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born and raised Colombian Boas are usually very docile. They can easily be kept by a
beginner as well as the experienced herptile keeper.

Distribution:
The Colombian Boa or Common Boa is found throughout a large range of South America.
They
are found in Colombia of course, but also in Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Hogg Island,
Venezuela,
and more.

Description:
The Colombian Boa constrictor will grow to between six and nine feet, though they can
reach up
to 12 feet. The males are smaller than the females. This snake is robust, with a triangular
head
separated from the body by a thin neck. Their natural coloring is a pattern of elongated,
saddle
like, pale gray patches on a background of rich chocolate to almost chestnut brown. The
sides
are paler with dark brown, diamond shaped spots that have white centers. The undersides
are
yellowish, spotted with black. The chestnut brown coloring becomes progressively brighter
until
it is a brick red or pure red, and they are thus sometimes called the 'Colombian Red Tailed
Boa'. This name is a bit misleading as the True Red Tail Boa Boa c. constrictor, is the
nominant
race. (See the box above.)

Feeding:
They are a constrictor and their diet consists of mice, rats, small rabbits and the large
snakes
can also eat chickens. Feed once or twice a week, depending on the size of the food and the
size of the snake. As you get to know your snake, you'll learn what its feeding needs are.
Fresh
water in a good size water dish should always be available.

Environment:
These snakes are best kept singly except when they are being bred, but you may be able to
keep them with other snakes the same size as long as you feed them separately. The
Colombian Boa constrictor needs a good size cage. Its' housing can be set up as a woodland
type terrarium, but keep the decor to the minimum. See the terrarium set-ups described
under
Basic Reptile and Amphibian Care for more information. A good size water dish will provide
moderate humidity as well as a place for soaking and drinking. A heavy limb for climbing on,
resting on, and to aid in shedding makes the perfect decor.

Temperature and Lighting requirements:
They do well at 82° to 95° F in the daytime and 72° to 80° F at night. Full spectrum lighting is
important for your snakes well being and its long-term maintenance. You can use a
substrate
heating device for basic heating. For additional heat, you can add a full spectrum
incandescent
daytime bulb and a blacklight bulb or red incandescent bulb for nighttime heating. Be sure
you
use a thermometer so you don't let the terrarium become overheated! For more detailed
information see the Basic Reptile and Amphibian Care: Housing.

Breeding/Reproduction:
These snakes, if not babies, need to be probe sexed for positive sex identification, and they
bear live young. Their gestation period can range from four to six months. The litters are
large
with up to 30 babies, each about 24 inches (61 cm) long and resembling the coloring and
patterning of their parents. They are fairly easy to breed in captivity.

Availability:
The Colombian Boa constrictors or Common boas are very common and readily available
due
to captive breeding.