Difference between revisions of "Boa constrictor"

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[[Image:Boa_constrictor_240x180.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor''' (© RVC)]]
 
[[Image:Boa_constrictor_240x180.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Boa constrictor''' (© RVC)]]
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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*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, but are prone to inclusion body disease.
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Boa constrictors are very popular as pets. Captive-bred ones are less likely to be aggressive and are easier to keep.  
 
*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.  
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*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.
 
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|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=(od:(Boa+constrictor)+OR+title:(Boa+constrictor)+OR+ab:(Boa+constrictor))&fq=sc:%22ve%22 Boa constrictor publications]
 
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[[Category:Snake_Species]]
 
[[Category:Snake_Species]]
 
[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]
 
[[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]]

Revision as of 12:54, 18 May 2010


Boa constrictor (© RVC)

Introduction

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

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.

Free-Living

  • Distribution - Boa constrictors have a large natural range from Argentina in the south to northwestern Mexico.
  • Habitat - Boas may be arboreal or terrestrial. They are often seen along rivers.
  • Diet - Free-ranging boas are generalists. They feed on mammals and birds.

Captivity

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

  • Cage – They require caging to reflect their size.
  • Temperature - a temperature range of 25-30°C is adequate.
  • Humidity - Humidity requirements are between 50-70%.
  • 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.