Rosy Boa--how often to clean cage

Question
QUESTION: Hi, Jennifer! Thank you for your previous answer about finding a breeder of rosy boas. My husband asked me three questions I can't find answers to. Maybe you can help?

1. How often you need to clean the cage for a rosy boa (We're thinking about a 20 or 30 gallon long glass cage)?
2. How often does a rosy boa defecate?
3. What does it look like (in other words, it is solid pellets, liquidy puddles, or???)? (How messy is it?)

Thanks in advance--it is awesome to have a place to ask questions of someone experienced with these little guys.

--Michelle

ANSWER: Hi Again.
1-Actually a 10 gallon cage is even fine for an adult rosy boa less than 32 inches long.  Although the bigger is always the better :-)  Spot clean the cage whenever your boa defecates.  And thoroughly change the substrate at least once a month with all new substrate.
2-A rosy boa will defecate a couple of days after each meal.  Now depending on how often they are fed or actually do eat will make their defecations vary.
3-Snake poo is part brownish/black with white.  The white being the pee and the later being the actual meal.  You may even see fur from the mouse that wasn't digested.  Here is some more info on Rosy Boa's:

http://www.rosyboa.com/desertboas/caresheet.html

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

QUESTION: Thanks! The caresheet is great. I noticed that it recommends a cage with a screen top because it provides good ventilation and keeps the humidity down. However, the cages with screen tops that are for sale at the pet store seem rather flimsy--the tops, I mean. It seems like a strong, determined snake could force its way out if it tried hard enough. What kind of tank or cage is best for a rosy boa? Ideally I would like something very secure but still well ventilated (and not prohibitively expensive). What do you recommend?

Thanks again!
--Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle
Personally, I have all screen type lids on my cages and they work well.  But try and get the ones where they don't look like the screens on your windows with the rubber siding to hold the screen in.  Those are the WORSE!  And they come apart easily.  Also look for ones that have a little hole area near the opening that is used to "lock" the lid from sliding out of place.  Those are really good since Rosy's and all boas are very good at pushing with their noses. All in all...you will want a quality screen material top. They are the best at keeping good air circulation.  Take care.