If you’re into big snakes, you’re probably here asking: are Red Tail Boas good pets? If that’s the case, read this piece for everything you should know about this pet snake.
Red Tail Boas are nonvenomous, and despite their name, they can be brown, cream, or shades of gray. You’ll be happy to know that they don’t eat humans even though they’re so big. Still, you shouldn’t leave them unattended around kids.
Before you decide if this pet snake is perfect for you or your family, you should read the information I’ve put together about them below. They can make excellent pets, but caring for them doesn’t come without challenges.
Are Red Tail Boas Good Pets?
I’ve already answered this partially. In short, yes, they make good pets. But they really aren’t suitable for just anyone.
It takes guts to keep a snake this big, and I, for one, don’t have any. I still think they make great pets for the right person, so read on to find out if that’s you!
Who Should Keep a Red Tail Boa?
It isn’t a precise science to pinpoint the type of person who’ll easily handle a Red Tail Boa, but here are some things you should identify in yourself:
- You should be able to respect your snake’s unique personality.
- You should feel comfortable handling a large snake and be open to the possibility that they may slither and curl around your waist, neck, or arms.
- You should be ready for a lifetime commitment since these snakes can live for 20 years.
- It’s not common for Red Tail Boas to bite or constrict their owners, but when they do, you need to be able to stay calm and act accordingly.
Read more about Albino Red Tail Boa Full Grown: Length And Weight
Red Tail Boa Care Sheet
Many pet shop owners and breeders recommend Red Tail Boas as a good beginner’s pet for people who like bigger snakes. Here’s how you’ll need to care for this reptile if you decide to get one!
Red Tail Boa Enclosure
To imitate their natural habitat, a Red Tail Boa needs a large cage with high humidity levels (around 60% – 80%). You can achieve this by placing a light above their water bowl and using humidity gauges to measure the levels.
Snake experts disagree on the exact size tank a full-grown Boa needs, but you should aim for one that gives your snake enough room to move while everything necessary is set up in it. A good size to work on is 6′ x 2′ x 2′ feet, but you’ll have to custom make it to fit your available space.
Note: You’ll have to keep your baby Boa in a smaller enclosure and only transfer them to the larger one when they reach maturity!
Substrate
Aspen shavings, cypress mulch, paper-based bedding, and reptile carpet all make a suitable substrate for a Boa enclosure.
Decor
Red Tail Boas like to climb trees sometimes, so it’s an excellent idea to place some branches in their tank. There should also be large hiding spaces on each side of their enclosure and a basking spot.
You should also add a rock or any other decor with a rough surface so your snake can rub itself against it during shedding. Adding greenery will calm your snake and help with the aesthetics of your tank too.
Temperature
If you don’t keep your Boa at the right temperature, they can become sick.
Red Tail Boas rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature, so their enclosure should be between 90°F – 95°F on its warm side and 75°F – 80°F on its cold side.
You can heat the enclosure with bulbs and heating pads. Never use hot rocks because your snake can burn.
Lighting
A low-level UVB light will help your snake establish a day/night routine and boost its daily activity level.
When setting up your Boa enclosure, ensure that it has a tight-sealing screen on top to prevent your snake from escaping.
Diet
Red Tail Boas feed on frozen and thawed rats and mice. While your snake is young, you should only feed them small mice that they can easily consume and digest.
You should feed your young Boa once a week and your mature snake once every one or two weeks.
In Ending
Red Tail Boas can get huge, but they’re easy to care for if your setup is done right from the start. Some like to be handled, while others prefer being left alone, so be ready for either personality type as your snake grows.
I hope this article helps you decide if a Red Tail Boa would make a good pet for you. If you have any questions about this species that I haven’t answered here, drop them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you!
Are Red Tail Boas aggressive?
Red Tail Boas aren't considered aggressive, but it's possible to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation with your snake. If they think your hand is food, they might strike it. There's also a chance that they'll constrict your hand, neck, or arm and do some damage, even if it's not because they're upset.
Do Red Tail Boa bites hurt?
A Red Tail Boa's teeth are similar to those of sharks - they're angled inward and extremely sharp. If your snake bites you, it will not only be painful, but you'll have to pry their mouth open to escape.
How much does a Red Tail Boa cost?
Red Tail Boas aren't cheap, and with reason! Many inexperienced pet owners buy and release them, so the market price jumped to ensure that they go to people who are prepared to care for them.
A common baby Boa can cost around $200, while unique morphs can sell for over $1000!
How big can a Red Tail Boa get?
Female Red Tail Boas grow between 8 and 10 feet long, while males can reach lengths of 6 and 7 feet.
Learn more about Are Red Tail Boas Arboreal? Surprising Facts!