Eryx colubrinus
The Kenyan sand boa (Eryx colubrinus) is a fascinating snake species that is native to the diverse regions of northern Africa. These remarkable reptiles are typically found in countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Libya, where they thrive in a variety of habitats. In terms of size, they can reach a length of approximately 60 to 80 centimeters, showcasing a robust and sturdy body. Additionally, these intriguing snakes have the potential to live for up to 25 years, making them a long-term commitment for any reptile enthusiast.
The Kenyan sand boa is nocturnal. They spend much of their time under the sand. They are very calm snakes that do not bite easily. However, a bite can be painful. They have curved teeth that can grip well.
Enclosure
The Kenyan sand boa is very tolerant. You can house them alone or together. Keep in mind that you will need a larger terrarium if you want to house them together. To aid in shedding, you can provide a dish with moss. If they need it, they may lie in it. Make sure this moss stays moist. The terrarium should be 80x50x50 cm for one snake. These snakes do not climb and will spend most of their time under the sand. Ensure that you have a thick layer of sand at least 10 cm deep. Use sand that is suitable for terrarium animals; other types of sand may be sharp and can injure your snake. You can also scatter slate around the enclosure, as they enjoy resting underneath it. Ensure that the sand boa can never reach the heat source, as they can burn themselves on it.
Temperature & Humidity
The temperature should be kept between 25-29 degrees on the cool side and 32-35 degrees under the lamp. Humidity levels need to remain below 40%. You can spray the terrarium thoroughly with water once every two weeks. It is beneficial to have a background in the terrarium as this contributes to stress reduction. Reptiles also require a day-night cycle of approximately 10-12 hours of light per day. This can be achieved by adding a timer. A lock is useful to prevent children from accessing the terrarium. To produce vitamin D3, they need UV light. Reptiles synthesize vitamin D3 in their bodies with the help of UV light, which is essential for calcium absorption. A UV lamp should be replaced once a year. It is best to choose T5 or T8 lighting.
Care & Handling
Reptiles are primarily displayed animals and not pets for cuddling. Sand boas are easy to handle, but this will always cause stress. It is always advisable to do this as little as possible. If you do need to handle your reptile, for example, for a health check, it is recommended to wash your hands before and after handling. If you want to handle your snake, it is best to pick them up from the middle of their body. Grabbing them by the head carries the risk of being bitten. Move them calmly or use a snake hook. Do not handle them when they are shedding, as snakes are practically blind at that time. It is important to keep the terrarium clean. The substrate should be free of droppings, and any dead food animals should be removed.
Food & supplements
Kenyan sand boas have mice and rats on their menu. You can purchase them frozen and thaw them, ensuring that the food is served at room temperature. The prey should not be larger than the widest part of their body. Feeding live prey comes with risks and is also prohibited in the Netherlands. The food animal is a living being and should not suffer unnecessary pain. A live mouse or rat can injure your snake by biting or scratching. It is best to feed young animals every 5-7 days. Adult snakes should be fed every 2 weeks. Mice constitute a complete meal, and there is no need for additional supplements like vitamins or calcium. Kenyan sand boas are capable of going a long time without food, so do not worry if they do not eat for a while. They have low water needs, so a small water dish is sufficient.
Conclusion & Difficulty
Sand boas are very easy to care for, requiring minimal effort and attention from their owners. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is that the animal won't be visible for most of the time when you are observing or looking for it. These reptiles enjoy burrowing, which often results in them being hidden beneath the substrate of their enclosure for extended periods.
Difficulty 1 out of 5.