The Kenyan Sand Boa ( Eryx Colubrinus is a small burrowing serpent that is native to north-eastern Africa.
Sand Boas, round, stout snakes, are beloved for their beauty and docility.
Their beautiful orange bodies are complemented by a dark brown blotching pattern that is similar to a dairy cow. These snakes are unique in their appearance.
The Kenyan Sand Boas are easy to handle, can be kept indoors and have no venom so they make great pet snakes.
Continue reading to find out everything you need about this ancient snake…
Overview of Kenyan Sand Boa Species
The Kenyan Sand Boa snake is an ancient world snake that can be found in a variety of countries, including Niger and Egypt. It can also be found as far south as Kenya.
and were two subspecies that were recognized historically.
- Eryx colubrinus colubrinus.
- Eryx colubrinus loveridgei.
The subspecies of loveridgei was believed to be located in the southern ranges of Kenya. They are more vibrantly orange-toned. Herpetologists debate this species separation.
The Kenyan Sand Boas are a native of north-eastern Africa. They prefer sandy savanna areas. They can burrow in this loosely-soiled habitat and are ambush predators that dart out from burrows to attack any passing prey.
Sand Boas have tiny eyes to stop sand from damaging them and their nostrils. This allows them to breathe easily while waiting in burrows.
Keepers love this species for their gentle nature, small features and color pattern. They are a unique pet with their stubby tail and beady eyes.
The size of Kenyan Sand Boas is still small, with females measuring 2.5 feet and males 1.5 feet.
| Kenyan Sand Boa Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Egyptian Sand Boa, East African Sand Boa |
| Scientific Name | Gongylophis colubrinus (Eryx). |
| Price | $100 |
| Size | Males 15 – 18 inches Females 25 – 30 inches |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20 Years |
| Diet | Mice |
| Tank Size | 20 or 30 Gallon |
| Popular Alternatives | Rosy Boa. Western Hognose Snake. Corn Snake. |
Kenyan Sand Boa Appearance
Boas are loved by many owners for their unique appearance, especially their small facial features.
The unique patterns of Kenyan Sand Boas are with rich spots and bright base colors. They are usually bright yellow, or orange with dark brown blotching patterns similar to those of a dairy cow.
They have a strong body and a perfect circular shape. The snake’s neck is a unique feature because of its thick cylindrical body.
Their long, thick bodies quickly turn into a short, stubby tail.
What size are Kenyan Sand Boas?
This snake is small throughout their lives. Males can reach 15 to 20 inches . Females can reach the same length, but many females are closer to 30 ins.
Babies are 8-10 inches in length when they are born and immediately can go hunting.
Markings and Color Variations
Many wild Sand Boas are yellow and orange base colors, with dark blotching patterns.
As captive breeders have been able produce many patterns and colors, there are now ten recognized varieties of morphs.
Anerythristic and albino are the most sought-after morphs (pictured above). However, they can be quite expensive at prices that range from $500 to more than $1,500.
Guide to Kenyan Sand Boa Care
Feeding Guide
The Kenyan Sand Boa is a skilled hunter who is adept at ambushing prey.
These carnivores are small and will sit in the sand, with their heads covered. They will attack rodents, birds and lizards when they are ready.
Kenyan Sand Boas can be constrictors and will often squeeze their prey to subdue them. Sometimes they will drag their prey to a burrow in order to choke it.
Many snake owners feed their pets in empty tubs or feeding bins. This keeps the snake safe from accidentally inhaling any decor or substrate.
To increase mental enrichment, it is best to give the Kenyan Sand Boa food in their enclosure. These snakes’ behavior enrichment through ambush feeding is vital to their well-being.
These are some steps to safely feed your snake frozen mice inside their enclosure
- Choose a frozen mouse approximately the same size as your snake.
- The bagged rodent should be thawed in a refrigerator overnight.
- After the mouse has been thawed, place it in warm water until it reaches 98F.
- Use feeding tongs to place the mouse in the opening of your snake’s burrow.
- Continue holding the mouse for a few seconds until the snake attacks.
- If the snake does not strike, leave the mouse alone in a dry area for at least two hours.
One mouse per week is recommended for juvenile Sand Boas younger than two years old.
Because of their large stature, adults are more susceptible to obesity so they should only be fed one mouse each 10-14 days.
Health and Husbandry Tips
Poor diet and husbandry are often responsible for the illness of Kenyan Sand Boa.
Consistent husbandry practices are key to keeping your Boa happy and healthy. Pet snakes can have some health problems.
- Stuck shed/stuck eye caps.
- Rot (scale or mouth).
- Mites.
- Internal parasites.
Poor sanitation of the cages can cause scale, mouth rot, and respiratory infections.
Their cage should be cleaned at least once every four weeks. It is important to clean and refill the water bowl daily.
You should not only look after your Boa’s well-being, but also consider the health of any other reptiles that they might come into contact with. It is important to set up a quarantine period before you buy a new snake.
You can do this by temporarily housing your pet in a small enclosure. You should observe your pet’s behavior and feces during this period.
They Are Healthy
- You should be able to shed well.
- Active and foraging/exploring.
- Regular feeding.
Sickness Symptoms
- Eye caps or shed.
- Lethargic.
- Refuse food.
Kenyan Sand Boa Enclosure
This species is native to a region in north-eastern Africa known as are a burrowing reptile who feels safe when they can dive into their substrate. They can also be ambush predators and rely on burrows for food.
These behaviors should be encouraged when the animals are in captivity.
Aspen or sand are the best substrates.
- Aspen is a great choice for keeping your enclosure dry and making burrowing easier.
- Sand ( mixed organic soil), is better for burrowing.
Use sand soil mix that is primarily sand. Increased humidity will result from too much soil.
Kenyan Sand Boa Temperament
Sand Boas can be either crepuscular, or nocturnal. They spend most of their time in the sand because it is too hot for them.
They will often venture out of their burrows at dawn and dusk to explore. They will wait for their prey when they are hunting.
Unless breeding, Kenyan Sand Boas can be found alone in the wild.
While some keepers have cohabitated with females successfully, there have been cases of cannibalism when the difference in size is too great. Cohabitation is discouraged.
They aren’t aggressive and don’t bite. Boas will do their best to flee or burrow away quickly from dangers.
A hiding snake is not the most interesting pet for first-time keepers, but they are docile and a wonderful pet.
Do Kenyan Sand Boas Like To Be Held?
Sand Boas can be handled and are not known to bite. However, if you approach their Burrow directly, some Boas will strike.
Before handling a snake, it is important that they have had time to adjust to their environment. Wait five days before handling the snake.
Start slow, and only handle them for a few weeks.
Your comfort level and the temperament of your pet will determine which handling method you choose.
- Take it off the Boa’s surface and gently pick it up
- Grab it – If you find your snake under the sand, then grab it and scoop it into your hands. Avoid the burrow opening.
- Use a hook to hook your snake. Gently lift the snake from its burrow.
Boas should be handled with care. Boas are very awkward climbers and can easily fall if they are not supported.
Kenyan Sand Boa Baby
In winter and spring, males will search for females in their burrows. The female will carry the embryos for 4 to 5 months after mating.
She can give birth to anywhere between 6 and 20 live snakes.
Baby Kenyan Sand Boas were born alive, but this could be misleading.
Sand Boas can be described as ovoviviparous. They lay eggs, but they do not form them. The eggs will hatch at the end of the gestation and live snakes will be born.
Babies are typically 8-10 inches in length and can grow for two to three years, depending on their gender. At two years old, males reach full maturity and can measure between 14-16 inches and 16 inches. The maturity of a female is only possible when they reach over two feet in length, which can take up to three years.
Buyer’s Guide
Since exportation has ended, almost all of the American Kenyan Sand Boas are kept in captivity. To ensure that the snake isn’t wild caught, always check with the breeder.
Reputable breeders can tell you about the snake’s history, genetics, feeding habits, and other important information.
A breeder must also have knowledge about the species.
Sand Boas are a versatile product with a wide price range due to the variety of morphs that they come in.
Wild-type Kenyan Sand Boas can be purchased for $100, but morphs tend to be more expensive. Some morphs can be as high as $1,500 depending on their rarity.
Summary
The Kenyan Sand Boas, small and beautiful snakes, have unique colors and hunting behavior. It’s fascinating to see them capture prey.
These long-necked snakes are adorable with their cute faces and tails, as well as their short bodies and rich spotting.
These are the perfect for beginners or seasoned herpetologists. They are easy to care for and are very easy to handle.
If you’re still not convinced, there are many similar species such as the Rosy Boas and Western Hognose.
Is this the snake that stole your heart? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
