Rosy Boa Care Sheet

Written by Tiffany Spain 

The Rosy Boa is native to the American Southwest into Northern Mexico. Rosy Boas can range from coastal areas to more desert rocky outcrops. Almost all Rosy Boas will have 3 stripes, one down the center and the other two down the lower sides. Their stripes can vary in color from a darker brown/black to lighter more orange/yellow shades depending on their locale.

Fun Fact: The Rosy Boa is one of only two Boas native to The United States. The second being the Rubber Boa.

These snakes are easy to handle and do not get very big. An adult Rosy Boa can grow to be 17-36 inches from their nose to the tip of their tail. The typical adult size is 24 inches. Some coastal specimens have been known to reach up to 48 inches, but this is very rare. The slow-moving Rosy Boa is known for being a docile snake, even in the wild. Their docile nature and smaller size make them great for individuals new to the reptile hobby. Do keep in mind, as with most reptiles, they are a lifelong commitment. Rosy Boas can live up to 30 years or more in captivity.

Fun Fact: The Rosy Boa is a live bearing snake! This means they do not lay eggs but rather they give birth to live young.

They are exceptional climbers and escape artists. A secure enclosure with plenty to explore is a must for these snakes. Rock stacks are great for basking areas, caves/hides and climbing opportunities. Ghost wood is another good option for creating climbing enrichment. A minimum enclosure size of 24” x 18” x 18” is recommended but as we say, bigger is always better! Make sure to check your enclosure for gaps and make sure any access holes are closed and secure.

The Rosy Boa will be found within burrows during the hottest part of the day and will be more active during the early morning and evening hours. They enjoy a hot spot of 90-95 degrees. It is also important to provide a cooler, more humid side with a burrow. Humidity should be between 40-60%. This will give the snake opportunities to thermoregulate and to help with shedding.

Heating: 75 watt basking spot light and a Exo Terra Reptile Glow Clamp Light Small

UVB lighting: Arcadia 7% Shade dweller UVB paired with The Bio Dude 24” Solar Grow T5 fixture

Plant Lighting: The BioDude Solar Grow 24” Or the BioDude Glow & Grow 16” LED

Feeding: Offer frozen thawed mice. Juveniles should be fed every 1-2 weeks and Adults every 2-4 weeks. The size of the mouse will be dependent on the size of your snake. A good rule of thumb is to feed mice no bigger than the thickest part of the snake's body. Most juveniles will take a pinkie or fuzzy mouse. Adults will take a hopper to a small mouse.

Terra Sahara is recommended for creating a Bioactive Rosy Boa enclosure. It will hold all tunnels and burrows and will mimic their natural environment by holding moisture in the bottom and middle layers while keeping the top layer dry. Powder Orange Isopods and Arid Springtails make a great Clean Up Crew.

Things you will need:

Exo Terra Medium-Wide 24”x18"x18” Glass Terrarium 

• Bio Dude Glow & Grow 16" LED or Bio Dude Solar Grow T5 HO Single Bulb Light Strip 24"
• Exo Terra Daylight Basking Spot Lamp 75 Watt
• Exo Terra Reptile Glow Light Clamp Lamp Small
• Arcadia Shade Dweller D3 7% UVB T5 Bulb + Fixture 12"
• Bio Dude Digital Thermometer / Hygrometer
• Exo Terra 2 quart Pressure Sprayer Mister
• Natural Water Dish
• Terraria Woods
• Dragon Stone or Bone Stone (available locally at The Bio Dude Houston)
• Frozen Mice (available locally at The Bio Dude Houston)

Substrate Kit options:

Rosy Boa Snake Bioactive Kit This kit will have everything but the Terrarium, Heating, UVB, Water Dish, Stone/Rock, Thermometer/Hygrometer and Sprayer.

Terra Sahara Bioactive Kit 24 x 18 x 18/24 This kit includes Terra Sahara, AAA Spag Moss, Leaf Litter and BioShot. The Terrarium, Heating, Lighting, UVB, Stone/Rock, Water Dish, Woods, Sprayer, Thermometer/Hygrometer not included.

Resources:

How to set up a Rosy Boa BioActive Terrarium with Mariah Healey

Reptiles Rock --- and so do minerals! Learn why they are the BEEZ NEEZ for your bioactive terrarium

The Science of Terra Sahara

How do I create a Terra Sahara BioActive Vivarium

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