KENYAN SAND BOA CARE GUIDE

A simple, practical guide to keeping your Kenyan Sand Boa healthy and thriving

Scientific Name: Eryx colubrinus
Adult Size: Approximately 15–30 inches
Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care
Temperament: Generally docile and easy to handle
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate

🌟 ABOUT THE KENYAN SAND BOA

Kenyan Sand Boas are small, stout-bodied snakes known for their beautiful patterns, manageable size, and fascinating burrowing behavior.

Unlike many snakes that spend most of their time climbing or sitting on branches, Kenyan Sand Boas are specialized burrowers. They spend much of their time beneath their substrate, often waiting with only their head exposed for prey to pass by.

Their relatively small adult size and straightforward care requirements make them a popular choice for both beginning and experienced keepers.

🏠 ENCLOSURE

Kenyan Sand Boas don't require a tall enclosure, but they do need enough floor space to move around and plenty of substrate for burrowing.

Recommended enclosure

Hatchling/juvenile:
A secure enclosure approximately 20–30 gallons is a good starting point, depending on the snake's size.

Adult:
A minimum of approximately 36" x 18" x 18" is a useful starting point for many adults, with larger always being acceptable.

The enclosure should be escape-proof, especially around doors, sliding panels, and ventilation openings.

🏜️ Substrate

Substrate is one of the most important parts of a Sand Boa's setup.

Good options include:

• Aspen
• Coconut husk
• Reptile-safe soil/sand mixtures
• Organic topsoil mixed with sand
• Other loose, burrow-friendly substrates

Provide enough substrate for the snake to completely burrow and move beneath the surface.

A depth of approximately 4–6 inches or more is appropriate for many adults, with deeper substrate being beneficial when the enclosure allows it.

⚠️ Avoid calcium sand and heavily dusty substrates.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

Kenyan Sand Boas need a temperature gradient so they can regulate their body temperature by moving between warmer and cooler areas.

Recommended temperatures

Warm side: 88–92°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Night: A moderate nighttime drop is acceptable as long as temperatures remain safe.

Always measure temperatures at snake level, including the temperature beneath the substrate where the snake actually spends time.

🔥 Heating

Appropriate heating options include:

• Halogen heat bulbs
• Deep heat projectors
• Radiant heat panels

All heat sources should be controlled with an appropriate thermostat.

Never rely on a heat lamp without thermostat control.

💧 HUMIDITY & WATER

Kenyan Sand Boas come from relatively dry environments and generally do well with moderate-to-low humidity.

Humidity

Aim for approximately 30–50% ambient humidity, while allowing appropriate localized humidity during shedding.

A water bowl should always be available.

💧 Water Bowl

Provide a sturdy water dish large enough for the snake to drink comfortably.

Place the bowl where it is unlikely to be buried or tipped over.

Fresh water should be provided regularly.

💡 LIGHTING

Kenyan Sand Boas can be maintained without specialized UVB lighting, but low-level UVB is beneficial and can be incorporated into a properly designed enclosure.

A consistent day/night cycle is important.

Suggested schedule

☀️ 10–12 hours of daytime light
🌙 12–14 hours of darkness

Never use bright lights continuously.

🪵 HIDES & DECOR

Even though Kenyan Sand Boas spend much of their time underground, they still benefit from opportunities to hide and explore above the substrate.

Include:

• At least one secure hide
• Cork bark
• Artificial or live plants
• Branches or other sturdy decorations
• Deep substrate for burrowing

Decor should be stable and unable to collapse on the snake.

🐍 Remember:

For a Sand Boa, the substrate IS part of the hide system.

🍽️ FEEDING

Kenyan Sand Boas are carnivores and primarily eat appropriately sized rodents in captivity.

🐁 Prey size

A good general guideline is to offer prey that is approximately 10–15% of the snake's body weight, while also considering the snake's body condition and individual needs.

The prey should leave only a modest bulge after feeding.

Feeding schedule

Hatchlings/juveniles: Approximately every 5–7 days
Growing juveniles: Approximately every 7–10 days
Adults: Approximately every 10–14+ days

Feeding frequency should be adjusted based on age, size, body condition, and individual metabolism.

❄️ Frozen vs. live

Frozen/thawed prey is generally preferred because it eliminates many of the risks associated with live prey.

Never leave a live rodent unattended with a snake.

🧤 HANDLING

Kenyan Sand Boas are often calm, but they can be startled when uncovered from beneath the substrate.

Tips for successful handling:

✔️ Support the snake's entire body
✔️ Move slowly and calmly
✔️ Allow the snake to move through your hands
✔️ Avoid grabbing from above
✔️ Give the snake time to settle after bringing it home
✔️ Wash your hands before and after handling

Avoid handling immediately after feeding.

A good general rule is to wait at least 24–48 hours after a meal before handling.

🐍 SHEDDING

As Kenyan Sand Boas grow, they periodically shed their skin.

Signs that a shed is approaching can include:

• Dull or faded coloration
• Cloudy eyes
• Reduced activity
• Hiding more frequently
• Reduced appetite

Keep the enclosure properly maintained and provide access to appropriate humidity.

🚫 Don't pull off stuck shed.

If retained shed becomes a recurring problem, review the snake's husbandry and consult a qualified reptile veterinarian if necessary.

🧼 CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Regular maintenance helps keep your Sand Boa healthy.

Daily

✔️ Check water
✔️ Check temperatures
✔️ Remove obvious waste

Weekly

✔️ Inspect the enclosure
✔️ Replace dirty substrate
✔️ Clean the water dish
✔️ Check hides and decorations

As needed

Perform a deeper enclosure cleaning when the substrate becomes excessively soiled.

Because Sand Boas burrow, avoid completely disturbing the enclosure unnecessarily.

❤️ HEALTH & WARNING SIGNS

A healthy Kenyan Sand Boa should generally have:

• Clear eyes
• Smooth skin
• Normal body condition
• Regular tongue flicking
• Normal movement
• No abnormal discharge
• A clean mouth and nostrils

Contact a reptile veterinarian if you notice:

⚠️ Difficulty breathing
⚠️ Persistent refusal to eat
⚠️ Significant weight loss
⚠️ Mouth swelling or discharge
⚠️ Repeated regurgitation
⚠️ Parasites
⚠️ Retained shed that does not resolve
⚠️ Lethargy or unusual behavior

When in doubt, consult an experienced reptile veterinarian.

🛒 KENYAN SAND BOA SHOPPING LIST

ESSENTIALS

☐ Secure enclosure
☐ Thermostat
☐ Appropriate heat source
☐ Digital thermometers
☐ Hygrometer
☐ Deep burrowing substrate
☐ Water bowl
☐ Hide
☐ Appropriate frozen/thawed rodents
☐ Secure enclosure locks/latches

NICE TO HAVE

☐ Low-level UVB
☐ Cork bark
☐ Artificial plants
☐ Additional hides
☐ Digital temperature gun
☐ Feeding tongs
☐ Backup thermostat/temperature equipment

⭐ INDIGO CARE QUICK CHECK

Requirement	Target
🏠 Enclosure	Secure, appropriately sized
🌡️ Warm Side	88–92°F
❄️ Cool Side	75–80°F
💧 Humidity	Generally 30–50%
🏜️ Substrate	Deep & burrow-friendly
💡 Lighting	Day/night cycle; UVB beneficial
🍽️ Diet	Appropriately sized rodents
🧤 Handling	Gentle & supported
💦 Water	Fresh water always available
❤️ Lifespan	15–20+ years

💚 SET UP YOUR KENYAN SAND BOA'S HOME

Everything your Sand Boa needs can be found right here at Indigo Reptile Co.

🏠 ENCLOSURES

[SHOP ENCLOSURES →]

🌡️ HEATING & THERMOSTATS

[SHOP HEATING →]

🏜️ SUBSTRATE

[SHOP SUBSTRATE →]

💧 WATER & HUMIDITY

[SHOP WATER BOWLS →]

🍽️ FEEDING SUPPLIES

[SHOP FEEDING SUPPLIES →]

🐁 FROZEN FEEDERS

[SHOP FROZEN RODENTS →]

🌿 DECOR & HIDES

[SHOP DECOR →]

🐍 A NOTE FROM INDIGO REPTILE CO.

At Indigo Reptile Co., we believe that keeping reptiles should be enjoyable, educational, and responsible.

Kenyan Sand Boas are incredible little snakes, and providing the right environment from day one can make a huge difference in their long-term health and well-being.

If you ever have questions about setting up your Sand Boa's enclosure, choosing supplies, or finding the right feeders, come see us at Indigo Reptile Co. We're happy to help you build a setup that works for both you and your animal.

Happy keeping! 💚

— Indigo Reptile Co.

Largo, Florida

2026