Emerald tree boa

Question
QUESTION: I own a ball python in a 40 gallon for about 2 years and she is still with me so I have some snake experience but I am interested in getting a Emerald tree boa I know they both are snakes there requirments are a little bit same but I do know there are major diffences in a lot of there requirements I know the tree boas need a tall tanl and they are tropical unlike the ball pyhton that is from the dry grasslands of africa.  So I was wondering if you can help in the husbandry of these snakes like tank size, temperature, humidity, uv lighting.  I read on many websites about different things but everyone says something different so it confuses me for example someone said to use uv full spectrum fluorescent but I thought this stresses snakes out and it would hurt there eyes.
Also I use a undertank heater and a basking bulb together for my ball python the undertank heater I use for helping digesting under the belly but with tree boas off the ground there whole life should I use the just the basking light.

Thank you for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Thomas,

keeping emeralds is a much bigger challenge than any royal. they are notoriously hard to feed and have large teeth - so being bitten hurts! and you will get bitten. emeralds are not the most docile snakes and to tame them down you will have to regularly struggle to pry them off their perch, with its inherent risk in causing stress or injury to the snake, and being bitten.

if this isn't enough to convince you out of it...

you will need a large tall tank, for example, 2ft wide by 3-4ft tall. this will need to be very well ventilated so that there is good air circulation. lack of this can cause respiratory infections in emerald tree boas.

you will need to place some form of either spot lamp or ceramic bulb at one end of the tank over a preferred basking spot. the temperature should range between 82-84F, as long as you get these temperatures its ok. Uv lighting can be used but isn't completely necessary.

you will also need to keep high humidity levels. the humidity should not fall below about 70%. to achieve this you can regularly spray the tank with water, or use a fogger or misting machine, use a larger water bowl and use a substrate that holds moisture well without moulding, such as orchid bark. without this high humidity shedding will be problematic and the snake can become dehydrated.

you need to ensure that there are plenty of thick branches (2inches min.)  placed around the tank. plastic plants are also a good idea to scatter around as it allows extra hiding.

feeding is best attempted at night and the best way to feed is to use pre killed defrosted rodents or birds. it can help if you gently warm the food before feeding using a tub with a lid filled with boiling water. place the food item on the lid for a couple seconds. using forceps move the food around below the snake and this should result in a successful feed. using forceps above the snake can also work.

that should be everything considered. if you think of anything thats missing feel free to let me know and ill help as best i can.

thanks for your question,

Andy


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would a large screen cage designed for a chameleon be good for the Emerald Tree Boa or should I use a tall glass aquarium?

Answer
a glass aquarium shouldnt be used for any snake as they dont provide adaquate ventilation and temperatures cant be controlled well inside, so it would be best to steer clear of that one.

since chameleons have similar environment requirements to an emerald that tank should be ok. just make sure that it is relatively tall and has plenty of ventilation.

thanks for your question,

Andy