Desert Rosy Boa

Our Desert Rosy Boa

Scovill Zoo has one desert rosy boa. It's name is Rosy, or Rose for short. Rosy came from a private breeder. Rosy is a 15 year old male.

Desert Rosy Boa Size

As hatchlings, a desert rosy boa is 10 inches long. When fully mature, the desert rosy boa is almost 4 feet in length. Most desert rosy boas range in size from 24"-36" long. Rosy is about 2' long which is 24".

Desert Rosy Boa Life Span

In captivity, the desert rosy boa can live 30 or more years. However, most desert rosy boas live 18 to 22 years. The lifespan of a desert rosy boa in the wild is unknown.

Desert Rosy Boa Housing

Desert rosy boas are found in California, Arizona and Mexico. They live in deserts, rocks, shrubs, and creek beds. They live in coastal areas, too. However, a desert rosy boa in captivity needs a 40 gallon aquarium. Rosy is in a 3 foot by 2 feet, 40 gallon aquarium. 

Desert Rosy Boa Food

The desert rosy boa eats one meal every 5 to 7 days. Young snakes eat small mice. As they mature, they eat larger mice, just not as often. The desert rosy boa also needs to have access to water.

Desert Rosy Boa Lighting & Temperature Requirements

Lighting is only necessary if you need it to help view the desert rosy boa. The temperature of a desert rosy boa's habitat needs to range from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees fahrenheit. If the desert rosy boa moves a lot, it means that is it cold, and the temperature needs to be raised.  

Desert Rosy Boa Substrate

The substrate needs to be 1 foot to 2 feet deep so that the desert rosy boa can burrow, and feel safe.  Newspaper, paper towels, and wood shavings (not cedar) can be used for substrate. Sand can also be used. The substrate needs to be kept dry.

References

www.arkive.org

www.lllreptile.com

snake-facts.weebly.com

www.reptilesmagazine.com

Written by Mrs. McCoskey's Second Grade Class