Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus)

Kenyan sand boas are small, stocky, and utterly endearing snakes from the arid regions of East Africa. They are excellent snakes for beginners and for keepers with limited space.

Housing

Adults are comfortable in a 10-gallon (40L) enclosure. They spend most of their time buried, so deep loose substrate (aspen shavings or clean play sand) is essential — minimum 4 inches. Avoid bark or particulate substrate that holds moisture.

Temperature

• Warm side: 90–95°F (32–35°C)
• Cool side: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
• Humidity: Keep low at 20–30%; avoid moisture in the substrate

Feeding

Feed frozen/thawed pinky or fuzzy mice. Adults eat adult mice. They are enthusiastic feeders and rarely refuse. Feed every 5–7 days for juveniles, every 10–14 days for adults.

Handling

Sand boas can be nippy as juveniles but calm down with regular gentle handling. They are small and spend time trying to burrow into your hands — most keepers find this adorable.