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Boidae

Brazilian Rainbow Boa

Epicrates cenchria
งูโบอาสายรุ้งบราซิล
IntermediateNocturnal · sleeping nowCITES IIHuman-verified sheet
14:00
Day

Drag the sun. Brazilian Rainbow Boa is nocturnal, so what it is doing changes with the light. The sheet states a night temperature, and the rail follows it.

Temperature

27–29°Ambient
24–26°Night

One ambient band, 27–29°C, dropping to 24–26°C at night.

Humidity

70–80%Target RH

UVB

Optionalbeneficial
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The numbers

Enclosure
120 × 60 × 45 cm
Diet
Rodents (mice → rats) · Every 10–14 days
Temperature
warm 27–29 °C (80–85 °F); never > 30 °C / night 24–26 °C
Humidity
70–80% day, up to 90–100% night (critical)
UVB
Low-level beneficial

Identity

Family / Order
Boidae / Squamata
Adult size
150–200 cm
Lifespan (captivity)
20–30 yrs
Activity
Nocturnal; semi-terrestrial
Temperament
Adults generally calm; humidity-demanding
Price (THB)
~5,000–20,000

Morphs

4 morphs, with how each one is inherited.

AlbinoRecessiveSuper form: —
HypoRecessiveSuper form: —
LeucisticcomboSuper form: —
SalmonLine-bredSuper form: —

Enclosure and conditions

Warm side
27–29 °C (80–85 °F); never > 30 °C
Night
24–26 °C
Humidity
70–80% day, up to 90–100% night (critical)
UVB
Low-level beneficial
Min. size
120 × 60 × 45 cm (4×2×1.5 ft) adult
Substrate
Cypress / coco (holds humidity) + damp hide
Water
Large bowl

Diet

Staple
Rodents (mice → rats)
Prey size
≈ girth of the snake
Method
Frozen-thawed
Juveniles
Every 7 days
Adults
Every 10–14 days

Behaviour and handling

Handling
Calms with routine; juveniles can be nippy
Humidity
The #1 husbandry key — RI if too dry
Cohabitation
Individual
Defense
May musk/strike if startled
Children
Supervised, older children

Reproduction

Sexual maturity
♀ ~3 yrs
Reproduction
Live-bearing
Litter
10–30 neonates
Gestation
~5 months
Breeding trigger
Mild seasonal cooling

Common health problems

Respiratory infection
Signstoo dry/cold, clicking, mucus
Preventmaintain humidity + warmth + airflow
Scale rot
Signswet dirty substrate
Preventdamp not soaked; spot-clean
Stuck shed
Signshumidity too low
Preventraise humidity + damp hide
Overheating
Signs> 30 °C dangerous
Preventkeep cool; heat-sensitive species

When to see a vet

This is not veterinary advice. If red flags appear (open-mouth breathing, months of weight loss, 'stargazing', persistent regurgitation) consult a qualified exotic (herp) veterinarian. Quarantine new arrivals 30–90 days.

Good to know

  • Iridescent scales split sunlight into a rainbow sheen.
  • Live-bearing and among the most beautiful boas kept.
  • A true rainforest species — high humidity is essential.

Common questions

Why is humidity so important?

Too dry causes shed problems and respiratory infection.

Does it stay small?

Mid-sized (1.5–2 m) — manageable.

Beginner snake?

Better as a second snake — humidity is exacting.

What it needs

  • Enclosure 120×60×45
  • Cypress/coco substrate
  • Misting/hygrostat
  • Damp + dry hides
  • Thermostat
  • Water bowl
  • Hygro/thermometer
  • F/T rodents

Others in this group

Sources