Reptile · Boa
Emerald tree boa care guide
Corallus caninus
The emerald tree boa is a advanced-level boa from Guianas and N Brazil. Adults reach 150–200 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Arboreal; offer horizontal perches and avoid overfeeding. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a emerald tree boa cost in Canada?
Emerald tree boa quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Guianas and N Brazil
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 90 cm (35 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 96 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Emerald tree boa enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 90 cm (35 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a emerald tree boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14–21 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Display animal with long teeth; defensive and best moved on its perch.
Health watch: Watch for dehydration, regurgitation and respiratory infections.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a emerald tree boa bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Emerald tree boa FAQ
Is the emerald tree boa good for beginners?
The emerald tree boa is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Display animal with long teeth; defensive and best moved on its perch.
What size enclosure does a emerald tree boa need?
At least 90 × 45 × 90 cm (about 35 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 96 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a emerald tree boa cost in Canada?
Typically $1000–3000 CAD to buy, about $990–1690 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a emerald tree boa need?
Temperature: Warm 29–31°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a emerald tree boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14–21 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.