Reptile · Boa
Rubber boa care guide
Charina bottae
The rubber boa is a intermediate-level boa from W North America incl. S British Columbia. Adults reach 35–80 cm and live 30–40 years in captivity. A cold-tolerant boa; overheating is the most common mistake. Solitary.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 24–27°C, cool 16–20°C
- Humidity 50–70%
How much does a rubber boa cost in Canada?
Rubber boa quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 35–80 cm
- Lifespan
- 30–40 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- W North America incl. S British Columbia
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 12 in, ≈ 21 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 24–27°C, cool 16–20°C
- Humidity
- 50–70%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed pinky and fuzzy mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Rubber boa enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (24 × 18 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 24–27°C, cool 16–20°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a rubber boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed pinky and fuzzy mice. Feed one small thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Exceptionally docile; balls up and shows its blunt tail.
Health watch: Watch for overheating and respiratory infections.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a rubber boa bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Rubber boa FAQ
Is the rubber boa good for beginners?
The rubber boa is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Exceptionally docile; balls up and shows its blunt tail.
What size enclosure does a rubber boa need?
At least 60 × 45 × 30 cm (about 24 × 18 × 12 inches, roughly 21 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a rubber boa cost in Canada?
Typically $300–800 CAD to buy, about $460–870 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $120–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a rubber boa need?
Temperature: Warm 24–27°C, cool 16–20°C. Humidity: 50–70%.
What does a rubber boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed pinky and fuzzy mice. Feed one small 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.