How Big Do Pet Boa Constrictors Get? The Truth!

To prepare better for your pet snake, you need to know how big Boa Constrictors get. Don’t ignore this answer!

Boa Constrictors are pretty large, and if you’re unprepared for their size, having one as a pet might become a hassle. When you know how big your pet Boa will likely grow, you can prepare better for their arrival.

In this article, I share the size these constrictors can reach, how their growth milestones look, and what you’ll need to best take care of a snake this big.

How Big Do Pet Boa Constrictors Get?

Baby Boas are tiny at birth and only average a length of 14 to 22 inches. Boa young are born live and independent shortly after they protrude from their mother. They immediately start eating, which helps them grow at a rapid pace.

By the age of three, Boas are mature and can reach lengths of 10 to 13 feet!

Learn more about Are Red Tail Boas Good Pets? Here’s What you Should Know!

The Average Length Of A Boa Constrictor

Boa Constrictors differ in size between males and females. Females are bigger than males and can reach an average length of 6 to 8 feet. Males are approximately 5 to 7 feet long.

The Average Weight Of A Boa Constrictor

Boa Constrictors are large muscular snakes. This also means they’re heavy. Again, females are much heavier than males, weighing in at an average weight of 22 to 35 pounds. Males only weigh an average of 15 to 23 pounds.

Boa Constrictor Enclosure Requirements

While baby Boa Constrictors can easily be housed in glass aquariums, it isn’t advisable to keep larger Boas in them. Boas are strong snakes and could easily break out of these tanks.

Your Boa enclosure needs to be large and secure to ensure that your snake has no reason to and can’t escape. The bottom of their enclosure should also be sturdy enough to prevent breakage due to your Boas’ weight.

Size

On average, a Boa enclosure should be 50 or more gallons big. You can buy housing for your reptile at a specialized pet store but will likely have to have one custom build.

Adult Boas need enclosures of at least 6 to 8 feet long, 2 to 3 feet wide, and 2 to 3 feet tall. Remember to ensure that their tank is inescapable.

Temperature Needs

Boa Constrictors come from tropical weather conditions, so you need to ensure that their enclosure is warm. A temperature between 80°F and 90°F will do during the day, while nighttime temperatures should be between 78°F and 85°F.

You should add a basking spot in your pet snake’s enclosure that’s heated to about 90°F to 95°F.

It’s essential to constantly monitor your Boas’ enclosure for the correct temperature. Incorrect temperatures can lead to many issues, so ensure that your thermometers work.

Humidity Needs

Humidity levels in your Boa enclosure should be kept high. A grade between 60 and 70 is ideal for these constrictors.

You can easily achieve these high levels by keeping a water bowl in their enclosure. Installing misting systems will also help.

Your Boa Constrictor will likely climb into the water bowl for baths, so choose a big, sturdy container. When your Boa is shedding, this water bowl will help them too.

Decor Needs

Boas are intelligent and good climbers. You need to supply them with enough decor in their enclosure to prevent boredom.

I suggest adding a minimum of two hide boxes. These can be anything, from commercial reptile caves to sterilized tree logs. Place each hide on opposite ends of the temperature gradient. Hides should be big enough to offer your snake a snug fit since this will make them feel safe.

You should also place large tree branches in your Boas’ tank for climbing. These should be sturdy enough to handle your snakes’ weight.

A substrate or a reptile carpet is also important. This bottom half of your snake’s enclosure should mimic their natural habitat.

All decor needs to be easy to remove for sterilization. You should clean the decor and the enclosure as a whole regularly.

What To Feed A Boa Constrictor For Optimal Growth

If you want your Boa to reach their growth milestones and stay healthy, you should feed them a nutritious diet.

You should serve your young Boa more often than you would an adult. Serving food every 5 to 7 days for babies will do. Juvenile Boas will only need to eat every 10 to 14 days, while mature snakes can last for 3 to 4 weeks without another meal. It’s best to learn your snakes’ eating patterns and feed them accordingly.

All food should be served thawed and come from a reputable source. You can feed your Boa:

Mice
Rats
Rabbits

Ensure that meals are appropriate in size and only give one item per feeding. Adult snakes can have more.

To Conclude

Caring for, feeding, and handling a pet Boa Constrictor will be challenging if you don’t know what to expect. While these snakes are good for beginners, they work best for people who like large species.

Boa Constrictors become a headache for many snake owners once they reach maturity, so ensure that you’re ready to handle a pet snake this big before you purchase one.

I hope you enjoyed this article and that you now know what to expect when getting a pet Boa Constrictor. If you have any more questions, pop them in the comments!

How many gallons does a Boa Constrictor need?

A Boa will need a different sized enclosure during each phase of their life, but once they reach maturity, their tank should be no smaller than 50 gallons.

Is a Boa Constrictor a good beginner pet?

Yes.

If you're a first-time snake owner looking for a large species, Boa Constrictors are an excellent choice!

How often can you handle a Boa?

You can handle your Boa twice a week, but no more than once a day.

Are Boa Constrictors Pythons?

No.

Boa Constrictors are a subspecies in the same snake family as Pythons.