Reptile · Boa
Red sand boa care guide
Eryx johnii
The red sand boa is a intermediate-level boa from India, Pakistan, Iran. Adults reach 60–100 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. A large sand boa with a blunt tail; give deep substrate. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a red sand boa cost in Canada?
Red sand boa quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- India, Pakistan, Iran
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 30 cm (35 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Red sand boa enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 30 cm (35 × 18 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix15 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist.
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a red sand boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Docile and slow.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a red sand boa bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 30 cm).
Red sand boa FAQ
Is the red sand boa good for beginners?
The red sand boa is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Docile and slow.
What size enclosure does a red sand boa need?
At least 90 × 45 × 30 cm (about 35 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a red sand boa cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $490–880 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a red sand boa need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a red sand boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 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.