Dwelling boa constrictors – 3 best types of boa enclosure

Boas constrictors have become one of the most popular snake species in recent years for good reason. They are truly beautiful snakes, generally quite tame and easy to handle, and with relatively modest care requirements. However, they are a large snake and as such require a large, sturdy enclosure. There are several different approaches to dwelling boas, so let’s take a look at each of them.

Melamine nursery

Melamine is a synthetic laminate material composed of chipboard covered with a waterproof plastic sheet. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, and waterproof, making it an ideal material for snake enclosures. Nurseries can be purchased pre-built or packaged in a wide variety of sizes. They can also be ordered in custom sizes from many vendors and are fairly simple to build for anyone with reasonable DIY skills.

They are usually rectangular with sliding glass doors at the front. Air vents or vents should be included as good ventilation is essential. A 6 ‘by 2’ by 2 ‘nursery is ideal for an adult boa.

Melamine nurseries are a popular choice, as they are sturdy, inexpensive, and easy to clean. However, care must be taken with internal corners which can be difficult to clean and harbor bacteria.

Plastic nursery

Modern plastic nurseries are now available in an increasing range of sizes. They are strong and lightweight and have rounded internal corners, making them very easy to keep clean. They are available with sliding or hinged doors, and some are pre-wired for heating and lighting.

They are usually more expensive than melamine nurseries, and there is not always such a wide range of sizes available, but their ease of installation and use makes them very popular options for housing boas.

Built-in nursery

An alternative to using a standard store bought or DIY nursery is to build one instead. If you have a suitable niche, such as between 2 walls or under stairs, a built-in nursery can look great and give your snake plenty of space. The exact size and shape will depend on the room available, so you should take this into account before deciding on a built-in enclosure. Boas are mostly terrestrial, so floor area is more important than height, although many boas will climb if given the opportunity, especially when young.

The advantages of a built-in cabinet are, of course, the ability to tailor the look and size specifically to your needs, and built-in cabinets can look fantastic.

The final decision on how to house your boa will be a matter of personal choice. Depending on your budget, the space you have available, and possibly your DIY skills, you have several options. While there are other housing options, the three I’ve covered here are best suited for anyone with only one boa at home.