. They also enjoy regular handling. Although they prefer to be alone, the snakes can be kept in pairs if their enclosure is large enough and has enough hides.
The rainbow boa species can become stressed if it is kept in unsanitary or noisy environments. Although the snake can be very nimble when scared, its bite is not venomous.
Housing Colombian Rainbow Boas
The natural habitats of the Colombian rainbow boa are dry coastal clearings and humid rainforests. You can mimic the natural habitat of the snake in captivity by creating a heated, vegetated enclosure.
A wooden vivarium is the best enclosure for a Colombian rainbow Boa. It insulates heat well and can be controlled temperature.
Size of the enclosure
Minimum dimensions for an enclosure housing a Colombian rainbow Boa are 48 inches in length by 18 inches high. This enclosure should be large enough to accommodate the snake’s length and allow for climbing branches. It also provides enough space for a temperature gradient.
Lighting
To absorb calcium, the Colombian rainbow snake does not require special UVB lighting. The main enclosure section doesn’t require any additional lighting if it is located in an area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight each day.
To prevent snakes from coming too close to the hot section of the tank, a basking lamp should be mounted on the underside roof.
Temperature and humidity
For a Colombian rainbow serpent enclosure, the temperature should be between 70 and 85 degrees F. To allow the snake to regulate its temperature, create a temperature gradient with distinct hot and cold sections within the vivarium.
To replicate the cool evening temperatures found in snakes’ wild habitat, the temperature of two-thirds should be 75-72degF during daylight and 75-75degF at night. The basking section should be at 85 degrees F. To heat the hot area of the enclosure, use a heating pad and a basking lamp.
A vivarium thermometer can be used to monitor and control temperature in hot and cold areas of the enclosure.
The enclosure should have a humidity of 75% to 85%. This humidity level can be maintained by misting the tank multiple times per day or using an automated mister. A water bowl placed in the middle of the enclosure helps to maintain high humidity levels.
To monitor humidity levels in the enclosure, using a hygrometer. To support the snake during shedding, you can increase humidity to 90%.
Substrat and Decoration
The best substrates for a Colombian Rainbow Snake enclosure are orchid bark and peat and bark mixture, coconut fiber, and Cypress Mulch. These substrates are water-retentive, resistant to mold, and non-abrasive.
To give the enclosure a natural look, you can use green moss and sphagnum. Newspaper is an easy-to-remove and clean option. However, it won’t be as suitable for this snake’s enclosure because it doesn’t retain humidity.
You can create a jungle-like atmosphere in your tank by using artificial plants. Although live plants such as ferns and orchids are good for humid enclosures they are more difficult than artificial plants to keep. For the snake to climb, place one or two large branches and logs in the enclosure.
Hides and caves are great decorations for Colombian rainbow-colored snake tanks. To provide warmth for the snake, large flat rocks can be placed in the enclosure’s hot section. A shallow water bowl should be placed in the tank’s middle for the snake to drink.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning can prevent mold and bacteria growth in the high-humidity Colombian rainbow Boa enclosure.
Clean the enclosure at least once per day. Clean the water bowl and empty it. Enclosure should be cleaned once a week.
Transfer the snake to a temporary tank and take out all decorations and substrate. All surfaces should be cleaned with a sponge that has been soaked in soapy water. You can soak the decorations in hot soapy water. Then rinse them under running water.
Wait for the enclosure to dry, then add a new layer of substrate. Then, bring the decorations and plants back inside and place the snake in the enclosure.
Use gentle chemicals to clean the snake’s enclosure. These could cause respiratory problems.
Colombian Rainbow Boa Care
The Colombian rainbow snake is easy to care for as it is a hardy and good eater. To reduce health risks, feed Colombian rainbow boas high-protein food and keep their enclosure clean.
Water and food
The Colombian rainbow Boas eat small reptiles and mammals in the wild. In captivity, the snakes do not require a wide variety of foods. A diet consisting of frozen mice and rats is sufficient to provide all their nutritional needs. Boas can be injured by live animals if they are given live food.
A Colombian rainbow boa should be fed one mouse or rat each two weeks. To support their rapid growth, snakes less than six months of age should be given one pinkie mouse per week.
The Colombian rainbow boas require constant, daily water access. A flatwater bowl is best for snake access.
Handling
Because the rainbow Colombian boa can be handled by experienced adults, it is safe to handle. The species is calm and easy to tame. Because of its large size and nipping nature, the snake should not be handled by children.
To allow the Colombian rainbow boa to adjust to its new surroundings, don’t touch it for the first week. Before you handle the snake, wash your hands. Then follow these steps:
- You can get the snake used to you presence by reaching into the tank with your hands and placing them flat on the substrate. Repeat this process several times per day for a week.
- You can handle the snake if it doesn’t react to you by the seventh day. One hand should be under the snake’s head and the other behind it. Slowly lift the snake out of the tank. Next, gently lower your arms down so that your hands are free from the snake’s body.
- For one week, repeat handling efforts twice daily
- After the snake has become comfortable with your touch, you can lift the snake out of its tank. To feel secure, the snake might wrap its body around your arms. To make the snake feel secure, push it back towards your arms if it climbs towards you neck.
- The Colombian rainbow boa should be handled for no more than 15 minutes once per day
The snake is stressed by sudden movements and loud sounds. Therefore, handling should be done in calm areas by experienced, calm people. At all times, children should be watched.
Common Health Problems
There are several health problems that can affect Colombian rainbow boas kept in captivity.
Respiratory Infections
In Colombian rainbow boas, respiratory infections can be caused by unsanitary conditions and low temperatures. Signs that indicate respiratory infection include mucus around your mouth, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, wheezing and lethargy. Keep your tank clean and maintain the correct temperature and humidity to avoid respiratory infections. Talk to your veterinarian about antibiotic treatment for infected snakes.
Scale Rot
Scale rot refers to a variety of problems that affect a snake’s skin. These include bacterial abscesses and blister disease. Scale rot can be caused by poor habitat regulation, unsanitary living conditions, and vitamin A or B deficiency in Colombian rainbow Boas. Scale rot can be seen as reddening or swelling of the skin, cracked or crusty scales and loss of appetite. To treat scale rot, clean and sterilize the enclosure. Adjust the temperature as necessary. Soak the affected area in a solution of betadine or trusted reptile skin cleaner.
Parasites
Common reptile parasites, such as snake mites enter an enclosure via infected cage mates. They also feed on food, substrate, and water. Parasite-infected snakes may experience restlessness, skin irritations, loss of appetite and rapid weight loss. The type of parasite that the snake is suffering from will determine the exact symptoms. For a Colombian rainbow Boa snake parasite problem, you must clean the tank thoroughly and administer vet-prescribed medication.
