ENCLOSURE

 Many different styles of cages are appropriate for Candoia. A small collection can be housed in ten to twenty gallon long fish tanks for adult viper and ground boas.In larger collections,sweater tubs can be used with the ground and viper boas also. Custom built cages and larger fish tanks stood on end will be required for the Indonesian (carinata carinata) and Solomon (bibroni) Island Tree Boas. Branches are a must for the treeboas while no real benefit to the ground and viper boas.

SUBSTRATE

For ease of cleaning, paper towels or shredded newspaper with a newspaper base makes a user friendly substrate. Wood/bark chips can also be used. In the Viper Boas enclosure, a wood chip substrate that retains moisture works best. These moisure retaining chips help produce the extra humidity the Viper Boas require.

TEMPS & HUMIDITY

Candoia are best kept at 78 to 82 degrees year around. No additional heat from above or below will be of any real  benefit. A small heat pad could be used under one end of enclosure but most candoia will not be seen taking advantage of it. Humidity ranges between 50 to 70% will work for the ground and tree boas. A slightly higher humidity level up to 85% works best for the Vipers.

HIDE BOXES

Two tight fitting hide boxes will somewhat be utilized by the ground and viper boas. My ground boas seem to spend more time burrowed under the shredded newspaper. They do utilize the hides enough that I will leave them in the cage for security choices.

WATER DISHES.

Two supplies of water are mandatory for Candoia. I use a ceramic water dish for drinking water which I also change every few days for health reasons. A larger water dish/tub is needed for soaking at all times. I use a sterilite/rubbermaid shoebox that is large enough for your boa to soak. Candoia love to soak for long periods of time. Change the soaking tub water every few days also.

FEEDING

Baby/newborns: This is the challenge. In the wild it is assumed that most baby candoias first meal is usually a small skink or frog. A large percentage of them will take the tiniest newborn mice(pinkies) for thier first meal. If not try scenting the first few meals with the above mentioned.After a few scentings they should convert to pinkies in due time. Privacey is also big in the enviroment of baby candoia. Most literature states to feed every seven to ten days. My personal experience has shown me that twelve to thirteen days  seems to be apropriate. Expirementation is a current topic on this subject

Juveniles: Your juvenile can be feed one correct size rodent every twelve to fourteen days.

Adults: Due to the slow metabolism of the adult Candoia, one correct size mouse or young rat every twenty one days will suffice.

Caresheet Author: Randy Webster. If you would like to usethis caresheet for your website,newsletter ect, please contact the author at randysreps@cs.com