One of the most popular and common house snakes lately is the Hog Island boa. It is found on the Hog Islands in Honduras. These snakes are hypomelanistic, meaning they have lower levels of melanin in their bodies and are less vividly colored than most other boas. The color of their tail varies from pink to orange and they have the ability to change color depending on the time of day. During the night, its color becomes lighter, while the head and neck become almost white. His body takes on a unique bluish tint.
The Hog Island boa is very common among reptile lovers and collectors, but wild populations have seen a dramatic drop in recent years. Actually, it is reported that Hog Island boas have not appeared on the island in the last two or three years, and it is feared that they may be extinct, but fortunately they are easily bred in captivity. Although some of them may still be free in the wild, the importance of properly caring for domestics is significant. It is quite possible that the specimens kept by hobbyists are the only remaining Hog Island boas, and that they could eventually be reintroduced if captive breeding continues to be successful.
Experts also say that it is crucial for the survival of the species to maintain the purity of the snake’s blood. There are numerous reports that some owners tend to cross them with red-tailed boas to take advantage of the light color of the tail, ignoring the vital importance of keeping the snake as original and unique as it is.
The care of the Hog Island boa is no different from the rest of the common boas (boa constrictor imperator). They are relatively easy to care for, if the particular needs of the species are known. They are small for boa constrictors, reaching 5-6 feet at most, adding to their popularity as pets. They need temperatures close to 75-90F and need to live in a relatively humid environment of around 50-60% relative humidity. They are easily maintained on a diet of thawed rodents in captivity. As with all snakes, the size of the prey should not be greater than the circumference of its body.
Hog boas are quite docile and are often reluctant to bite. Although babies tend to be a bit fussy, they calm down quickly with regular handling. If you take care of them properly, they grow into really trustworthy and docile snakes. Hog Island boas also undergo a slight color change as they mature. When they are babies, they are more grayish and acquire their pinkish tones as they grow.
They are an excellent snake and although they are not common, they are usually not too hard to find in the pet trade. They are an excellent ‘first boa’ or snake for someone who is intimidated by the idea of owning a 10-12 foot snake, or anyone with limited space.