Sand Boas are inexpensive and easy to care for

BY

Alyssa Landau
Columnist, The Friday Flyer

Sand Boas are quite interesting looking reptiles. When I first saw them, I thought they were a cross between an eel and a snake. They legitimately look like eels that live in sand and that is still how I see them today. I was intrigued with these strange reptiles, wondering what they eat, how to take care of them and pondering if they are easy to handle.

Upon my first attempt to pick one up, its small, eel-like body fell right through my fingers and landed with a light smack against the cushioning sand. My friend said to try it again; I was letting the nerves get the best of me. I fully expected this reptile to open up its small mouth and try to devour my finger – which I know isn’t really possible – but the imagination can construct insane things.

So, I built up my courage, reached down and picked it up gently up with my fingers. There, it just relaxed against my palm and had no objection to being stroked by my finger. Of course, I wanted to buy one instantly. I mean, who wouldn’t want one? Sadly, my cats would not approve of such an intruder; so I figure, why not let others know what has to be done to house and keep one of these amazing Sand Boas alive and thriving?

Diet: Okay, so for some reason I didn’t really see them as a real snake and assumed they eat crickets. Because, well, it would be cool to see its little head pop out of the sand to watch the oblivious cricket, only to shoot its body clear out of the sand to attack the insect.

Alas, that hope was squandered as I found out it ate pinkies; which, if you don’t know, are newborn mice. (I know, sad!) The larger ones can eat regular hopper mice. Most eat once a week and others every 10 days. It is best to have a separate holding tank to feed your Boas so they won’t be prone to snapping at your hand every time you reach down to pick them up in hopes there is food waiting.

Tip: More often than not, during shedding, Sand Boas do not eat. It is best to not feed them during their shed cycle, as they constrict their prey but then leave it in the tank uneaten!

Size: The ones I get at the store where I work come in no thicker than your pinky finger and no longer than your hand. I did some research and found out they do grow larger – up to two feet in fact! I was shocked they could grow that long and I thought it made them an even cooler reptile. At that size, they would really start looking like an eel! Funny enough, the males of this breed only grow to about 20 inches, so the females are superior.

Age: Upon wanting to buy one of these beauties, and then realizing I couldn’t, I found out they live a long time. I mean, I know snakes do tend to live quite a while, but with these guys looking so small and rarely coming out of their sand tombs, I didn’t expect a solid number. Boy was I wrong. I found out they live up to 20 years! That is a lot of bonding time.

Tip: These reptiles come in different colors/patterns: striped, tiger, albino and snow.

Enclosure: These cuties don’t need a lot of space, or a lot of your time and money. This makes them an even better catch for a newbie reptile enthusiast! (Hint, hint parents!) Regardless of size, a full grown Sand Boa can fit comfortably in a 10-gallon tank – which, if you find a deal, is only $10. The 10-gallon tank will most likely come with a screen lid and, if you do decide to keep such a lid, it is recommended that you keep a heating pad turned on against one side of the cage at all times.

You should also get an incandescent (which means glowing with heat) lamp that should be kept on during the daylight hours to help keep the air heated. An appropriate temperature is 94 degrees. As for décor, you don’t need much. These Boas tend to be destructive, so money is best spent on high-quality sand (coconut mulch and aspen bedding are also approved) to put in the enclosure, and a ceramic water dish. Remember, these reptiles are terrestrial and love to stay all day and night underneath the sand – the ultimate hermit!

Tip: Make sure, if you do decide to put décor in the tank, it is fastened securely at the bottom. You don’t want your sly Boa to get under a heavy object and not be able to get out!

In the end, these reptiles are absolutely amazing to handle, as many have ideal temperaments. They are very easy to take care of and need nothing more than what is listed above. If you are a first-timer with reptiles, it is best to do your own research by going into the stores and asking for help before purchasing your new companion.

Not much is needed to house these beautiful reptiles, but it is always best to do extra research on what you feel is personally best for your new eel-like snake friend. Even if you aren’t interested in housing one, you should really check them out. These reptiles are so strange looking that I still like stopping by their enclosures to gawk at them.

Tip: Even if you do get bit, a bite from a Sand Boa is less painful than a dog or cat scratch. Hooray!