Rosy Boa
Geographical Variation
Rosy Boas are one of two species of boidae in the United States, the other being the Rubber Boa. One very unique characteristic of Rosy Boas is that their color and patterns vary greatly depending on where in their range they live. Most of them have lateral striping of two different colors, but a few have a reticulated granite pattern. Many experts can tell exactly where the snake came from just based on its coloration and pattern. Around Morongo Valley, CA, they are striped with bright orange and blue/grey, but in the Maricopa Mountains of AZ they are striped with deep brown and cream white. Another beautiful variant is around Otay Lake in CA. These boas have a granite pattern of black, dark orange, and blue/grey. When choosing a Rosy Boa as a new pet, research all of the different localities and variations so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Habitat
Rosy Boas are native to the southwestern United States in both California and Arizona, and northwestern Mexico in Baja California and Sonora. They are found in both Colorado and Mojave deserts and coastal areas around Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. They spend most of their time hiding beneath rocks and debris and in crevices. This way they can avoid the extreme heat of the desert as well as potential predators. The majority of their environment is granite outcroppings and areas with plenty of rocks to hide under.
Housing
Housing must be sealed and escape proof. Hatchling Rosy Boas can be housed in a 10 gallon Zilla Critter Cage, while adults require a minimum of a 20L Zilla Critter Cage. Check out similar sizes of Zilla Front Opening Terrariums for an easy access habitat option. While Rosy Boas can reach a length of 36”, they are terrestrial and don’t need a tall tank. Provide Rosy Boas with substrates that enable burrowing such as Zilla Lizard Litter. Decorate the terrarium with a Zilla Rock Lair for a secure humid hide, artificial foliage, logs and branches for basking and hiding, and a Zilla Terraced Dish for fresh water.
Temperature and Humidity
It is important to create a thermal gradient (or a warm side) in the cage/enclosure. This can be done with an appropriate sized Zilla Heat Mat adhered to the bottom of the tank on one side and add proper lighting. Ideal temperatures for Rosy Boas range from 65-75°F on the cool side and 80-85°F on the warm side. Provide a basking area on the warm side around 90-95°F. Using a Zilla Low Profile Dual Fixture with a Zilla 50W Mini Halogen bulb and a Zilla Desert Mini Compact Fluorescent UVB Bulb will provide the correct heat and UV for your Rosy Boa to thrive. While Rosy Boas don’t need UVB to survive, UVA/UVB light has been shown to greatly improve the immune system, health, and wellness of all reptiles, both diurnal and crepuscular. Make sure to place the light over the side with the heat mat to help create that warm side of the thermal gradient. Humidity can be a problem for Rosy Boas, so make sure to keep the humidity low. Provide a small water dish, and clean it up right away if it’s spilled. You can even remove the water bowl and only make it available one day a week. Spot clean the enclosure for urates and feces once a week, and every 3 months, remove all substrate and clean and disinfect the tank and décor.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, rosy boas will prey upon rodents, other small mammals, and small birds.
Most neonates can be started off on pinky or hopper mice once per week. Food items can gradually be increased as needed. Adult rosy boas can be fed adult mice once every 7-10 days. A general rule of thumb to follow when feeding snakes is to provide prey items that are approximately the same width as the widest point of the snake. When possible, try to get the snake to eat frozen thawed rodents. It’s safer for the snake, and easier to keep a larger quantity on hand for weekly feeding.
Handling
Rosy boas are quite placid and innocuous snakes, and reluctant to bite under most circumstances. Handle your rosy boa gently and deliberately, but do not drop or injure the animal. Most rosy boas will become more accustomed to handling and will settle down considerably and become quite docile and personable pets to keep.
Also be sure to wash your hands after handling any animals.
