Some Newbie Sand Boa Questions

[Nuclear]

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I have been researching about these guys for a while but I have a few questions.

1. They burrow a lot but does it get to a point where you never see them?

2. When handling, is this a good method: dig through the substrate and slide your hand under the boa... this wouldnt startle them? any better ways?

3. What is actually the best substrate? Every care sheet either says, sand is good, sand is bad, aspen bedding is good, some say its bad! its confusing and I'd rather know for sure from people with experience.

4. Any words of advice on the species a newbie may find useful? Are they overall good pets? Docile? Tolerate handling and interaction?

This may be a lot of questions but any help is much appreciated!

[Pinto2]

The only thing i know about these is that you absolutly should not use sand. I also hear that watching them eat is pretty cool to, because you see the ground move towards the prey. Sort of like in the movies. Hope that helps

[Rosy-enthusiast]

These are your answers:

1. They can stay under the sand for a quite a while and you may not see them alot.

2. That works good unless you want to take a chance of getting bit or you can take pice of wood (like a stick) and kinda go through the sand with it and when u find him he will try and get away.

3. Sand isnt good, most cant be digested. I have heard everyone say aspen Because it can stay dry.

4. The species have a nice variation of colors (albino, anery, snow and a bunch more) They are easy to keep if you keep it dry and do regular maintenance. I have heard them to be nasty but thats I guess how well you treat them as well as how much you interact. Any reptile can tolerate handling if you are patient. They are getting more and more popular but if you want something that can start you off easier in the reptile trade a cornsnake, kingsnake or milksnake is in order.

Rosy-enthusiast

[drewlowe]

I've only had my 2 for a few months know but i'll share what i can. one of mine is house in a rack system and the other in a 10 gallon.

1. They burrow a lot but does it get to a point where you never see them?

Mine are babies so i very rarely ever see them, tigra usually comes out late at night and only to get a drink.


2. When handling, is this a good method: dig through the substrate and slide your hand under the boa... this wouldnt startle them? any better ways?

So far i haven't had any problems, i do it very slowly. I start from one side of the tank and work my way to the other side and watch for any movement. (but mine are still babies, so i don't know how adults would react.)

3. What is actually the best substrate? Every care sheet either says, sand is good, sand is bad, aspen bedding is good, some say its bad! its confusing and I'd rather know for sure from people with experience.

I use Sani-Chips from the local pet store. So far no problems, but i also feed outside the cage so no chance of impaction from feeding.

4. Any words of advice on the species a newbie may find useful? Are they overall good pets? Docile? Tolerate handling and interaction?

Mine have been great so far, but i don't really interact with them all that much (except for their regular care). If your wanting a herp that's more active and not shy then they're not for you. I don't really handle mine unless it's right before feeding time or after a shed. I personally think they are beautiful and interesting snakes that get overlooked.

Jamie

[Nuclear]

Ok, thanks everyone. I was looking for a snake that would fit in a 20 gallon tank comfortably. I've always wanted a snake. Would a corn snake fit? I've heard yes and no.. how about a male? Any advice on what kind you would get with a 20. I was looking for more of a people friendly sanke. Though sand boas are amazing, but I'd rather not have a pet thats primarily a display pet... yet! lol, I'm sure one of these guys will be int he road map when I am more experienced.

[Rosy-enthusiast]

A cornsnake would definatley fit a 20 gallon for a quite a long time and cornsnakes are people friendly as long as you give them a nice handling every so often but they will get jumpy if left for awhile. Many more colors on the cornsnakes so you have more of a variety. They are also really popular for most people and are the most logical first snake you can get besides a kingsnake or milksnake. Research, research, research is all I can say before you chose. You have many options, make the best one for you.

[Nuclear]

how about a Rosy Boa?