The Intermediate Keeper Series: Edition Three – Amazon Tree Boas
The purpose of the Intermediate Keeper Series of articles is to provide a brief introduction to certain snake species that require slightly more advanced care than the absolute most common species. These are not meant to be care sheets, but a brief over-view of natural history, care, and most importantly: What makes these animals interesting captives for the intermediate keeper.
What could be more exciting than an Amazon Tree boa (Corallus hortulanus)? Ever wanted a snake with colors that will take away the breath of anyone in the room and who can intimidate even the most advanced of keepers… yet you know the truth! (Or at least you will by the end of this article.)
ATB’s have a scary reputation for being nasty, biting, Evil Machines. Many otherwise rational keepers will stay well away from them because of their reputation for defensive behavior. I have a little secret for you... they’re not all like that. If you get an ATB as a neonate and grow it up with patient handling, they can be some of the most docile adults. If it comes straight from the wilds of South America, it will probably be a bit defensive, but then most wild caught snakes are.
ATBs exhibit some of the most stunning color and pattern variability of any snake. The “normal” phase (if there even is such a thing) for ATBs is the “garden” phase, but these days, through a combination of selective breeding and unpredictable genetics, you can find them anywhere from completely pattern-less to fully patterned and with colors ranging from brown to black to yellow to red and everything in between.
We also like them because they are about as hardy as eighteen-wheelers. While their ideal habitat will include lots of floor-space AND lots of head-room (they are arboreal, but they love to be on the ground sometimes too), we have found that they are very tolerant of mistakes. I really think it would take a concerted effort to kill a well established ATB. Their ultimate length is between 5 – 7 feet, but they are so light-bodied that you could look at a 6 footer and think it was about 4 feet. When they are docile, they are easy to handle and don’t require any special tools. If you are up for a real challenge and want to take in a non-tame individual, a snake hook is all you need as they tend to hook really easily. Keeping them from climbing up the hook is a different story and takes practice.
So Far, this sheet reads like they’re more like beginner animals than intermediate, huh? So why are they in the intermediate keeper series? It goes back to people being scared of them. So put your irrational fear behind you and make friends with some tree huggers!
Care in 200 words or less:
ATBs require a minimum cage size of 3’ x 2’ x 2’ as adults. We prefer to house them in plastic storage boxes of appropriate size as this makes the temperature and humidity requirements easier to provide. As with most snakes, cage sizes should graduate as the snake grows. Temperatures should be kept on a gradient of 75 – 85 degrees with humidity in the 80% + range. **Special note** if there is condensation forming on the sides of the cage, that means that, while your humidity is probably right, you need more ventilation. Drill a few more holes. We use newspaper as a substrate, but cypress mulch can also be acceptable. Fresh water and plenty of perches should be provided at all times.
This article was written by and is property of Donnie “Morti” Smith and PrimaReptilia. Any reuse of all or part of this article without express written permission is prohibited. All photographs in this article are also property of PrimaReptilia. All Rights Reserved. PrimaReptilia - 2007.
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