Epicrates maurus, or the Colombian rainbow boa, is a surprising snake species most famed for his or her pearly, iridescent sheen. Whereas their chromatic show will not be as vibrant as their cousin, the Brazilian rainbow boa, they’re nonetheless an impressive species that could be very rewarding to maintain.
As inhabitants of tropical Central and South America, these prismatic beauties have been noticed as being semi-arboreal in nature and retaining a docile temperament in captivity. Colombian rainbow boas are simply handleable and make wonderful companions, however attributable to their extra definitive husbandry necessities, they’re greatest suited to these effectively versed in maintaining snakes.
The Proper Enclosure
Whereas Colombian rainbow boas are the smallest of the rainbow boa genus, they do recognize any and all area supplied to them. Since they’re semi-arboreal, you will need to provide not solely satisfactory ground area, however vertical area, as effectively. I maintain my Colombian rainbow boas in 4’ x 2’ x 2’ PVC enclosures in order that they’ve the chance to stretch out and climb as they see match. Since this species does have comparatively excessive humidity necessities, I strongly recommend choosing a PVC enclosure over glass, as PVC retains moisture way more successfully. A water dish massive sufficient for them to soak in must also be supplied, as they may usually take up the chance to soak whereas in shed, even with excessive ambient humidity.
Colombian rainbow boa. Picture by 5 spots/Shutterstock
Substrate and Humidity
Colombian rainbow boas ought to be saved on a substrate that can retain moisture effectively sufficient to fulfill their humidity necessities of 75-80+ %. I want to make use of a mix of sphagnum peat moss and vermiculite, however you’ll be able to create a mix out of substrates reminiscent of coconut husk as effectively. To maintain the setting constantly humid, I add a cup of water with the addition of latest substrate, then combine in additional water each week or two as vital. That stated, additionally, you will want to make sure that you could have satisfactory air flow in order that you don’t create a bacterial breeding floor inside the enclosure.
How a lot air flow you present will fluctuate relying upon the setting through which you reside, however ideally, you need to attempt to keep humidity inside the right vary with out having an extra quantity of condensation inside the enclosure. Including a drainage layer to permit for a extra even distribution of moisture by way of the substrate can be beneficial.
The Significance of Heating
Supplying warmth for Colombian rainbow boas is comparatively easy, though you will need to be aware that they’re exceptionally delicate to temperatures above 90 levels Fahrenheit (32.2 levels Celsius). Due to this fact, investing in a high-quality thermostat is strongly beneficial to keep away from catastrophic malfunctions and/or unintended overheating. It’s best to present a temperature gradient of 70 levels Fahrenheit (21.1 levels Celsius) on the cool facet, 82 to 85 levels Fahrenheit (27.8 to 29.4 levels Celsius) on the nice and cozy facet, and an ambient temperature of about 78 to 80 levels Fahrenheit (25.6 to 26.7 levels Celsius) to permit them to comfortably thermoregulate. This may be achieved by way of numerous warmth sources, together with warmth mats/tape, ceramic warmth emitters (CHEs), and radiant warmth panels (RHPs). They may even take up the chance to bask in case you present them with a low-wattage UVA + UVB bulb to take action in the course of the daylight. As with all heating parts, make sure you correctly safe your thermostat probe and at all times verify to confirm that your gadget(s) are functioning accurately.
A white Colombian rainbow boa. Picture by Scarlett Nightshade
Eating regimen and Feeding
Colombian rainbow boas have a ravenous urge for food and infrequently refuse to eat until they’re about to shed. With a normal weight loss plan consisting primarily of mice and/or younger rats, feeding this species is without doubt one of the most rewarding points of maintaining them. That stated, hatchlings and juveniles could take a second to start hanging at their meals, as they usually want the feeder be pushed frivolously in opposition to their mouths for them to softly take from the feeding tongs. As they attain maturity, nevertheless, they sometimes don’t have any drawback hanging and constricting their meals as anticipated. Since this species is comparatively small in dimension, you shouldn’t must feed prey objects a lot bigger than an additional massive mouse or rat pup. Whereas hatchlings normally must be began on stay fuzzy mice, Colombian rainbow boas are simply transformed to frozen/thawed feeders, and might even be supplied chicks and quail now and again to supply dietary selection.
The Colombian rainbow boa is a small boa, wth the bigger females rising to about 5 toes in size. Picture by 5 spots/Shutterstock
Colombian Rainbow Boa Morphs and Coloration
Colombian rainbow boas are characterised by their iridescent sheen and pearly bellies together with a muted brown coloration, darkish dorsal saddles and recognizing throughout their lateral scales. There are a couple of morphological varieties, together with leucistic (missing virtually all pigment), anerythristic (missing crimson pigment), hypomelanistic (diminished black/brown pigment), albino (missing black/brown pigment), caramel albino and “Paradigm” (a cross between a T- albino and T+ albino). Apparently, morphs that lack melanin even have diminished iridescence, with leucistic morphs having none in any way. Many leucistic specimens additionally exhibit one other fascinating trait, through which they’ve one black eye and one blue eye. It appears there could also be a variety of potential within the morphology of this species but to be found.
Breeding Colombian Rainbow Boas
Upon reaching about 3 to 4 years of age, breeding choice ought to be decided primarily based upon physique situation relative to size. Males ought to be round 42 inches lengthy, whereas females ought to be round 60 inches lengthy. When breeding Colombian rainbow boas, it’s essential to have a cooling interval to organize them for replica. I start fasting two to 3 weeks previous to the cool-down interval, through which they’re then cooled at 68 levels Fahrenheit (20.0 levels Celsius) on the finish of October to be prepared for breeding in December. Following the cooling interval, temperatures are step by step raised to 80 to 85 levels Fahrenheit (26.7 to 29.4 levels Celsius) and breeding begins. After six months of gestation, the feminine provides stay beginning to a litter between 10 to twenty+ younger, that are sometimes massive sufficient to take stay fuzzy mice after their first shed.
Enrichment
Colombian rainbow boas will recognize any and all enrichment you present for them. As a semi-arboreal species, it’s best to provide numerous perches for them to make the most of. I want to make use of PVC pipes to attain this, since picket parts reminiscent of driftwood are likely to decay over time in such a moist setting. They may even get pleasure from a basking spot and elevated hides, as effectively. Be at liberty to get inventive with the climbing enrichment; this species is at all times on the lookout for new issues to discover!
Conclusion
In abstract, Colombian rainbow boas are a captivating species distinguished by their gorgeous iridescence and pleasant demeanor. Whereas much less generally saved than different species, they make fantastic companions for extra skilled keepers and are a pleasure to look at and work together with. When supplied with spaciousness and enrichment, their pure behaviors come alive, making them a superb show snake for all to understand. They really are one of the vital rewarding boas to maintain!
Scarlett Nightshade works with quite a lot of snakes, together with the paradise flying snake, dragon snakes and false water cobras, in addition to widespread species reminiscent of corn snakes, kingsnakes, and milksnakes. For extra info, go to creaturesofnightshade.com.
