Chilabothrus inornatus (Puerto Ricaanse boa)

Origin: The island of Puerto Rico

Length: 1.8 to 2.7 meters
Age: up to 20 years
The Puerto Rican rainbow boa is also called yellow tree boa, contrary to its name it is not very yellow. The body has more brown / yellow color with a dark spot 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 name rainbow boa.

Care
Experience: Average snake keeper
Food: Live or dead prey.
Adult feeding: Every 8 to 14 days.
Feeding young: Every 6 to 7 days
Water basin: Yes
Change water: 3 times a week
food

The Puerto Rican rainbow boa is a real rhunter and has been observed in the wild to catch bats from the sky. In captivity this is of course not in the way of recreation and a diet of rodents can be offered. These rodents 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 Puerto Rican 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, as the Puerto Rican rainbow boa will spend the most time here.

Handling
To feed the Puerto Rican 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 snake hook or lift it with both hands. Do not hang your snake around your neck, because if the snake falls they will clamp around your neck. In addition, there are some important things to look out for when handeling a Puerto Rican rainbow 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 m2 with at least one raised deck per snake where the snake can lie.
Day temperature: 27-32C
Night temperature: 22-25C
Hours of light: 12 hours
Humidity degree: 60% -85%
Ground cover: Newspapers, bark or peat litter
Interieur
The Puerto Rican rainbow boa lives wild in the jungles of Puerto Rico, but is also often found in large groups. This will have to be included in the stay. The jungle can be reconstructed by offering the snake multiple climbing branches. You can simulate the large one by offering dark and damp hiding options. This is possible in the form of a flowerpot with moss in it, but there are also artificial caves available. 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 Puerto Rican rainbow 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 Puerto Rican rainbow boa are somewhat withdrawn and delicate rainbow boas. They will not react as actively in new situations as other types of rainbow boas. With enough time and regular handling, they can become pretty handy.
Points of attention: The Puerto Rican rainbow 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 Puerto Rican rainbow boa falls under CITES I, which means that no first generation or wild caught specimens may be sold. Copies that are second generation over more may be sold. You need CITES or transfer papers to hold such copies. 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.