Kenyan Sand Boa

Enclosure type

Terrestrial glass or PVC enclosure; deep substrate is essential for burrowing

Substrate

IMPORTANT: Provide 3-4 inches of aspen shavings, children's play sand (NOT calcium sand), or sand/soil mix. They must be able to burrow completely.

Hides

One hide on warm side; burrowing serves as primary shelter

Notes

Minimum 10-gallon for juveniles, 20-gallon long for adults. Provide 3-4 inches of loose substrate for burrowing, a hide, and secure lid. Surface decorations are optional as they rarely use them.

Ambient / cool side

75-80°F (24-27°C)

Basking spot

90-95°F (32-35°C)

Nighttime

70-75°F (21-24°C)

Heating method

Under-tank heater covering 1/3 of tank with thermostat; they thermoregulate by depth of burrowing

Humidity range

30-50%

Maintenance

Desert species requiring low humidity. Misting is generally unnecessary.

UVB

Not required; lighting has little effect on a fossorial species

Photoperiod

12 hours on / 12 hours off; they will remain buried regardless

Lighting notes

No UVB required. Provide day/night cycle with normal lighting. They will remain buried regardless.

Staple food

Frozen-thawed mice or small rats

Variety

Ambush hunters with strong feeding responses; no live prey

Frequency

Juveniles: every 7 days. Adults: every 10-14 days. Overfeeding is common - watch for obesity.

Supplements

No supplements needed when feeding whole prey.

Notes

Carnivore: Feed frozen-thawed mice or small rats. They are ambush hunters and have strong feeding responses.

Water bowl

Small water dish; change every 2-3 days; rarely drink visibly

Notes

Provide small water dish. Change every 2-3 days. They rarely drink visibly but need access to water.

Disposition

Generally docile; slow-moving; tolerates handling but spends most time burrowed

Recommendations

Generally very docile but may be defensive when first acquired. They are slow-moving and tolerate handling well. Support the body fully. They spend most of their time buried, so handle briefly 1-2 times per week.

Respiratory infections from high humidity, obesity from overfeeding, and scale rot from wet substrate.

Kenyan sand boas can live 20-30 years. Females are significantly larger than males. They are "sit and wait" predators that ambush prey from beneath the sand. Not an active species - best for keepers who enjoy observing rather than handling. Males are generally smaller and make better pets for limited space.