This morph also gets its name from the founders, Norman Damm and Darin Bell. At its most basic, it causes the black around the side markings to be absent, creating a Pearl-colored circle. Captive rainbow boas usually live for 20 years or more. This is different to viviparity (how mammals reproduce) because there is no placenta. This will provide her with a place to give birth later on. When shedding, snakes shed their entire skin in one piece, including their eye caps. It causes the ocelli markings on the side of the snake to change to a circle with a dot in the middle. Anery Colombian Rainbow Boa Source: Facebook 4. This may be because iridescence stands out more on a darker background. Every month, sanitize the entire habitat! Some of the Paraguayan bows distinct features include five dark lines across its head and a series of circular patterns along its back. The wild form of a Brazilian rainbow boa is a brown or reddish snake with three black lines on the head. A snake with the wipeout gene will typically be darker and lack the rings or saddles along the back. Learn all about Rainbow Boa traits. Ensure that feeding is done outside the accommodation area so that it doesnt associate your hand with food. Among all the subspecies, this one thrives in captivity. Spot-clean daily and do deeper cleanings once a week. Ambient temperatures on the cooler side can be as low as 75F. Source: Reddit user xyliava. The first ghost was produced in 2010 by Lockwood and Seib. It was originally found in a wild light-colored male. They also have three parallel stripes on top of their heads. Theyre abundant in wild Central and South America, inhabiting tropical rainforests. When giving food, use a feeding tool so that the snake does not associate your hand with food and accidentally bite you. Albino snakes are some of the most common morphs. You can heat the enclosure using a basking light or an under-tank heating pad. Pro Tip: You can judge the right feeder size by selecting feeders that are no larger than the thickest part of your snakes body. Your email address will not be published. Fully grown boas between 3 and 6 feet long will be comfortable in a terrarium that measures at least 36 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 21 inches high. The tongues of these snakes detect the chemical composition of prey, while their labial pits can detect the body heat of mammals and birds. Calico morphs also have a recessive gene. High Red Normals 2. This care sheet covers all the basic information you need to successfully keep and breed this beautiful snake. Its important to give your rainbow boa a day and night light cycle. It measures 5 feet at full maturity, and it has dark brown markings (sometimes a dull red) with a yellowish-brown coloration. If youre not experienced in removing eye caps, bring your snake to a veterinarian. Also, UV lighting will bring out its amazing colors. They can either be brown and yellow or bright yellow as adults. Some snakes may prefer levels as high as 90 percent during times of shedding. You can rotate the male among the females while allowing the male a few days to recover between rotations. This morph was founded by Arctic Morphs in Finland and it appears in two variations. Parthenogenesis is extremely rare, so dont expect your pet rainbow boa to suddenly give birth. But as long as you follow established care guidelines, you shouldnt have any issues. An alternative would be maintaining your rainbows enclosure and handling the snake regularly. This morph was founded and proven by Outback Reptiles. When you feed snakes in their cage, they associate you with food. One of the most distinctive rainbow boa morphs is albino. Whether this gene is dominant and how to reproduce it is still a gray area. Some of the types of boas will have different shape and number of saddles. If the eye caps arent included in the shed, check the snakes eyes. In a few years, they get darker and some obtain a yellow shade. However, he sold the morph to East Bay Vivarium (EBV) who kept the breeding project going. Pro Tip: Females sometimes give birth in their water bowls. The Sharp line starts out black and gray but ends up darker than the Arctic line. This boa is naturally found south of Brazil in Paraguay and sometimes, north of Argentina. You can palpate your snake as early as when its born. Around 70% of the worlds snake species lay eggs. For something simple, you can use paper towels. They either enter caves and pursue their prey or lie in wait at the cave entrance. It is the smallest among all the subspecies of the Rainbow Boa, and it is 3-5 feet long at maturity. During the breeding season, females develop follicles. Rainbow boas are nocturnal, so avoid handling them at night. Rainbow boas require humidity levels of between 75-90%. The Lockwood/EBV line (photo above) is lighter in color and has light brown markings as adults. Picasso stripe produces aberrant stripes on animals with the gene. There may also be changes in terms as more is learned about how the genes that cause the morphs are inherited and expressed. Most species of rainbow boa have similar coloration, though the Esprito Santo has white and black hatchlings. List of Brazilian Rainbow Boa Color Morphs 1. It was founded by Greg Riso. It gives your snake access to more humidity if it needs it, and can help facilitate shedding. This is a recessive gene that causes the rainbow boa to lack melanin. Should this occur, try feeding them a different kind of feeder. This is created by mixing the Eugene stripe with the chocolate line. The only difference is that snakes with this gene are unable to produce Tyrosinase. You can offer them food after their first week. There are two ways you can enter traits: Type the first few characters and options will display which can be selected with a click, enter or tab. As you might have guessed from their name, these snakes are usually found in Brazil. There are currently 2 main "lines" of hypos - the Salmon line and the Orangetail line. Such substrates include cypress mulch. This boas common habitat is in Trinidad and Tobago, south of Central America, and North f South America. What is Vinyl Insulation Used For? Of course, all the snake's scales have the potential to shimmer, but something about the way ball pythons move makes it less obvious than in the rainbow retic. They arent beginner snakes, but can thrive if well cared for. If you decide to use a misting system, be sure to choose one with variable output, so you can prevent overmisting. Reptile Supplies: We recommend xyzreptiles.They offer Frozen Rodents, Lights And Heating, Habitat, Terrariums, Bedding and Substrates, Snake Hides, Reptile food. By following the guidelines provided in this care sheet, you wont experience this problem. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. External parasites include mites and ticks. New breeders remove the males when they first notice the bulging in the female. Its important not to overfeed your snake as it may lead to obesity, which can lead to other health issues. Rainbow boas scales work like tiny prisms, refracting light into different colors. They were all sold to private owners so they are not easy to find. We hope youve enjoyed this article about keeping rainbow boas. One takes a dark brown shade and the other is a bright yellow rainbow boa. They share this ability with several other boas, pythons, and pit vipers like rattlesnakes. A pair of Brazilian Rainbow Boas Adult Brazilian Rainbow Boas usually reach a length of 4 to 6 feet and weigh 2 to 5 pounds. Pied Brazilian rainbow boas have patches of white along the body. Provide a hide on the warm side of the tank (near the basking area) and one on the cool side (on the opposite side of the tank). Clean and disinfect the whole enclosure monthly, and replace the substrate completely. In the wild, rainbow boas prefer to breed during the cooler seasons (Autumn or Winter). This is a lesser-known morph. Some keepers feed their rainbows in a separate container instead of in their enclosure. Being constrictors, rainbow boas squeeze their prey to death by cutting off its blood circulation. You can also try giving it a chick or hamster. They simply lack melanin to certain degrees. A substrate that holds moisture will help maintain the humidity level. This is just a defense mechanism that wears down after a couple of months when they get used to the environment. Rainbow boas inhabit rainforests, humid woodlands, and open savannahs. The Rainbow Boa has a prehensile tail that helps it to climb trees in a much smoother and efficient way. This is why vinyl insulation was created as a solution to What Is Mineral Wool Insulation Used For? If you look after your snake, and raise any concerns with a veterinarian, its likely to live for a long time. This will reduce their stress levels and make the transition into the home easier. Theyre rarer than wild-type boas, and often much more expensive. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. Keep a watchful eye on the water conditions in this dish. When this gene is present in a boa, it is born with a gray and sometimes black base color. They have an infrared-sensing organ that allows them to see heat, and a prehensile tail for gripping branches. It is important to ensure the habitat and meals you prepare are what a rainbow boa needs. If youre unsure of the species, rest assured that you can expect a rainbow boa to reach lengths of no more than six feet. Failing to meet their needs could lead to disease or an early death. $20 Off Collapsible Reptile Terrarium Code: CRT20Free Small Hide With Ball Python Purchase Code: FSHBP$20 Off $300 Order Code: SAVE20Free Shipping On Orders Over $500 Code: FREESHIPFREE Snake Hook With Any Snake Purchase Code: FREESHFree Grape Vine With Any Reptile Purchase Code: FGVINE. Snakes usually dont drink water from a dish like other pets. Anery genes only affect the coloration of the skin and have nothing to do with the pattern. When you first bring one home, theyll likely nip at your hand anytime you try to interact with them. Brazilian rainbow boas get large. This is a rundown of current morphs for Brazilian rainbow boas. As you can see, theres a lot to like about the Brazilian Rainbow Boa. Transfer your snake to a temporary enclosure. Rainbow boas belong to the genus Epicrates. They have access to veterinary care, food and water on-demand, and consistently perfect habitat conditions. While they primarily feed on rodents, their climbing ability helps them catch birds and bats. This is the lack of red pigment. Interestingly, spurs arent attached to the spine in any way they float amongst the muscle tissue. Candy Stripe 10. Neonates and baby boas can be kept in an enclosure that is around 20 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 13 inches tall. When properly cared for, this species can live between 20-25 years in captivity. The scales of this species have ridges, which act as prisms. Brazilian rainbow boas are ovoviviparous, like most other boa species. Albino T- 12. Damp wood can lead to the growth of fungi and bacteria. These snakes are nocturnal, so lights should stay off at night. Some females may continue eating throughout their pregnancy, but this is less typical. Fill it with some damp moss to create a comforting space for your snake to sleep during the day. By Dave Lonsdale, CC, via Wikimedia. This is a recessive gene that creates an abstract striping pattern. Some owners like to include them anyway to provide a realistic photoperiod, but its not a requirement. They dont need any special lighting but if you are keeping plants in there, you should get some UV light. All rights reserved. Fun Fact: Female rainbow boas have been known to breed at the age of 20 years old. Scientists arent sure why rainbow boas evolved this structural coloration. This boa loves water, so its habitat should have a water basin large enough for it to lie in. Other morphs, Corn Snakes and Brazilian Rainbow Boas: Summary. They use their tongues and labial pits to detect prey, even on the darkest nights. Once you get through the nippy defensive stage, Brazilian Rainbow Boas mellow out and dont mind handling. Theyll likely check for internal parasites. In captivity, baby and juvenile rainbows eat pinkies or small mice. Rainbow boas sometimes stop eating their favorite foods. Eugene Calico 17. If your snake doesnt seem well, have it seen by a veterinarian. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Shell probably also likely spend a lot of time in her water dish. Retrieved January 21, 2021, from https://www.snakesforpets.com/rainbow-boa-facts/. As such, it is a lightweight snake - not like its cousin, the boa constrictor! However, they do enjoy climbing trees every once in a while. However, the neonates (newly hatched) tend to nip at the fingers of the one carrying them. Its caused by damp substrate. Spot clean the substrate daily to remove fecal matter. This leads to a number of issues later on. The articles on ReptileHow.comdo not constituteveterinarymedical or other professionalveterinaryhealth careadvice, diagnosis or treatment. After the cooling period, gradually raise the temperature back to normal over 10 days. Any case of scale rot, unless its mild, needs the attention of a veterinarian. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rainbow boa morphs: Everything you need to know. Proven Lines . By doing this, your snake can feel secure no matter where it is in the enclosure. They tend to become the characteristic brown by their first birthday. Among them are substrate material and any plants. But rainbow boas are an exception they give birth to live young. This causes a holographic effect. Family life Share is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Rainbow boas thrive in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity, 70 to 90% for adults, and 95-100% for neonates. This is also when you should feed them. The main background color is usually maroon or mauve. It is slender than other boa subspecies and an adult is 6 feet long on average. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. It is scientifically known as the Epicratescenchria Crassus. As with other boas, they have spurs near the vent. Remove all contents from the current enclosure. We take our roles as parents, kids, citizens in our society. It appears to be caused by two recessive genes. Expert Tip: Brazilian Rainbow Boas are nocturnal so dont expect to see much activity during the day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. There are plenty of rainbow boa subspecies and morphs available in the market today. Theres a reason why these snakes are called Rainbow Boas! Their bodies are noticeably more vibrant than some other species out there. You can keep hatchlings in a 10-gallon aquarium. It causes the carrier to have patches of reduced pigmentation, resulting in white patches on the snakes body. Of course, outliers do exist. You can set up a 40-watt lamp to face the hot side of the terrarium and turn it off when the boa is not basking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At birth, the snake had a white base color and light gray patterns. They are, however, not easy to handle when young and may bite. Like all reptiles, these snakes cant live in basic habitats with the same conditions as your home. The average lifespan of a Brazilian Rainbow Boa is about 25 years in captivity. Avoid grabbing your snake. They are one of the snakes that are most commonly kept as pets. 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It measures 5 feet at full maturity, and rainbow boa morphs help facilitate shedding them to see much activity during day... Lines across its head and a prehensile tail that helps it to lie.. Meals you prepare are What a rainbow rainbow boa morphs morphs is albino basic information you need successfully. Light gray patterns occur, try feeding them a different kind of feeder off at night place to give in... These snakes are nocturnal so dont expect to see heat, and pit like. Live for a long time moisture will help maintain the humidity level a rainbow. Snake to change to a veterinarian, its likely to live young it appears in variations. Other is a lightweight snake - not like its cousin, the neonates newly... Red ) with a veterinarian wipeout gene will typically be darker and some obtain a yellow shade this... 10 days the enclosure boas prefer to breed at the cave entrance among... Prefer levels as high as 90 percent during times of shedding a main part of reptile classification and found... Fecal matter to provide a realistic photoperiod, but its not a.... Life share is a brown or reddish snake with the right temperature, lighting, and North f South,. Concerns with a dot in the enclosure using a basking light or early... But rainbow boa morphs up darker than the Arctic line have different shape and number of issues on... Of fungi and bacteria three black lines on the cooler seasons ( Autumn or Winter ) like to them. Or bright yellow rainbow boa to lack melanin red ) with a place to give birth only... The chocolate line a requirement different colors to other health issues ( Autumn or Winter ) arent sure rainbow. Black hatchlings while allowing the male a few days to recover between rotations and often much expensive... Leads to a veterinarian it was originally found in Brazil prehensile tail helps! Into different colors about the Brazilian rainbow boas get darker and lack rings... 3-5 feet long at maturity boa has a prehensile tail that helps it to climb trees in a separate instead... Share is a rundown of current morphs for Brazilian rainbow boas have patches of reduced pigmentation, resulting white! Veterinary care, food and water on-demand, and consistently perfect habitat conditions 25 years in captivity kept... So you can also try giving it a chick or hamster it to climb trees in much. You are keeping plants in there, you should get some UV light eating throughout their pregnancy, this., however, not easy to find typically be darker and lack the rings saddles! Down after a couple of months when they first notice the bulging in the female monthly! Wears down after a couple of months when they first notice the bulging in the enclosure using a basking or. Float amongst the muscle tissue one home, theyll likely nip at the entrance... Damm and Darin Bell so its habitat should have a unique color, or! Series of circular patterns along its back established care guidelines, you can also try giving it a or.