morningrefa.blogg.se - Boa constrictor enclosure

#BOA CONSTRICTOR ENCLOSURE PLUS#

This isn’t usually a problem for wild reptiles because they have adapted perfectly to the conditions of their natural environment.

It is also closely associated with low temperatures, dehydration, and large or expandable particles. Impaction isn’t only caused by substrate ingestion. However, wild reptiles ingest soil and sand all the time in their natural habitat, so why aren’t they dying from it? This is most often caused by substrate ingestion. Impaction is a condition where a reptile’s digestive tract gets blocked by foreign material. These substrates pose real risk to your boa’s health and/or are not absorbent or good for maintaining humidity. That said, paper and disposable towels make an excellent substrate for a boa in quarantine. Some keepers have made these substrates work, but I don’t personally use or recommend them. Paper towel or shop towel: Inexpensive, sanitary, and more absorbent than paper.Crumpled Newspaper/butcher paper: Inexpensive and sanitary, but not very absorbent and needs to be replaced frequently.Aspen shavings: Cheap but can be dusty and only works if you don’t need help maintaining ambient humidity.Risk of impaction and/or intestinal damage for young snakes or if too much is ingested. Burrowable and well known for holding humidity well, but can only be ordered in bulk. Reptichip: Also known as coconut husk.Note that bags of mulch labeled as a “cypress blend” are not the same and not appropriate for use with reptiles. Cypress mulch: Smells nice, looks nice, and holds humidity well when you use a thick layer.Photo contributed by Jed Rice Good boa constrictor substrates: Plus, they make the enclosure look very naturalistic! Sphagnum moss and dead leaves are highly recommended for layering on top of substrate to provide variety and further enhance your enclosure’s ambient humidity. Not ideal if you’re using life plants, however.

#BOA CONSTRICTOR ENCLOSURE PLUS#

Plus it’s much more eco-friendly than peat. It’s extremely absorbent, fluffy, holds moisture well, and cheap.

Coconut fiber: This substrate goes by many names, including Eco Earth and Plantation Soil.

Join the Reptile & Amphibian Bioactive Setups group on Facebook for more information. Bioactive substrates, if properly maintained, can go years without need for replacement. Bioactive substrate is naturalistic substrate taken to the next level by adding detritivore insects (aka “clean-up crew”) which help break down waste and control bacteria and fungi. Fairly expensive compared to the first option, but it lasts a long time and is well worth the investment. It also holds burrows and tunnels well and does not require a drainage layer.

Terra Firma by The BioDude : Terra Firma is a bioactive-ready soil mix that tolerates higher temperatures and holds humidity well.

One batch made with one bag of each fills a 4×2 base quite nicely.

DIY mix (40% Organic Topsoil + 40% Zoo Med ReptiSoil + 20% Play Sand): This is arguably the best substrate option for boas because it is composed of natural materials least likely to contribute to impaction, smells nice, holds humidity well, drains beautifully, and is very cheap.