Chilabothrus angulifer (Cuba boa, Cuba tree boa)

Origin: The island of Cuba

Length: 2 to 3.5 meters
Age: up to 22 years
The Cuba boa is the largest rainbow boa species. But that is not the only thing that distinguishes him, the body is yellow-brown in color and covered with a black / dark brown pattern. The snout of the snake is dark colored. The body is covered with a pearly layer that creates a rainbow glow. This glow can be compared to the rainbow luster of gasoline that floats on water and is best seen after the moulting. Hence the family name rainbow boa.

Care
Experience: Experienced snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey.
Adult feeding: Every 8 to 20 days
Feeding young: Every 6 to 7 days
Water basin: Yes
Change water: 3 times a week

Food
Like the other constricting snakes Cuba Boa is a real hunter. In the wild they are mainly eat Hutia, these are 9 kilos of rodents that looked like beaver rats. In addition, it is one of the first snakes where it has been discovered that they hunt bats in groups (it is also discovered by C. inornatus & C. subflavus). In captivity, a diet of rodents such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, and large animals is enough. The fist rules is the prey is as thick as thickest part of the snake. These prey animals can be offered alive or dead. Although for convenience's sake it is recommended to offer dead prey. This is more practical and sometimes live prey can injure the snake. We advise you to provide the feed animals with a pair of tongs and to feed your snake outside the accommodation. This has the advantage that your hand is not associated with food.

If you go for live food, you must supervise it during feeding. If you hold the Cuba rainbow boa together with other snakes, you will have to take them apart for feeding, as it sometimes happens that the snakes injure each other while feeding.

Water
Like other boas, this boa is a true water lover. In addition to drinking, they also bathe in it. The water basin must therefore be large enough for the snake to be able to bathe in with its entire body. This soaking can cause the water to get dirty, so it is not a problem if the water is changed more than 3 times a week.

Cleaning
To prevent diseases and bacterial accumulation, the accommodation must be kept clean. This can be done by doing this on a weekly basis, and it is also advisable to thoroughly clean and disinfect the accommodation a few times a year. This prevents the build-up of bacteria. When cleaning, make sure that you also clean the climbing branches and elevations.

Handling
To feed the Cuba rainbow boa and to clean the accommodation your snake will have to be handled. This must of course be done well, so that you and the snake are safe. Handle the snake with a snakehook or lift it with both hands. Do not hang your snake around your neck, because if the snake falls that will soon clamp around your neck. In addition, there are some important things to look out for when handling a Cuba boa. First make sure that your snake understands that you are going to handle it and move gently when you handle it. Also make sure your hands are washed and do not smell like food. Finally, do not handle your snake when it is peeling and do not handle it in the dark.

Housing
Minimum size of stay for 1 snake: 150 x 60 x 100
Lying surface: 1 m 2 with at least one raised lounger per snake on which the snake can lie.
Day temperature: 28-30C
Night temperature: 23-25C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity degree: 55% -80%
Ground cover: Newspapers, bark or peat litter
Interieur
The Cuba boa lives in the wild in the drying jungles of Cuba. Here he spends most of his life in the trees. For this reason, they will have to be offered enough climbing opportunities in captivity in the form of climbing branches and raised deckboards. In addition, shelter must be provided in the form of a cave, rock or piece of wood. Bear in mind that the hiding place is large enough for the snake to be completely covered. Finally, like other rainbow boas, they need to be able to bathe. To be able to do this, they need a water bowl that is large enough for the snake to be able to lie in with its entire body.

For the stay there are some extra things to pay attention to. The Cuba boas, for example, are quite good at escaping and it will have to be ensured that they cannot just open their door. You can do this by putting a lock on the residence. In addition, ventilation is needed to keep the air fresh and it is advisable to set up the stay out of the bright sun and as vibration-free as possible.

Behaviour
Hunting method: Constricting snake
Lifestyle: semi-arboreal & night active
Character:The Cuba boa is known in trade as a somewhat aggressive and fragrant snake. This is therefore mainly the case with wild catch specimens and you will rarely see these traits after breeding. A well cared for Cubaboa can itself become very tame and friendly.
Points of attention: The Cuba boa is capable of eating prey larger than its head. For a large snake this can even be children and pets. Therefore never leave your snake alone with your children or pets.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: The Cuba boa falls under CITES II, to own this snake you need CITES or transfer papers. You should get this when purchasing.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can together cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, this is several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs have been incurred if your snake happens to fall ill or your equipment breaks down.