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kenyan sand boas
hi i just got a pair of kenyan sand boa's and the guy said not to put them in sand?and sent me this (This is a contentious issue about which I have received a lot of questions over the years.
Most species of Eryx either live areas that are only partially sandy. The data from the field suggest that many of them spend significant time hiding in burrows of other animals, rather than burrowed in sand. Therefore, the name "sand" boa is misleading for most of the species. Yes, they will burrow in sand if you give it to them, but so will most kingsnakes! The problem lies in the fact that sand does not make a good substrate for use in captivity. It is heavy, harder to keep clean and may pose an actual health risk to the snakes. The problem is that I have heard of (and witnessed) several cases of snakes dying due to complications from ingesting sand, so I no longer use sand for any of my Eryx. (Yes, I have heard from many people who have used sand for years without problem, but there are a few who have lost snakes - is it worth the risk?)
I prefer Aspen shavings to other media. They don't have an overpowering odor and are easy for the snake to burrow in. Even the most dedicated burrowers among my snakes readily accept the Aspen shavings as long as they are deep enough (usually at least twice the depth of the snake's body). The weight of the substrate pressing down on the snake is important to their sense of security. Because the snakes appear to sense this weight above them, a heavy substrate, like gravel need not be as deep as a light substrate, like Aspen shavings.
I have also recently tried Carefresh bedding (a by product of paper production) but I have found it doesn't hold the burrow shape as well as aspen shavings.
Many breeders keep Sand Boas on paper towels or newspaper. If you choose to do this you must provide at least one hide box (see the comments regarding hide box placement in the section on temperature). Otherwise, Sand Boas like a substrate in which they can burrow. The correct choice for your snake depends upon the species involved, but may also depend on the individual snake's preferences. Most species will acclimate to a substrate of newspaper with a secure hide box for cover, but all species will burrow if given an appropriate medium) and just want to know what you guys and gals are using for your kenyans? and is it safe to put them in sand?
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