Pacific Boa Constrictor Snakes (Candoia bibroni bibroni)

From Lianne McLeod, DVM , Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not for everyone. They have unique care and handling requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs. Also, some grow very large and can be dangerous, so any potential snake owner needs to carefully research snakes before acquiring one. There are several snake species which can be found as pets - but some are more suitable than others. The types kept range from the common garter snake to huge pythons. Different species have different diet and environment requirements. No matter which type of snake, a secure escape proof enclosure will be necessary. Snakes can be quite persistent in trying to get out of an enclosure, so make sure it closes securely with no gaps, or prepare to become an expert at tracking snakes in your house . If at all possible, pet snakes should be captive bred by reputable breeders. Wild c...

Find an Escaped Pet in the House From Lianne McLeod, DVM, Here's How: Start your search near the cage and go from there. Check behind furniture along the baseboards. Check under the furniture. Check inside cabinets, drawers, shelves and bookcases. Check behind, in, and under any items in these places. Remove cushions from couches and chairs, and check down the sides and back of the furniture. Check the underside of furniture and beds for any holes through which a creature could climb inside the furniture/bed. Check inside any boxes you have around the house, including tissue boxes. Look inside any backpacks, purses, or other bags. Look in boots and shoes, or any other small, dark hiding places you can think of. Check the undersides and backs of appliances for holes your pet could have climbed into. Make sure cage is left open, and place favorite treat or food around and in cage. Place foil around the room (or crinkly plastic) in potential hiding places so you can hear your pet movi...

Boa Constrictors As Pets From Lianne McLeod, DVM, Introduction to the Boa Constrictor There are several subspecies of boa constrictor (species name boa constrictor) that are found in the pet trade. Red tailed boas (Boa constrictor constrictor) are commonly found in the pet trade, and Boa constrictor imperator can be found as well, among other less common subspecies. The care for all the species is fairly similar. When choosing a boa constrictor, look for the following signs of a healthy snake: alert firm, muscular body no loose fold of skin tongue flicking clear eyes no signs of retained shed (check eyes, end of tail) no visible external parasites clean vent scales healthy, no brown or curled edges no wounds on skin reacts to handling by coiling firmly (but gently) on hand/arm, and relaxing a bit after a while Read whole article here at about.com