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Need HELP from those who own BRBs!

EmJagsz

EmJagsz

cornscornscorns
I have been considering looking into getting myself a beauty baby Brazilian Rainbow Boa in the future, but I know better than to impulse buy without knowing anything about what I am buying- especially if it were a live animal.
I have been doing endless research on this snake and I have read so many care sheets on them and have tried looking elsewhere for more info on them as much to my ability. I believe the only place I haven't ventured for more information on BRBs is in the book Rainbow Boas and Neotropical Tree Boas by R.D. Bartlett; but I am working on finding a copy.
I came here to ask those of you who have a good background on keeping these lovely creatures if you could give me any tips, advice or anything that you think will help me in owning a BRB in the future! :)

Thus far, from what I've been reading, I know that:

- BRBs, as adults, get anywhere from 4-6ft (with larger or smaller exceptions). Adults will need about 4-6 square feet of floor space (or an enclosure that measures 4'x2'x2'). Babies and juveniles can remain happily in proportionally-sized plastic tubs.

- Humidity is crucial to them, needing consistant humidity of 70% or higher, but under 90% (though I read that 70% is ideal). Humidity is especially essential to younger boas. I know substrates like Coconut fibre (like Plantation Soil) holds humidity quite well.

- They thrive best in temperatures ranging from 75-85F, give or take a FEW degrees; temperatures too high (anything over 90F) could be fatal. Babies should be kept on heat all the times.

- They are semi-arboreal and climbing branches will be greatly appreciated by them!

- Like any snake, hides are needed on both warm and cool sides.

- BRBs require a large enough water bowl so that they soak themselves, if need be.

- They do exceptionally well on a diet of mice and rats. F/T of course! Babies feeding once a week, whereas adults will feed once every 1-2 weeks.

- I read that some babies can be nippy at first (which doesn't bother me at all) but they will (or won't) tame down with gentle handling.

- Due to the high humidity and warmth, the enclosure of a BRB will be subject to the growth of molds, so frequent cleaning should be done (preferably weekly). Also, spot cleaning helps keep the enclosure a bit cleaner.

That is just about what comes to mind at the moment, if I am missing anything, please do not hesitate to inform me! I am doing my best to fill my head with everything I need to know about Brazilian Rainbow Boas before I ever get my hands on one. :D

Thank you!
 
I have raised several. Don't go overboard on the humidity. It isn't as important as some books lead you to believe. I keep my snakes on paper. I just spill a little water each time I fill the water bowl.

My experience is that BRB a more than a little nippy. It's not just the babies. I don't mean to imply they are mean, but you will be bitten from time to time.
 
I've been able to mist mine once a day or once every two days and the lowest the humidity drops is 50%. I do have a towel over the enclosure though. (Crap, I forgot I was going to get you a picture of it.) Look for a pic Sunday!

I've only had one, so I don't have tons of experience. But, I have been lucky enough that mine has never struck/bit me. Just like a cornsnake. Just my BRB though. Lol.

Other than that, your research looks pretty good and accurate.
 
brazilians

Kept & bred them for years. Humidity is the key! Let a hatchling dry out & it's a goner. They live in the rainforest any thing less than 70% you're looking for trouble.
Guyana, Peruvians, and Columbians require less humidity. I've never really noticed any tendency towards biting. A few have on occasion but so do some of my corns. :cheers:
 
So here are the pics of my setup for the BRB.. All it is, is a simple towel on top. If you would mist once a day, this would easily keep the humidity at 70%

:)

3-15-09204.jpg


This shows how much screen I still have open.

3-15-09205.jpg


Hope that helps.
 
Thank you for the photos! :D The set up looks great, by the way. What are you using for substrate?
 
I remember reading somewhere about a substrate that doesn't produce molds when wet... I think it might have been cypress mulch..or something else? I'm not sure if you know? I was considering using coconut fibre substrate, like plantation soil or something like that, would that be okay in regards to mold?? :shrugs:
 
Cypress Mulch I believe is very resistant to mold. I'm sure there would be a way some dummy would be able to get mold.

I don't know about the Coconut stuff though. Sorry, I'm still sort of a rookie. Lol.

I would definitely try to get Cypress mulch if you can though.
 
Sounds good, thanks anyhow! :D :cheers: I will have to go searchin' for what is mold resistant what isn't....
 
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