Adoption Details For River!
Name:
River
Animal Id:
6356
Date Created:
7/14/2022 5:46:28 PM
Age:
4 Year(s) 10 Month(s) Old
Type:
Snake
Gender:
Undetermined
Primary Breed:
Common Boa Constrictor
Spayed / Neutered:
No
Secondary Breed:
Microchip:
Primary Color:
Cream
Markings:
Secondary Color:
Red
Pattern:
Weight:
0 lbs
Hi! My name is River! I am a BCI Boa and I am looking for my forever family - could it be you?
Usually, babies my size are not used to being handled yet but I am actually very easy to pick up and work with. I am pretty active when handled so need someone confident with snakes.
Fun fact about me: I got my name because I came from Riverside and I will grow to be just like a long flowing river!
I'm a young snake and I love being held and checking out new things! I do like to come out to socialize and I need to be socialized so that I can be handled when I am fully grown. I can be a little shy at first but if you go slow I am happy to come out and play! My favorite things to do are take a nice warm bath or curl up in my hide.
As a young and active boa, I require my own habitat that is secure. Clearly, I have managed to get out on a few occasions so my habitat will require a lock. It will also need to be large enough to accommodate what I will be as an adult. Though I am considered on the small side now, I will get as big as 6 to 8 feet!
With the right diet, habitat, substrate, temperature, and humidity I can live a long and healthy life of up to 30 years! My new family must have reptile experience and preferably large snake experience.
Believe it or not, I was brought into the shelter as a stray and then transferred to rescue to help me find my new home!
If you think we may be a good match, or you would like to get to know me better, please click the Adoption Application button below and an adoption counselor will reach back out to you!
PLEASE NOTE:
1- We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time.
2- We do not ship reptiles but we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel if you are still in Southern California.
3- #2 will depend on the animal that you are applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors.
Usually, babies my size are not used to being handled yet but I am actually very easy to pick up and work with. I am pretty active when handled so need someone confident with snakes.
Fun fact about me: I got my name because I came from Riverside and I will grow to be just like a long flowing river!
I'm a young snake and I love being held and checking out new things! I do like to come out to socialize and I need to be socialized so that I can be handled when I am fully grown. I can be a little shy at first but if you go slow I am happy to come out and play! My favorite things to do are take a nice warm bath or curl up in my hide.
As a young and active boa, I require my own habitat that is secure. Clearly, I have managed to get out on a few occasions so my habitat will require a lock. It will also need to be large enough to accommodate what I will be as an adult. Though I am considered on the small side now, I will get as big as 6 to 8 feet!
With the right diet, habitat, substrate, temperature, and humidity I can live a long and healthy life of up to 30 years! My new family must have reptile experience and preferably large snake experience.
Believe it or not, I was brought into the shelter as a stray and then transferred to rescue to help me find my new home!
If you think we may be a good match, or you would like to get to know me better, please click the Adoption Application button below and an adoption counselor will reach back out to you!
PLEASE NOTE:
1- We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time.
2- We do not ship reptiles but we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel if you are still in Southern California.
3- #2 will depend on the animal that you are applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors.
Quick Reference Guide
Animal Type
Snake
Breed
Common Boa Constrictor
Introduction
Boa imperator is a wide-ranging species, living in both Central America and the northern parts of South America. As a result, the appearance of this snake varies greatly depending on the specific locality. As one of the smaller Boa species, they average between 4.2 ft. and 8.2 ft. in length when fully grown, but have been known to reach 12 ft. They usually weigh around 13 lb, although females are significantly larger than males. Lifespan in the wild is around 20–30 years, but 40 can be exceeded in captivity. These snakes are nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Difficulty Notes
Boa imperator is one of the most common snakes kept in captivity; this is mainly due to their calm dispositions, impressive size potential and variety of color and pattern choices. It can be a little diffcult to read their body language if you are inexperienced. Captive common boas often tolerate being handled for extended periods.
Basking Temp
80-90
Ambient Temp
80-90
Lowest Temp
75-80
Temp Notes
Boas do best when there is a temperature gradient in their enclosure. Make sure to provide a hot end and cold end so that they can sel regulate thier own temperature.
Diet
Carnivore
Diet Notes
As a general rule, a meal should weigh no more than 10% of your boa’s weight, or no larger than the widest part of the snake’s body. In the first year it is best to feed weekly, but as the snake gets older its metabolism slows down and you will need to increase the time between feeding up to 4-6 weeks for an adult. This will need to be adjusted to your specific snake to maintain a healthy weight.
UVA Intensity
Tropical
UVB Intensity
Low/Occasional
Ferguson Zone
2
Lighting Notes
While they are nocturnal, they may bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low.
Enclosure Size
Large Semi-Arborial
Enclosure Notes
As semi-arboreal snakes, young Boa imperator may climb into trees and shrubs to forage; however, they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier.
Substrate
Coco Chips
Substrate Notes
It’s extremely absorbent, fluffy, holds moisture well, and cheap. Plus it’s much more eco-friendly than peat.
Humidity
High (70-100%)
Humidity Notes
While boas can tollerate higher humidity for short periods of time, it can lead to resperatory infection. A target humidity on the lower side near 70% is ideal with periods of higher humidty durring shedding.
Animal Reference Material:
| Category | Title | AnimalType | Breed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Care | Common Boa Constrictor Care: Feeding, Housing, and Handling | Snake | Common Boa Constrictor | |
| Animal Care | Snake UVB Lighting: What you need to know! | Snake |