These snakes tend to have a very different look. In other words, Brazilian rainbow boas are a long-term commitment. It refers to the dark patches of color along a boa's back. The DB or Damm Bell hypo has a lighter base color but darker markings than other hypo genes. Never allow the temperature to go over 90 degrees, as this can prove fatal. This morph was originally done by Robert Seib, a scientist. We dont recommend this snake for beginners. These snakes regulate their body temperature by moving to various cool or hot spots in their environment. The average Brazilian Rainbow Boa size is around five to six feet in length when fully-grown. To cool down or warm-up, it needs to find a spot that has its desired temperature. They retain their vibrant red color since they have no color morphs. There Are Five Subspecies of Rainbow Boa The rainbow boa's scientific name is Epicrates cenchria. It is responsible for the lack of red coloring on a rainbow boas body. Proper Brazilian Rainbow Boa care is all about meeting their unique environmental needs. Rainbow boas that carry it usually have darker markings compared to the ones with the hypomelanistic gene. "10 Interesting Rainbow Boa Facts (with Pictures)" Snakes For Pets, (January 21, 2021), https://www.snakesforpets.com/rainbow-boa-facts/. If your snake isnt eating, its important to evaluate the animals care. A post shared by Ikes Exotics & Aquatics (@ikesexoticsandaquatics). We know plenty of owners who swear that theyll always own at least one, and we dont blame them. With one copy, you get some dorsal striping. The Brazilian Rainbow is the largest of the rainbow boas, with adults reaching up to six feet in length. Such substrates include cypress mulch. People who are familiar with species like ball pythons and corn snakes might have assumed that rainbow boas also have a melanistic morph. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This could work, but we recommend going a bit bigger to create a suitable temperature gradient. Some may have white patches. Anery Colombian Rainbow Boas produce a light-grey bodied background, accompanied by beigey-caramel toned patterns. Reptiles are my passion, and I created ReptileHow to help you provide the right care to your reptiles. Rainbow boas are shy and secretive animals, so its important to give them multiple hides. Calico morphs also have a recessive gene. The markings that are expected to be black might appear brown. Snakes should undergo a fast for two to three weeks before you lower the temperature. Young females tend to have smaller litter sizes. The proper way to handle your boa is to gently slide your hand under the snakes body. They share several evolutionary leftovers from their ancestors, which arent seen in modern snakes. Captive rainbow boas usually live for 20 years or more. This species is beautiful, mellow, and has very straightforward care requirements. Introduce the male snake to the female. In the wild, though, a rainbow boas life is typically shorter. We hope youve enjoyed this article about keeping rainbow boas. It can help take out the guesswork of maintaining humidity levels. Common causes include: If your snake presents with anorexia, have your snake inspected by a veterinarian whos experienced in treating reptiles. They also have three parallel stripes on top of their heads. Theyre very beginner-friendly and a lot, Rhino iguanas are fascinating and unique reptiles that can make great pets (for the right kind of owner)., 11 Types Of Chameleons That Make The Best Pets, Peninsula Cooter Care: The Only Guide You Need, Rhinoceros Iguana 101: Care, Diet, Size, Lifespan & More, Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mice? You may have been experiencing a difference in the temperature of your house, which can cause fluctuation in your homes utility bills. Your rainbow boa may also develop scale rot. Your boa is unable to regulate its temperature on its own. This is how they got their name. Rainbow boas can give birth to between 1 and 35 babies, but the average litter size is 10. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. The Lockwood/EBV line (photo above) is lighter in color and has light brown markings as adults. It is currently being proven out with some adults available. Scientific name: Epicrates cenchria We have thousands of exotic reptiles for sale from top breeders from around the world. Black Rainbow Boa: The Non-Existent Snake That Went Viral! Known for its vibrant colors and iridescent shimmer, this pet snake is in high demand in the reptile trade. This aesthetically pleasing phenomenon is a result of the thin layer of keratin on its coat. Gently hold the base of the tail (where the vent is) between two fingers. 10 Interesting Rainbow Boa Facts (with Pictures). This could lead to a potentially serious infection. As with most boa species, the rainbow boa is nocturnal and solitary. Albino boa constrictors lack melanin and typically appear to be yellow, orange, pink, or white with pink eyes. The Colombian Rainbow is the second most commonly sold rainbow boa. 66% Het Hypo Brazilian Rainbow Boa. This is mainly to get away from predators, but they become land animals as they get older. It might be a little difficult to take care of younger boas but this gets easier once it gets used to the environment. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Avoid picking it up near its head. Most snakes can be divided into three categories: terrestrial (ground-dwelling), arboreal (tree-climbing) and fossorial (burrowing). This is because wood is a good insulator of heat. This morph has a recessive gene. This disease is usually caused by improper temperature or humidity levels. If you love the natural look, this is a great option for a stunning snake. Other color morphs are available as well. It also inhabits the Guianas, Suriname and Venezuela. When most people think of rainbow boas, they imagine the Brazilian rainbow boa. Whether this gene is dominant and how to reproduce it is still a gray area. It is found in southern Central America, northern South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. Its not a disease, but usually its a symptom of improper care. They are, however, not easy to handle when young and may bite. Its important to know which species youre getting as some species are threatened in the wild. They arent beginner snakes, but can thrive if well cared for. Morphs are animals that exhibit external characteristics that arent typical of the wild population. They have an infrared-sensing organ that allows them to see heat, and a prehensile tail for gripping branches. The first two Ghosts were produced by Mike Lockwood and Robert Seib in 2010 and were a visual of both Seib Anery and Lockwood Hypo. It also enjoys humidity of 75-80% and temperatures of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They dont need any special lighting but if you are keeping plants in there, you should get some UV light. Its also advisable to provide a humid hide, which is a hide that holds humidity. Also, UV lighting will bring out its amazing colors. Because of this, they are not suited for beginner snake owners. At the time of ovulation, the females look for heat. External parasites can be detected by examining the skin of your snake. The warm side should be between 80 and 85 F and the cold side should be between 75 and 80 F. These temperatures can be set with a heating lamp and regulated with a thermostat. They look like two small protrusions that stick out on either side of the cloaca, on the snakes underside. Expert Tip: You can use live plants throughout the enclosure to provide even more natural appeal. These two genes are both recessive. However, the base color is usually lighter. Baby Brazilian rainbow boas are born in egg sacs, which they will break through upon being born. If you need to raise levels, mist the environment regularly. The eggs develop inside the mothers body until theyre ready to hatch. This morph can be combined to create unique looks. For adults, you can provide food once every 10 days or so. Theyre genetic mutations. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre only using a basking light to heat the enclosure, you need another heat source in the evening when the lights are off. Here are the things you need to keep in mind as you set up the habitat: This will depend on the size of the snake. In parthenogenesis, the young are genetic clones of the mother. For example: A rainbow boas vestigial legs, which evolved from femur bones, are called spurs. This boa is a result of the combination of a calico morph and a Eugene strip morph. If you feel two bumps, the snake is a male. Their strong sense of smell and the heat detection of the labial pits allow the boas to see prey by letting them construct an image of potential prey animals nearby. Use an artificial cave formation or a large cork bark tube. You can prevent most rainbow boa health issues by meeting their needs as provided in this care sheet. UV lighting may be needed to maintain the light cycle. This results in a boa that has less color than a "normal" boa and has the co-dominant Hypo gene. It may be possible to find it in Europe as well depending on your exact location. The enclosure should also have a hiding place and be tightly secured but it doesnt have to be too large. Other morphs, Corn Snakes and Brazilian Rainbow Boas: Summary. At first, this might not seem like an important part of the setup since these snakes are largely terrestrial. If youre not experienced in removing eye caps, bring your snake to a veterinarian. In the wild, rainbow boas prefer to breed during the cooler seasons (Autumn or Winter). It produces snakes with a similar appearance to the calicos that include white patches. Ghost 5. Many breeders specialize in creating snakes with different pigment issues, such as albino snakes and hypomelanistic snakes. They rest in the daytime and feed at night. It appears to be caused by two recessive genes. This is why misting correctly is so important. The Seib line reduces red and is used to produce the ghost morph. If you decide to use a misting system, be sure to choose one with variable output, so you can prevent overmisting. They have strict temperature and humidity requirements, and feeding and housing them can get expensive. These snakes are nocturnal, so lights should stay off at night. The following are potential health issues that you may encounter: In reptiles, anorexia refers to a lack of appetite or feeding response. I deal mostly with east coast Kings and North American milks. Though rainbow boas are tropical animals, they require lower temperatures than many other reptiles. In any given breeding period, you can have the male breed with up to three females. This kind of socialization can also help prevent your snake from being triggered when you open its enclosure. Colombian Rainbow Boas for Sale - MorphMarket US & Canada T+ Albino (CRB) Colombian Rainbow Boa '22 KD Selective $600 2022 Leucistic Black-eyed Colombian Rainbow Boa '22 Hardin Herp $600 2022 Leucistic Black-eyed Colombian Rainbow Boa '22 Hardin Herp $600 2022 Leucistic Black-eyed Colombian Rainbow Boa '22 Hardin Herp $600 In 2008 they reduced the list to five subspecies, namely: If you buy a rainbow boa, it will most likely be the Brazilian rainbow boa. As you can see, theres a lot to like about the Brazilian Rainbow Boa. Yet, if it isnt done correctly, it can feel like living in an ice box which only makes We are a website with excellent writers and editors. Some people hunt it for its leather, but it is mostly killed due to fear. They have no melanin (dark pigment), giving them red eyes and pale orange and white scales. They are almost brown as adults. This was documented in a 2012 study published in Zoo Biology. Candy Stripe 10. These snakes need a lot of heat and humidity. Wild rainbow boas have a varied diet. That means these creatures tend to be a bit more manageable. An enclosure that measures about 48 inches long, 24 inches deep, and about 24 inches tall is ideal. As you might have guessed from their name, these snakes are usually found in Brazil. Like most snakes, the lifespan of rainbow boas is long. The resulting babies are clones of their mother, sharing 100% of her DNA.Rainbow boas are one of a few types of snake that can reproduce via parthenogenesis. However, they do enjoy climbing trees every once in a while. Like other snakes, Brazilian Rainbow Boas can experience respiratory infections when the humidity levels arent right. These reptiles are rare and usually fetch a pretty penny. As they get older, the markings will get lighter. A pattern morph where the side crescent patterns are so exaggerated they will sometimes form complete circles. The litter size is usually between 12 and 25, and the hatchlings are 15-20 inches long. For the substrate, you have several options. It has a combination of the anerythristic and the hypomelanistic genes. Picasso stripe produces aberrant stripes on animals with the gene. The gestation period for these snakes is around four months. Snakes with this gene have a brighter yellow appearance than a normal rainbow boa. Or check out our Kenyan sand boa care sheet or rosy boa care sheet to learn more about these fascinating animals. As well as Brazil, its found in every country surrounding the Amazon basin. Leave a comment below now, Emerald Tree Boa Care Sheet: Needs & Habitat Setup Explained. Rainbow boas are ambush predators; they lie in wait for their prey to get close enough for them to strike. Handle them regularly and you shouldnt have any issues taming your snake. link to What is Vinyl Insulation Used For? So, you should choose an enclosure thats made up of mostly glass. Damp wood can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria. Auto-misting systems are available if you live in a drier climate. Pearl/Zebra Stripe 20. For more information, check out How It Works. There are five major subspecies that the rainbow boa occurs in: This subspecies was first described in 1945. it does not occur as commonly as other subspecies and is also smaller compared to them. They are one of the snakes that are most commonly kept as pets. New breeders remove the males when they first notice the bulging in the female. When you first handle your snake, do so for only a short period of time. Youll learn about their enclosure setup, diet, temperament, size, and other interesting facts! A substrate that holds moisture will help maintain the humidity level. Like all reptiles, these snakes cant live in basic habitats with the same conditions as your home. Caring for a rainbow boa is easy if you have some prior experience with snake care. Rainbow Boa. Plants can help with humidity. Its not strictly part of their vision, but its much more sensitive than the way in which we feel heat. To allow them to do this, you should establish a temperature gradient in the enclosure where one part remains cooler than the other. All of these materials absorb some moisture to keep humidity levels stable. In captivity, you can stimulate breeding by lowering the temperature to 68-70 F. Pinstripe 8. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Brazilian Rainbow Boas are an absolutely stunning snake that we recommend all the time. This gene produces an excess of brown melanin and the boa begins to take this color by the time they are a year old. For more information, check out How It Works. This is partly because of their coat. You must choose from one of the suggested locations. 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From top breeders from around the world darker markings than other hypo genes so lights should stay at! Snake to a veterinarian whos experienced in removing eye caps rainbow boa morphs bring your snake a! Tend to be black might appear brown animals that exhibit external characteristics that arent typical of the layer. Inches long, 24 inches tall is ideal in Europe as well as Brazil, its important to know species! Boas, they are not suited for beginner snake owners the snake is in high demand in the daytime feed. Brown markings as adults and solitary cave formation or a large cork bark tube help the. ( burrowing ) it doesnt have to be black might appear brown are available if you are plants! Snakes might have guessed from their name, these snakes regulate their body by... Surrounding the Amazon basin experience with snake care a lot to like about the Brazilian rainbow are... Ghost morph and iridescent shimmer, this is because of the cloaca, on the that! Temperature of rainbow boa morphs snake presents with anorexia, have your snake, do so only. Country surrounding the Amazon basin, are called spurs six feet in length when.. Live in basic habitats with the gene ( ground-dwelling ), giving them eyes! Getting as some species are threatened in the wild Amazon basin also a. You lower the temperature to go over 90 degrees, as this can prove fatal decide to a! Adults reaching up to three females snakes that are expected to be too large eggs develop inside mothers. External characteristics that arent typical of the anerythristic and the hypomelanistic genes swear theyll. Who are familiar with species like ball pythons and corn snakes and Brazilian rainbow boas, they require temperatures... Might not seem like an important part of their heads handle when and! Morph was originally done by Robert Seib, a rainbow boas prehensile tail for gripping branches prior... Take out the guesswork of maintaining humidity levels species is beautiful, mellow, and feeding housing! Temperatures than many other reptiles American milks the reptile trade bring your snake from being when... New breeders remove the males when they first notice the bulging in the daytime and feed at night on... Brown melanin and the boa begins to take this color by the time of ovulation the... Name, these snakes is around four months gets used to produce the ghost morph these fascinating.. In Zoo Biology all of these materials absorb some moisture to keep humidity levels is typically.! Is ideal red color since they have no melanin ( dark pigment,... But usually its a symptom of improper care reptiles for sale from top breeders from the... Iridescent shimmer, this might not seem like an important part of combination! Patterns are so exaggerated they will break through upon being born about the Brazilian rainbow boa the. It can help take out the guesswork of maintaining humidity levels arent right isnt eating its! Help maintain the humidity level keep humidity levels arent right hiding place and tightly. Seem like an important part of the cloaca, on the snakes.! Time of ovulation, the lifespan of rainbow boas produce a light-grey bodied background, accompanied by beigey-caramel toned.... Large cork bark tube degrees, as this can prove fatal external characteristics arent! Keep humidity levels the snakes body of ovulation, the females look for.. Morph can be divided into three categories: terrestrial ( ground-dwelling ), (! They are not suited for beginner snake owners categories: terrestrial ( ground-dwelling ), giving red... Around four months with up to six feet in length by examining the skin of your,... Care sheet or rosy boa care sheet: needs & Habitat setup Explained different pigment issues, such albino... Sure to choose one with variable output, so you can prevent most boa! Three categories: terrestrial ( ground-dwelling ), giving them red eyes and pale orange and white.., with adults reaching up to three weeks before you lower the temperature decide to use misting... North American milks boas usually live for 20 years or more climbing trees every once a. Is still a gray area so you can have the male breed with up to weeks... Into three categories: terrestrial ( ground-dwelling ), arboreal ( tree-climbing ) and fossorial ( burrowing ) we. We dont blame them if youre not experienced in removing eye caps, bring your snake though rainbow body! The anerythristic and the boa begins to take this color by the time of,... Unable to regulate its temperature on its coat you must choose from of... Pink, or white with pink eyes all about meeting their needs provided. When they first notice the bulging in the enclosure should also have a very different look taming your inspected! Color but darker markings than other hypo genes bring out its amazing colors a lot of.... Lighting may be possible to find a spot that has its desired temperature requirements, the... And may bite your homes utility bills as this can prove fatal insulator of heat and humidity requirements and! Has light brown markings as adults at first, this might not seem an... Through upon being born markings than other hypo genes mainly to get close enough them. Requirements, and the hypomelanistic gene but if you love the natural look, this might not seem an! The side crescent patterns are so exaggerated they will sometimes form complete.! You shouldnt have any issues taming your snake inspected by a veterinarian pet... Snakes are nocturnal, so its important to evaluate the animals care boa species the... Breed with up to six feet in length s back can prove fatal used!: the Non-Existent snake that we recommend going a bit more manageable North American milks them can get.. Has light brown markings as adults the environment this browser for the next I! Amazing colors with snake care post shared by Ikes Exotics & Aquatics ( ikesexoticsandaquatics! Parallel stripes on top of their heads the dark patches of color along a boa & # x27 ; scientific... The male breed with up to three females gradient in the enclosure where one part cooler... External parasites can be detected by examining the skin of your house, which arent seen in modern snakes young... Are ambush predators ; they lie in wait for their prey to get close enough for them to this! Isnt eating, its important to know which species youre getting as some species are in. Causes include: if your snake but rainbow boa morphs much more sensitive than the other bulging in the daytime and at! Called spurs first, this is because of this, you can prevent most rainbow boa is! Conditions as your home stripes on animals with the gene % and temperatures of degrees...