Care Guide: Boas: Emerald Tree Boas

They generally prefer a lowland tropical rainforest habitat, where they spend most of their time in trees and shrubs.

Emerald tree boas look different based on locality. The northern locality has a green body with a white belly and white markings and is smaller at 4-6’ long. The southern locality has a dark green body with a yellow belly and white markings and can grow as large as 9’ long. Differences aside, all emerald tree bodies have slender, muscular bodies, blocky heads, bulbous snouts, and prominent heat pits.

Their stunning appearance makes emerald tree boas popular display animals. Due to their size, temperament, and susceptibility to dehydration, we consider emerald tree boas are advanced-level pet reptiles. But with good care, emerald tree boas can have a 20+ year lifespan.

Minimum terrarium size for Emerald tree boas

We recommend keeping this species in a 48” L x 24 x W x 48” H. Emerald tree boas may look small due to their slender bodies, but the fact is that they need enough room to stretch out fully, explore, and climb. Ultimately, the best living conditions for the animal will depend on their individual needs and preferences.

We do not recommend cohabitating (keeping multiple emerald tree boas in one enclosure), as keeping them together will likely cause stress.

Do Emerald tree boas need UVB?

Technically they can survive without it, but we still recommend providing appropriate UVB lighting for Emerald tree boas. UVB lighting helps give a clear day/night cycle, provides all of your pet’s vitamin D, strengthens the immune system, facilitates better digestion, and offers other benefits. Plus, they are likely regularly exposed to sunlight in the wild, as Emerald tree boas are known to be active during both day and night.

The best UVB bulbs for Emerald tree boas housed in a 48” x 24” x 48” terrarium are:

Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO 5.0, 34”
Arcadia Forest 6%, 34”

For best results, house the UVB bulbs in a reflective fixture such as Vivarium Electronics or the Arcadia ProT5. Position the lamp on the same side of the terrarium as the heat lamp, about 11-13” above the basking branch if over the mesh and 14-16” above the basking branch if not.

UVB is blocked by glass and plastic, so placing the terrarium in front of a window doesn’t count as “free UVB” — in fact it can make your terrarium too hot due to the greenhouse effect. Don’t forget to replace your bulb every 12 months!

We suggest leaving lights on for about 8-12 hours daily to follow a natural day-to-night cycle. Adjust this for seasonal changes, such as running the lights longer during the summer. All lights should be off at night.

The best temperature for Emerald tree boas

Like other reptiles, Emerald tree boas are cold-blooded, which means they rely on external temperatures to manage their body temperature and metabolism. A reptile’s enclosure should offer a range of temperatures to allow them to thermoregulate effectively.

We suggest keeping the tree boa at a basking/hot spot temperature of 88-92°F, an average ambient temperature of 78-82°F, and a cool side temperature between 78-80°F. Each reptile may have different preferences and needs, so you may need to adjust these ranges up or down slightly to accommodate your pet better. It is good practice to monitor your animal and make adjustments as needed.

Make sure you’re maintaining appropriate temperatures using digital probe thermometers. Understanding and observing your specific animal to best identify their needs is crucial.

Overhead heating methods, such as Halogen bulbs, are recommended to achieve and maintain these temperatures. You may also use alternative methods like radiant heat panels. We do not suggest under-tank heating since Emerald Tree Boas are arboreal.

It is essential to regulate and monitor the temperature of the heating method chosen. You can use a thermostat or dimmer switch to control the heat output. You should conduct regular temperature checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly. We recommend an infrared thermometer and a digital thermometer to monitor enclosure temperatures.

Providing your snake with the appropriate temperature range will ensure that your pet is healthy, comfortable, and able to carry out necessary biological processes effectively.

The best humidity levels for Emerald tree boas

Emerald tree boas are tropical species that require an average humidity of 70-80%. They are susceptible to dehydration, so keeping them appropriately hydrated is essential, but that doesn’t mean their enclosure should always be soaking wet, either.

To measure humidity, use a digital probe hygrometer and place the probe in the middle of the terrarium.

One effective method to increase humidity levels in the enclosure is to mist it with a spray bottle twice daily. Misting the enclosure first thing in the morning and again at night is recommended. Another way to maintain humidity levels is to mix water directly into the substrate. A cool mist humidifier connected to a hygrostat can also help. We also recommend installing a humid hide for your snake, lined with moistened sphagnum moss, in the upper levels of the enclosure.

Substrate

Although substrate isn’t required for Emerald tree boas since they’re arboreal, it does help maintain correct humidity levels and makes the enclosure more attractive.

We recommend the following substrates:

Substrate mixes are also a great option. You can mix several commercial substrates or create a mixture using a combination of organic topsoil, play sand, and moss. Other self-made mixture options are possible, and you should research the subject thoroughly before creating your custom mix.

Layering clean, chemical-free leaf litter on the substrate can also help with humidity.

Remove poop and urate daily, along with the contaminated substrate. Regularly cleaning the substrate is recommended. We suggest replacing it monthly.

If using paper towels, replace them once they are soiled. Paper towels can quickly develop mold and hold bacteria if left unchanged for too long.

If you use a bare bottom enclosure, or alternative options such as tile, disinfect the material anytime they are soiled.

Ultimately, the choice of substrate for your snake’s enclosure will depend on your personal preferences and your pet’s needs. Regardless of which substrate you choose, you must maintain it properly to ensure your animal stays healthy and comfortable.

How to decorate an Emerald tree boa terrarium

Enrichment strategically provides items and activities to encourage a captive animal to exercise natural behaviors. Keep your pet entertained and engaged with its environment by strategically using décor items.

Since Emerald tree boas are arboreal, providing branches for them to climb and perch on is extremely important. Branches should be roughly the same width as the thickest point of the snake’s body and preferably have multiple forks.

Here are some other ideas to consider:

Aside from branches, ensure your snake has covered areas to retreat to when it wants privacy.

What to feed to an Emerald tree boa

Emerald tree boas are carnivorous, meaning they must eat whole animal prey for proper nutrition. Here is a basic feeding schedule based on snake age:

Newborns should be fed once every 10 days.
Juveniles should be fed once every 2-3 weeks.
Adults should be fed once every 3-4 weeks.

Prey items should be around 10% of the snake’s weight and no more than 1.5x its width at its widest point. For young Emerald tree boas, that’s usually pinky and fuzzy mice. You can transition them to hopper mice, adult mice, young rats, and chicken/quail chicks as they age.

You can feed live or frozen prey items. We recommend using frozen/thawed rodents when possible, as they are easier to find and store while eliminating the risk of the prey injuring your snake. If you choose to feed live prey, we strongly recommend monitoring your snake during feeding so that you can quickly remove the rodent if needed. Frozen prey should be thawed in a BPA-free plastic bag in warm water until it reaches ~100°F. Use a pair of soft-tipped feeding tweezers to offer it to your snake.

Water

Emerald tree boas tend to like to soak after a meal, so make sure to provide a large tub of water big enough to accommodate the snake’s entire body. Keep the water clean and debris-free, and scrub the bowl with a reptile-safe disinfectant weekly or whenever it becomes soiled.

How to handle your Emerald tree boa

Reptiles generally don’t appreciate petting and handling as dogs and cats do, and Emerald tree boas prefer to be left alone rather than handled. This means they’re happiest as display animals. But when you need to work in your boa’s enclosure, use a snake hook or paper towel to keep the snake occupied. Be gentle when picking up your reptile. It is best practice to pick it up from the side or below versus above. Support as much of its body as possible, and NEVER pick it up by its tail, as this can damage its spine!

If you’re worried about getting bitten, wear a pair of welding gloves and a face shield.

*This care sheet contains only basic information. Although it’s a good introduction, please further your research with high-quality sources. The more you know, the better you will be able to care for your pet!