Colombian Rainbow Care

[SerpentLust]

Hey guys, I'm 99.99% sure I'm picking up a Colombian Rainbow at the expo, just going over everything right now (yes it's 4:00am) and making sure I'm completely prepared.

Any tips from experienced Colombian keepers?

So far, I have:

Enclosure: So far I've read that you're looking at about a 36" long enclosure for adults, 48" if the adult reaches about 5 feet.

Substrate: I personally use paper towel for quarantine purposes, once he joins the snake room however, I'll be using Cypress Mulch like I do with all my snakes.

Temps: From what I've been reading, I'm seeing hot spot of around 85-90, can anyone clarify or confirm this?

Humidity: Obviously a factor to take into account. I'll be handling the humidity levels by offering a humid hide with sphagnum moss, using cypress mulch, offering a water bowl large enough to soak and habitual spraying. I read that the reletive humidity preferred is around 70%, again clarification on this would be nice.

Feeding: Obviously I'll be doing F/T rats of an appropriate size, so no questions there.


Really that's about it. Wish me luck guys, I haven't had the best luck with expo aquisitions. Hopefully I don't end up with another kid that belongs in a bubble. Right Matt_K?

Jenn

[HeatherRose]

Hey Jenn!

I only have a couple ideas (I've never kept Colombians but I have 3 other locales right now):

I'd raise the humidity to at least 80%, or 85% if you're getting a neonate. I would think 70% could lead to some shedding difficulties or respiratory issues. I find if you put part of the water dish over the heating pad you will never have to worry about keeping up the humidity.

I would also lower the temps just a TAD, making the hot end 85 - 88 degrees or so, rainbow boas are particulary sensitive to higher temperatures.

I use paper towel as substrate for mine... although I was thinking of changing to something else because my adult female Brazilian makes such a mess of it, and she loves to hide underneath it... I want to give her something to burrow in, so let me know how the mulch works for you

Good luck and post lots of pictures!

[SerpentLust]

Thanks Heather I'll be sure to show you my new baby at the show.

[HeatherRose]

I'll be waiting! Where are you getting it from?

[SerpentLust]

No idea, I do want to take a look at The Reptile Store, I always love their selection. But I'm going to look around