Housing Boa Constrictors – 3 Best Types of Boa Enclosure
PetsBoa constrictors have become one of the most popular snake species in recent years for good reason. They are truly beautiful snakes, generally quite docile and easy to handle, and with relatively modest care requirements. However, they are a large snake and as such require a large, sturdy enclosure. There are several different approaches to housing boas, so let’s take a look at each of them.
melamine nursery
Melamine is a synthetic sheet material made up of chipboard covered with a waterproof plastic veneer. It is inexpensive, lightweight, and waterproof, making it an ideal material for snake enclosures. Nurseries can be purchased ready to use or packaged in a wide variety of sizes. They can also be ordered in custom sizes from many vendors, and are simple enough for anyone with reasonable DIY skills to build.
They are usually rectangular with sliding glass doors at the front. Grilles or air vents should be included as good ventilation is essential. A 6′ by 2′ by 2′ vivarium is ideal for an adult boa.
Melamine nurseries are a popular choice as they are sturdy, inexpensive and easy to clean. However, care must be taken with internal corners that can be difficult to clean and harbor bacteria.
plastic nursery
Modern plastic nurseries are now available in an ever-increasing range of sizes. They are robust and lightweight and have rounded internal corners, making them very easy to keep clean. They are available with sliding or swing doors, and some are pre-wired for heating and lighting.
They tend to be more expensive than melamine vivariums, and there isn’t always as wide a range of sizes available, but their ease of setup and use makes them very popular options for housing boas.
built in nursery
An alternative to using a standard store-bought or DIY vivarium is to build one on site. If you have a suitable niche, like between 2 walls or under stairs, a built-in vivarium can look great and give your snake plenty of room. The exact size and shape will depend on the room available, so keep that in mind before deciding on a built-in enclosure. Boas are mostly terrestrial, so floor area is more important than height, although many boas will climb if they get the chance, especially when young.
The benefits of a flush-mounted box are, of course, the ability to tailor the look and size specifically to your needs, and flush-mounted boxes can look fantastic.
The final choice on how to house your boa will be a matter of personal choice. Depending on your budget, the space you have available, and possibly your DIY skills, you have several options. While there are other housing options, the three I’ve covered here are best suited for anyone who has a single boa at home.