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[[Image:Boa_constrictor_240x180.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor''' ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Boa_constrictor_240x180.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor''' (© RVC)]]

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) is a common pet snake of the family Boidae.  

The boa constrictor (''Boa constrictor'') is a common pet snake of the family Boidae.  

==Morphology==

==Morphology==

They may grow to a length of about 4 metres (13 ft). Unlike many other boids they do not have heat-sensitive pits. The colouring tends to vary geographically but they tend to be a snake with brown or red saddles along the dorsum. There is a proliferation of names by hobbyists to describe colour forms.  

They may grow to a length of about 4 metres (13 ft). Unlike many other boids they do not have [[Snake Special Senses|heat-sensitive pits]]. The colouring tends to vary geographically but they tend to be a snake with brown or red saddles along the dorsum. There is a proliferation of names by hobbyists to describe colour forms.  

==Free-Living==

==Free-Living==

*Distribution - Boa constrictors have a large natural range from Argentina in the south to northwestern Mexico.  

*Distribution - Boa constrictors have a large natural range from Argentina in the south to northwestern Mexico.  

*Diet - Free-ranging boas are generalists. They feed on mammals and birds.  

*Diet - Free-ranging boas are generalists. They feed on mammals and birds.  

==Captivity==

==Captivity==

Boa constrictors are very popular as pets. Captive-bred ones are less likely to be aggressive and are easier to keep.  

Boa constrictors are very popular as pets. Captive-bred ones are less likely to be aggressive and are easier to keep, but are prone to inclusion body disease.

*Cage – They require caging to reflect their size.  

*Cage – They require caging to reflect their size.  

*Temperature - a temperature range of 25-30°C is adequate.  

*Temperature - a temperature range of 25-30°C is adequate.  

*Diet - Boas usually feed well on dead rodents.  

*Diet - Boas usually feed well on dead rodents.  

*Reproduction – Boas are viviparous and may produce up to 50 young after a gestation period of 5-8 months.

*Reproduction – Boas are viviparous and may produce up to 50 young after a gestation period of 5-8 months.