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Kenyan Sand Boa Care Sheet
Introduction
The Kenyan Sand Boa (Erys colubrinus loveridgei) is the most common sand boa in the
industry. Despite its name, the Kenyan Sand Boa is actually native to many African
countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Niger, Egypt and
Libya. Due to its wide range, it is also more accurately referred to as the East African
Sand Boa.
Staying under two feet in length, these small, extremely docile burrowing boas make
wonderful and fun pets!
Enclosure
A male sand boa can be housed in a 10 gallon tank for its entire life, which could be up to
30 years and more. A female can be in a 20 gallon tank for her entire life. Be sure the
terrarium is secure, and these boas are master escape artists.
Substrate
While sand is not required, your sand boa will appreciate it. Consider using a variety of
substrates such as newsprint, shredded aspen and coconut mulch. The substrate only
needs to be 2 to 3 inches deep, and, having the ability to burrow, your sand boa will be
feeling safe and secure.
Water and Humidity
Your sand boa needs only very low humidity – around 20%. Some boa owners offer water
every week or so, others provide a small water dish in the enclosure with plenty of fresh,
clean water for the sand boas.
Hides and Décor
Because sand boas are natural burrowers, decorations in the enclosure will be more for
esthetics than any real necessity. A small “hide” (hiding place) with a little moss inside is
best for your boa, especially during the shedding season when the extra moisture will be
appreciated.
Heat and Light
Sand boas require rather warm temperatures. The hot side of your enclosure should be
between 90 and95 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side around 80 degrees. A 10
degree temperature drop at night is advisable (see the article “Understanding
Ectotherms” to get a better understanding of how reptiles and amphibians thermo-
regulate). Be sure to place one thermometer on each side of your enclosure!
Food
A general rule of thumb with snakes is that their prey should be no wider than the widest
part of the snake’s body. This rule applies to sand boas as well. Feed appropriately sized
rodents as your sand boa grows. As soon as possible, get your sand boa onto frozen
thawed rodents. This is a safety factor for your boa as an adult mouse can easily inflict
serious injury or even death. See the article “Tricks of Frozen Thawed” for more detailed
information.
Conclusion
Kenyan Sand Boas are wonderful, peaceful, small snakes with great color and easy care.
They are excellent pets for children, people with a fear of snakes, classrooms or just an
addition that every collector must have!
Introduction
The Kenyan Sand Boa (Erys colubrinus loveridgei) is the most common sand boa in the
industry. Despite its name, the Kenyan Sand Boa is actually native to many African
countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Niger, Egypt and
Libya. Due to its wide range, it is also more accurately referred to as the East African
Sand Boa.
Staying under two feet in length, these small, extremely docile burrowing boas make
wonderful and fun pets!
Enclosure
A male sand boa can be housed in a 10 gallon tank for its entire life, which could be up to
30 years and more. A female can be in a 20 gallon tank for her entire life. Be sure the
terrarium is secure, and these boas are master escape artists.
Substrate
While sand is not required, your sand boa will appreciate it. Consider using a variety of
substrates such as newsprint, shredded aspen and coconut mulch. The substrate only
needs to be 2 to 3 inches deep, and, having the ability to burrow, your sand boa will be
feeling safe and secure.
Water and Humidity
Your sand boa needs only very low humidity – around 20%. Some boa owners offer water
every week or so, others provide a small water dish in the enclosure with plenty of fresh,
clean water for the sand boas.
Hides and Décor
Because sand boas are natural burrowers, decorations in the enclosure will be more for
esthetics than any real necessity. A small “hide” (hiding place) with a little moss inside is
best for your boa, especially during the shedding season when the extra moisture will be
appreciated.
Heat and Light
Sand boas require rather warm temperatures. The hot side of your enclosure should be
between 90 and95 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side around 80 degrees. A 10
degree temperature drop at night is advisable (see the article “Understanding
Ectotherms” to get a better understanding of how reptiles and amphibians thermo-
regulate). Be sure to place one thermometer on each side of your enclosure!
Food
A general rule of thumb with snakes is that their prey should be no wider than the widest
part of the snake’s body. This rule applies to sand boas as well. Feed appropriately sized
rodents as your sand boa grows. As soon as possible, get your sand boa onto frozen
thawed rodents. This is a safety factor for your boa as an adult mouse can easily inflict
serious injury or even death. See the article “Tricks of Frozen Thawed” for more detailed
information.
Conclusion
Kenyan Sand Boas are wonderful, peaceful, small snakes with great color and easy care.
They are excellent pets for children, people with a fear of snakes, classrooms or just an
addition that every collector must have!
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