Brazilian rainbow boa heat question

fyre · 01-17-14, 10:27 AM

hello, I'v been researching Brazilian rainbow boa care as I think I'v settled on it for my next herp. however in my research Iv'e found conflicting care sheets an issue. I have some that say extended temps over 85 degrees can harm or kill a BRB and other care sheets which say 85-90 degrees is optimal. they are all fairly current ( dated within past 2-3 years) which is correct? i live in New England so while it rarely gets over 85, there is often a week or two in july and or august where it can get a 100 or so degrees and because my lizards are tropical and like higher temps we don't run an air conditioner or anything. does anyone have a definitive answer and /or can recommend a reliable care sheet it would be greatly appreciated in a) determining if this is the snake for me and c ) in designing my set up.

thank you for your time,
Fyre

Kid Boa · 01-17-14, 12:54 PM

Welcome to the world of Boas, soon.

Warm end side for a BRB should be 85 deg MAX. 83 deg is optimal.

Cool end side should be approx.,. 73 deg. Extended periods of time with temperatures 85 deg and warmer WILL harm your BRB.

Humidity for neonate BRBs should be 90%+, with larger snakes, humidity can be 75-80% provided they have a large water dish and or moist hide for soaking.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Snakesitter will be here later.

Snakesitter · 01-17-14, 03:05 PM

Hi Fyre!

I keep and breed Brazilians, and anything over 85F should be avoided. If a snake is trapped in those temps with no escape, it can be lethal. I usually aim for a temp gradient of 72F cool end to 82F warm end. I too have warm summers (based in CA), and use an air conditioner and fan to get me through that season.

Humidity is the other key issue with rainbows, and keeping it within the right levels requires choosing an enclosure that limits ventilation -- preferably plastic, though glass can adapted it that is all you have (no screen tops!). Babies require 90%+, and adults 80%+. Beyond the enclosure itself, items like water bowls, moist hides, and the right substrate help.

Rainbows are wonderful pets: not many snakes match their combination of beauty, moderate size, and personality.

Please let me know if you have any further questions. I also have an enclosure care sheet if you are interested; just contact me through the links in my signature.

Good luck,

Brylee1233 · 01-21-14, 10:09 PM

Yup, like they have said, 85 max... If it accidentally gets over 85 for a short period of time (and a cool end for the snakes to escape to) then it will be okay, just make sure you cool your heat down a soon as possible. Good luck! BRB's are a very cool snake. Mine just ate a hopper mouse from the fake vines in the air! (if that makes any sense lol) Good luck!! I hope you enjoy your soon-to-be BRB!