boa toys

Mintyfresh929 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 12:17 AM

can anyone tell me what kind of acessories i need for my red tail boa? i'm not sure if they like fake plants or rocks to hide under? i know they like hiding, but what would you recommend to put in his tank?
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gibson · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 01:37 AM

There are many things you can buy or make that your boa will love to climb and hide in. Most young boas love plants because it makes them feel secure as they crawl around in the cage, they feel like there hiding or you can't see them. Cork bark is great for hides as well as half logs and plastice hides bought in a pet shop. You can also use boxes or plasric tupperware containers with an entrience hole cut into it. Just make sure you us plastice that is not clear so that they have a nice dark hide. Just make sure that what ever you put into your cage is secure so that the boa will not knock it over and injure themselves. They are a lot stronger than you think.......trust me. Hope that help
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NYCSpeedcore · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 02:07 AM

As a minimum I would suggest two hide boxes of any type in which the snake can confortable fit inside up without being two jammed. Next you need a water dish that is deep enough and wide enough for the snake to fully submerge himself in. After that any other cage furniture is optional, though after a year they will rarely use any of it. I still like to have some fake plants and branches though, as I feel it helps keep their minds a little more stimulated.
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Domingo · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 04:52 AM

Fake plants and branches are a nice addition. Plus they look nice. For a small snake, cram as many hiding places in there as you can and they will be happy. I use small cardboard boxes. They are cheap, and easily replaced if they get pooped on. Small plastic hides are nice too. The log hides look great, but cost a little more. Remember that you don't wont too spend a lot of money on hides when they are small because they will be outgrown soon.

A water bowl is a must, snakes love 'em. Mine doesn't soak often, but he drinks a lot. Be sure to clean them out every week at the least. Clean with a mild bleach solution and it will prevent scum from forming. Rinse well and voila!! . You can splurge a little on the water bowl, there are some really nice natural looking ones at pet stores. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
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faze · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 06:12 AM

i was thinking more along the lines of the hamster balls....habitrails etc....oh well i guess i was way off [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
i'd go with really bushy fake plants... i myself am fond of the esu reptile rock hides because they can be soaked for humidity use (for smaller boids) loose substrate also helps with hiding issues if its a smaller boid im guessing a baby rtb or ball you can put branches in there for climbing exercise
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Eric From Cincinnati · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 07:19 AM

Hmmm, Cardboard boxes?

I'm not sure and I could be wrong, so all apologies before hand if I am, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that cardboard boxes can support a bacteria that causes scale rot or something of that affect...I'm sure someone will be along to add on or say don't listen to E, he's an idiot.

E
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#7 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 08:04 AM

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>I'm sure someone will be along to add on or say don't listen to E, he's an idiot. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
LOL..

The cardboard CAn lead to a build up of bacteria in the cage as you have said. This can happen if the cage is especially on the moist/humid side also btw. If using cardboard you really need to keep a close eye on it to make sure that it is not getting damp/moist at all or harboring any type of growth on it anywhere. Also would need to change it quite often too. Just a few reasons why cardboard does NOT make a great material for a hide for your snake.

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Domingo · #8 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 06:13 PM

HMMMM, I hadn't heard about that. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif[/img] My cages are not that moist, and I do change my boxes often, but I will get rid of them anyway. Actually, I am going to be building a new cage for my boa, and was getting rid of them already. Now that my baby is growing up, I am going to build him a wooden hide box and probably buy some commercial hides as well. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

BTW, I have never had any health probs and I have been using cardboard for 2 years, however I never let it get wet, and I always threw them out when they got pooed on, or were just getting old. I guess my tidyness may have helped prevent any problems, before they got started. Thanks for the info.
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Domingo · #9 (**permalink**) 02-19-2003, 07:46 PM

I also cut out the bottom and 2 sides. Leaving a cardboard tunnel and his belly was always on the substrate.
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Mintyfresh929 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 12:34 AM

thanks for all your help! what about bedding? the place that sold me my boa had him in this sawdusty material, which didn't look very comfortable, any recommendations? he seems to like things that are soft (like my bed lol), but i don't know if there is something standard that would prevent diseases, ,etc
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C. hortulanus bites · #11 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 01:13 AM

Alpine and cypress seem to be the most popular if you don't like newspaper. Just don't use cedar or pine because the oils in these trees can be harmful to snakes.
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Domingo · #12 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 06:43 AM

There are lots of commercial reptile substrates, I use Repti-Bark and Nature Bark (Nature Bark has no dust, but is more prickly.) They are fir bark and work good, but are much more expensive than the mulch beddings if you can't get them bulk. Also it is much harder for your snake to burrow in them, than in the cypress or aspen. Of course mixing substrates is always cool and there are plenty of cool options. Coconut fiber, eco-earth (I don't like the soil mixes myself, but some swear by them). Moss and smooth rocks as accents. Just remember to say no to cedar and pine.

As far as disease preventiion goes, the main thing is cleaning poo quickly and cleaning up spilled water. I spot clean as needed and do a total substrate change 4 times a year, I clean all tank and accessory surfaces when soiled as well.
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XzyluM · #13 (**permalink**) 02-20-2003, 07:50 AM

I prefer Cypress Mulch. It's only around $3 for a huge bag. Very nice looking and hold humidity well. Just make sure you cure it before using. As far as furnishings go, I like to starte with the basic needs like hides, water bowl and all. If you are like me and like decorative enclosures, adding branches and lots of greenery always comes in handy.
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