Rosy Boa - Lichanura trivirgata
[Back to Snake Care Sheets]

General Information

Distribution — As one of only two North American boas, these snakes are found in southwestern California and Arizona.

Habitat — Dry, rocky, desert and semi-desert scrub.

Adult Size — Rosy Boas are not the large snakes normally pictured when one thinks of boas. They stay fairly small, and are therefore much more managable for the average keeper. They generally range in size from 24" to 30" (60cm - 75cm). Rosies, as they are affectionately called, are also a very stocky snake. A large adult could easily consume a jumbo mouse on a regular basis.

Temperament — Rosy Boas are well known for there docile disposition. This, and the fact that they stay so small, makes them a favourite among both young children and nervous adults. Even when young, Rosy Boas can be handled for short periods without worry of over stressing.

Longevity — A Rosy Boa can be expected to live between 20 and 25 years in captivity.

Captive Care

Rating: 1 — Due to this animals good nature and feeding habits it gets a good rating. Rosies are an excellent choice for beginner keepers or first time boa owners. They have an excellent temperament, stay small, are easily maintained, and are now being bred to get some gorgeous colours. These attractive qualities add to the over-all beauty of this gorgeous little snake.

Diet: Young - pink and fuzzy mice; Adults - large mice

Temperature: 25OC to 28OC (85 to 90 F) during the day and down to 23OC (80 F) at night.

Space: Due to its small size, an adult Rosy Boa can be kept in a 20 to 30 gallon terrarium. Like all snakes, this species is an escape artist, so make sure you have a locking screen lid!!!!

Breeding: Rosy Boas are sexually mature at 3 years of age. Cooling is neccessary in order to induce breeding. After 6 to 10 weeks of cooling at 55OF to 65OF, breeding occurs. Like all boas, Rosies give live birth after a gestation period of 5 to 6 months. During gestation, females should be provided with a little more heat in the hot spot to allow for proper development of the embryos. Normally, 3-6 offspring are born, but occassionally litters of 10+ may be produced.

Special Requirements: Rosy Boas, as a desert animal, do better if kept dry. The only water offered to them should be done in a small water dish, available for them to drink at all times. Rosy Boas are generally a very hardy little snake that do well in captivity.

Sources (Suggested Reading):

Fogel, David. 1997. Captive Husbandry and Propagation of The Boa Constrictors and Related Boas. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Pp. 98.

Mattison, Chris. 1995. Keeping and Breeding Snakes. Cassell Publishing, London, UK. Pp. 184.

Ross, Richard A. and Gerald Marzec. 1990. The Reproductive Husbandry of Pythons and Boas. The Institute for Herpetological Research Stanford, California. Pp. 270.

Stoops, Erik d. and Annette T. Wright. 1993. Boas & Pythons: Breeding and Care. TFH Publications, Inc. Neptune City, NJ. Pp. 192.

[Back to Snake Care Sheets]