Reptile · Boa
Solomon Island ground boa care guide
Candoia paulsoni
The solomon island ground boa is a intermediate-level boa from Solomon Islands, E New Guinea. Adults reach 60–120 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Females are much heavier than males; avoid overfeeding. Solitary.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a solomon island ground boa cost in Canada?
Solomon Island ground boa quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–120 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Solomon Islands, E New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Humid terrestrial
Solomon Island ground boa enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a humid terrestrial bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls3 cm
Deep, moist soil is what holds humidity in this build – much better than thin bedding, especially through Canadian winters.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a solomon island ground boa eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm; may hiss and flatten when nervous.
Health watch: Watch for obesity and respiratory infections.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check warm and cool side temperatures and humidity.
- Refresh the water bowl.
Weekly
- Mist or pour water into the substrate to keep the lower layers moist.
- Spot-clean large waste promptly.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Stir and fluff compacted topsoil around hides.
- Check heat sources and thermostat calibration.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a solomon island ground boa bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 3 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Cypress Substrate
Optional top layer (cypress)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Tubes
Secure hides at both ends of the gradient
Malaysian Drift Wood
Sturdy enrichment for heavy-bodied animals
Solomon Island ground boa FAQ
Is the solomon Island ground boa good for beginners?
The solomon Island ground boa is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm; may hiss and flatten when nervous.
What size enclosure does a solomon Island ground boa need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a solomon Island ground boa cost in Canada?
Typically $150–400 CAD to buy, about $640–1150 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a solomon Island ground boa need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a solomon Island ground 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.