They Enjoy Being Heldīoa constrictors are usually very docile and tolerate handling very well. Check for snake mites, which are small, black, parasites that resemble ticks. Look for active snakes lacking any retained shed skin, possible respiratory infection (auditory breathing can be a sign of this) or spinal kinks or deformities. Be sure to purchase your boa from a reputable source. Before purchasing a snake labeled as a red-tail, shoppers should read up on them to be sure they know which one they are getting. Red-tails have bright red dorsal patches on a paler background. Both species have red-tails, but the imperator has mahogany tail patches on a darker background. Baby or juvenile imperators should sell for less than $200, while red-tails go for about $100 more. Shoppers should be aware that pet stores are notorious for selling imperators as red-tails, because of the difference in value. For the purpose of clarity, and because these snakes are known by a whole lot of common names, these species will be referred to in this guide as ‘imperator’ and ‘red-tail’. Other than a slight size difference, their care is fairly similar, and they both tend to do well in captivity.

These snakes are native to parts of North, Central, and South America. Although there are several species of boa constrictors found in the pet trade, the two most common are red-tail boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) and northern boas (Boa constrictor imperator). Boa constrictors are an extremely popular snake in the pet trade and make an excellent adult beginning keeper’s pet.

Baby boa constrictor care