The boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), also called the red-tailed boa or the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. The wooden vivarium should have good ventilation to allow air to flow in and out of the enclosure. There are many popular myths about boa constrictors. Yes! Don’t skimp on cage heaters as Boa Constrictors can get respiratory infections if kept too cool. Am getting a red tail boa soon and have my tank all set up, i was just wondering if you guys thought a ceramic heat emitter would be needed to maintain the temps I need, I've noticed a few places telling me a UTH is where they should be getting their heat from so I was just wondering if you guys think I need another heat source or not! The common name Red tailed boa refers to one of many types of boas found throughout Central and South America.   You should have a thermometer on each end of the tank so that you can properly monitor the thermal gradient. For a normal maintenance program (as opposed to a breeding program) the temperature in a Boas enclosure should have a day time high (DTH) of the high 80's F and a night time low (NTL) of mid to high 70's.F. Young boa constrictors can shed up to 9 times a year. Common boa constrictors do best with a large terrestrial vivarium for their enclosure. Do not use an electric “hot rock” to provide heat, as these might get hot enough to burn a boa’s skin. Boa Constrictor. The best way to heat the enclosure is by the use of an infrared heat source (available with 60 to 250 Watts), which does not emit any visible light. Boa constrictors can be fed dead mice and rats and only require food and defecate about once a week. Authored by Georgina Rayner, of Swell Reptiles. To achieve the proper basking area, place a heating pad under one side of the enclosure or use a heat lamp placed on the exterior of the enclosure. The Heat Lamps (if used in conjunction with a heat Pad) can be used for lighting / heat and should be on the same 12 hour on/off schedule. Ball pythons need a basking spot of about 90 degrees and an ambient temperature in the low 80s. Boa Constrictors will do best on Zoo Med’s Aspen Snake Bedding, Forest Floor™ cypress mulch, Eco Earth® or ReptiBark®. Heat lamps ; Heating pads ; Heat lamps and ceramic elements can be mounted to the top of the enclosure to direct heat downward. The latter is especially important, in order to maintain a daytime-nighttime cycle for the inhabitants. The boa terrarium heating source is to be contained in a strong guard box to protect the animal from sustaining burns.