Reptile · Boa
Madagascar tree boa care guide
Sanzinia madagascariensis
The madagascar tree boa is a advanced-level boa from Madagascar. Adults reach 150–200 cm and live 20–25 years in captivity. CITES Appendix I; semi-arboreal, needs perches and humidity. Solitary.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 120 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a madagascar tree boa cost in Canada?
Madagascar tree boa quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–25 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Madagascar
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 in, ≈ 228 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Madagascar tree boa enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (47 × 24 × 47 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 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 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a madagascar tree boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Juveniles can be defensive; adults often calm.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and dehydration.
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 madagascar tree boa bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 120 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Madagascar tree boa FAQ
Is the madagascar tree boa good for beginners?
The madagascar tree boa is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Juveniles can be defensive; adults often calm.
What size enclosure does a madagascar tree boa need?
At least 120 × 60 × 120 cm (about 47 × 24 × 47 inches, roughly 228 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a madagascar tree boa cost in Canada?
Typically $800–2000 CAD to buy, about $1610–2770 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a madagascar tree boa need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a madagascar tree boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice and rats. Feed one appropriately sized thawed rodent every 14 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.