Argentine Care Sheet
Rogue Xotics
For the love of occidentalis
Argentine Boa
Scientific name: Boa constrictor occidentalis
Size and Appearance: Argentine Boas usually grow to an average of 7 feet. Their body color is brownish black with patterns of shades of light and dark bands or spots. The belly is gray with dark spots. A distinctive dark band along the side of the head runs from the snout t
o the neck. Another line is seen from the eyes to the neck. Natural Habitat: Argentine Boas are native to Argentina and Paraguay. They can be called semi-arboreal, usually considered ground dwellers, but are also seen climbing trees. Their habitats include grasslands, rainforests, and scrub forests. Basic Care: Enclosure must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Fresh water should be provided daily. Feed young Argentines at least once a week. (Every 10-14 days)
Caging: Argentine Boas are best kept in rainforest-type tall enclosures with branches and perches for climbing, but do fine in well ventilated glass enclosures or rack systems. Large Argentines will need at least a 4 foot enclosure. We use Boaphile cages, which work great! As with any snake, make sure the enclosure is also secure. Hiding places and a water dish should be provided. Being a large snake, these boas can tip over lighter water bowls easily, so the heavier the better. Ceramic bowls work fine. Day temp: 80-90F, Night temp: not to drop below 80F under tank heaters are fine. Argentine boas are nocturnal so they do not need a UVB light, but do need a 12 hour day and 12 hour night cycle. Humidity: 55%. House multiple boas separately. As far as bedding, any normal snake bedding should be fine (aspen, newspaper, cypress mulch, coconut bark, etc.) but NEVER use cedar products as substrates! (Toxic to snakes). We use aspen bedding and spot clean regularly. Diet: Argentine Boas feed on rodents, birds, and lizards. They usually eat mammals but birds and lizards are good for variety. The majority of babies will readily take frozen thawed mice, but some can be stubborn and need a live one or two to be enticed. (But can be switched later). It is vital to note that live prey should never be left in unattended with any snake. Live rodents can cause serious injuries or death within a matter of minutes. Don’t handle your snake too much right after feeding either. Temperament: Like most snakes, Argentine Boas can show aggression when threatened. They hiss when startled. They are considered a tame species but care should always be taken when handling and feeding them. Breeding: Argentine Boas are viviparous and mate from fall to spring. The young are born in June and July, with litter size of up to 40. This care sheet is based on research we have done and our experience with our Argentines. However, not every snake is the exact same, so you are welcome to contact us with any questions about your Argentine(s)! This is a magnificent species that is so easy and fun to work with! Contact us:
Rogue Xotics
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