Q&A for How to Care for a Kenyan Sand Boa

If the child does proper research and gets parental permission, yes.

You should clean the tank whenever it smells odorous. The only live plants that you could use would be plants that are able to grow in sand and preferably found in the natural environment of Kenyan sand boas.

Of course, as long as you know he can't slither away. If you can't keep an eye on him the whole time, find a crate or box he can't get out of that will allow him to have sun.

Yes. Adults do best in a 28 quart sized tub, though smaller males may be able to live their whole lives in a 16 quart tub.

No, Kenyan sand boas need to eat mice or small rats, they cannot eat insects.

The way freezing works is mice are euthanized and then frozen (this is the most humane way). Then you can unfreeze them and give them to your boa.

You do not have to feed them live food, but some will not eat frozen food.

As for most reptiles, the females are bigger than the males. Females also have thinner and shorter tails than males.

Yes. Snakes need a hideout to feel safe and hide from scary situations. Snakes do need water bowls, but it is recommended to not put too much water in it or the snake might drown. Snakes must have a heating lamp to stay warm, too. Never buy mulch for the ground in the tank, or you might get mites.

It may sound weird, but you should not use sand for you sand boa. You should use eco earth, aspen, or moist soil, (not from outside, from a store) they like to burrow. Every few weeks you can give your boa a bath. Make sure to do proper research before buying any pet.

First, look up what a female and male sand boa looks like and compare it with your boa. If your sand boa has a thinner tail, it is most likely a male. You can also tell the difference by the size, measure your boa and compare it to how long males and females are supposed to measure. Females are much larger. You can also ask your vet about it on the next check-up.

Try looking for an aquarium that is the right size instead. Make sure you can close it so the boa can't come out; add a breathable lid that fits properly. If a pet store doesn't sell snake tanks, fish tanks should work just as well. You can also go on Amazon or visit a local reptile store.

You should handle her every day (except the day after feeding) and be patient!

Kenyan Sand Boas are opportunistic feeders. This mean that they eat whenever food is available and live on what they stored when they cannot find food. In the wild, they eat mice, rats, lizards, and nestlings. Some sand boas have known to go a year without food when it is scarce.

They can live up to 30 years in good care, so be prepared for a long term commitment.

Yes, he could be still getting used to his new home. Snakes can live a long time without any food, and he won't starve to death until he is a least a year old. Call the vet if he doesn't eat for another month or so.

Kenyan sand boas are rather small, so yes. They grow to about a foot in length, and have different care needs than the common sand boa.