brizilian rainbow boa information

nanna · 11-02-10, 01:51 PM

I recently saw a picture a beautiful Brazilian rainbow boa. Wow I have also seen many people mention them in other posts(how good they are). So does anyone have any information about them any at all or even breeders that may be good to talk to. I was told I could get another friend for christmas. So I am exploring my options. Thanks

Will0W783 · 11-02-10, 01:59 PM

I have a Peruvian rainbow boa, which is very similar to the Brazilian variety. All rainbow boas are humid-climate snakes. They therefore need a moisture-retaining substrate like cypress mulch or Forest Floor (peat moss/shredded cypress mix), and daily or twice daily misting. They need temperatures in the low-mid 80s, but temps over 90 can kill them quickly.
I received my PRB from Ben Seigel reptiles and am thrilled with him. I felt the customer service was excellent, but there are a lot of breeders and they pop up for adoption on Craigslist periodically.

Ch^4 · 11-02-10, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will0W783

I have a Peruvian rainbow boa, which is very similar to the Brazilian variety. All rainbow boas are humid-climate snakes. They therefore need a moisture-retaining substrate like cypress mulch or Forest Floor (peat moss/shredded cypress mix), and daily or twice daily misting. They need temperatures in the low-mid 80s, but temps over 90 can kill them quickly.
I received my PRB from Ben Seigel reptiles and am thrilled with him. I felt the customer service was excellent, but there are a lot of breeders and they pop up for adoption on Craigslist periodically.

As Willow said, Peruvians and Brazilians are similar and require relatively high humidity, which can lead to problems such as mold/mildew/bacteria IF the environment is not kept immaculate.

Personally, I have found that once or twice daily misting does not adequately keep relative humidity at appropriate levels; again, in my case, the misting is only a temporary humidity fix, and the humidity can drop quickly if not monitored (depends highly on ambient humidity, substrate, and enclosure).

My solution: misting coupled with an automated fogging system that uses a human-grade ultrasonic humidifier with filtered brita water. They (humidifiers) are relatively inexpensive (~$30-40) and can give you peace of mind if you work or travel frequently.

I think Rainbow Boas are great snakes, but would not want an inexperienced keeper to own one--only my opinion and because of sensitivity to temps/humidity and high cleanliness requirements. Hope that helps!

marvelfreak · 11-02-10, 03:50 PM

Check these thread out.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/epicr...rainbow-s.html
Keeping humidity up not as hard as some people make it sound.
For start you want a plastic cage or tub.
Reptile bark works awesome. I only have to lightly mist once to twice a week since i started using it.
If you have trouble with humidity just add a second water bowl and put it part way over the heat pad. Works great.
Since i started using plastic cages and tubs i have never had any problem with my humidity ever getting under 50%. With reptile bark in never drops below 65%.
You don't want your humidity to stay 80 plus % all the time. You want it to drop some and dry out just like in the wild.
Hope these helps. Any question feel free to ask there's quite a few rainbow owner on here who can help you.
P.S. If you get one we want to see pics. In my book their the Boas version of a Jungle carpet. Amazingly beautiful.

Lankyrob · 11-02-10, 06:12 PM

I have cyclic humidity in my vivs that need it, they all get sprayed in the morning then dry out over the day. The only different one is my gtp who i spray twice a day as the arboreal viv has less floor space and dries out more quickly.

Will0W783 · 11-03-10, 09:21 AM

Ch4, I used to keep my PRB in an aquarium-style cage, and that required a MistKing system to automatically mist several times a day. However, now he is in a melamine enclosure that holds humidity much better. I would recommend a fogger/mister for any screen-topped enclosure, and 2-3 times a day misting for anything that is more enclosed. It's often very tough to find the proper balance between air flow and humidity- much the same trouble that is faced in keeping arboreal snakes.