🐍 Kenyan Sand Boa Care Sheet

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📌 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Eryx colubrinus

• Common Name: Kenyan sand boa

• Native Habitat: Northeastern Africa (Kenya, Egypt, Sudan)

• Temperament: Docile, secretive, and fossorial (burrowing)

• Size: Males: 15–20", Females: up to 36"

• Lifespan: 15–20 years in captivity

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🏠 Enclosure & Habitat

• Juveniles: 10–20 gallon tank

• Adults: 20–40 gallon tank

• Substrate: Aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or play sand; must be deep enough for burrowing

• Hides: At least two, plus clutter like cork bark or rocks

• Humidity: 30–40%; avoid high humidity

• Temperature Gradient:

  • Warm side: 90–95°F

  • Cool side: 75–80°F

• Lighting: No UVB required; ambient light for day/night cycle

• Water Dish: Small and shallow; clean and refill frequently

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🍽️ Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily rodents

• Hatchlings: Feed every 5–7 days

• Juveniles: Feed every 7–10 days

• Adults: Feed every 10–14 days

• Prey Size: Should be appropriately sized for the snake’s girth

• Feeding Time: Evening is best

• Handling After Feeding: Wait 48 hours before handling

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💧 Water & Hydration

• Provide a small water dish

• Change water daily or when soiled

• Avoid excess humidity

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🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance

• Spot clean daily

• Check substrate depth and temperature weekly

• Replace substrate and disinfect enclosure monthly

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🧑‍⚕️ Health & Handling

• Signs of good health: Regular burrowing, complete sheds, quiet breathing

• Common issues: Retained shed, refusal to eat, respiratory distress, skin blisters

• Handling tips: Support the body, avoid sudden movements, limit handling to a few times per week

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🛒 Supply Checklist

• Secure enclosure with locking lid

• Heat source (under-tank heater preferred)

• Thermometers for both warm and cool sides

• Burrow-friendly substrate

• Hides, water dish, feeding tongs