Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus) Care Sheet

The Vivarium Vault: Comprehensive Care Sheets
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Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus) Care Sheet (Revised)

​A complete guide for the successful keeping of this small, docile, and strictly burrowing arid snake, emphasizing deep, dry substrate and robust thermal control suitable for temperate climates.

​1. Overview & Commitment

  • ​Common Name: Kenyan Sand Boa (KSB)

  • ​Scientific Name: Eryx colubrinus

  • ​Natural Habitat: Semi-arid and arid regions of East and North Africa. They are fossorial (burrowing) and spend most of their time hidden.

  • ​Size: Females 60 – 90 cm 2 – 3 feet. Males are significantly smaller.

  • ​Lifespan: 15 – 20+ years in captivity.

  • ​Temperament: Extremely docile and reluctant to bite. Primarily crepuscular/nocturnal.

​2. Vivarium/Enclosure

​The enclosure must prioritize floor space, deep substrate, and security.

  • ​Minimum Adult Enclosure: 60 x 30 x 30 cm 24 x 12 x 12 inches or equivalent.

  • ​Recommended Housing (Ireland): PVC or Sealed Wooden Vivarium is recommended over glass. These materials offer superior insulation, making it easier and more energy-efficient to maintain the high, stable ground heat required, especially during cooler Irish nights.

  • ​Acceptable Alternative: A secure glass aquarium is acceptable, provided the keeper compensates for heat loss with appropriate heating.

  • ​Security (Crucial): Lids must be heavy and securely latched, as KSBs are adept at pushing up unsecured covers from below.

  • ​Structure: Minimal clutter. Provide one small hide on the cool side and sturdy water bowl.

​3. Substrate (The Most Critical Element)

​The substrate defines the habitat and must be deep and completely dry.

  • ​Recommended Substrate: A deep layer (at least 10 – 15 cmor 4-6 inches of fine-grain Play Sand or a 50/50 mix of Play Sand and Coconut Fiber (Coco Coir).

  • ​Management (Mandatory): The substrate must be maintained bone dry at all times. Damp substrate rapidly leads to scale rot and respiratory infections.

​4. Heating & Temperature

​Heat must be stable, dry, and penetrate the deep substrate layer efficiently.

  • ​Primary Heat Source: Under-Tank Heating Mat (UTH) or heat cable covering 1/3 to 1/2 of the floor, connected to a Thermostat.

  • ​Hot Spot (Sub-Surface): The temperature measured on the bottom of the tank above the UTH should reach 32C – 35C 90^F – 95F.

  • ​Cool Side Ambient: 21C – 26C 70F – 78F.

  • ​Night Time: Temperatures can safely drop to 18C – 21C 65F – 70F.

​5. Lighting & UV

  • ​Lighting: No special lighting is required due to their fossorial and nocturnal nature. A low-output LED can be used during the day to establish a cycle.

  • ​UVB: Not required, but a low-level strip (e.g., 2% T5) may be beneficial for general health.

​6. Humidity & Hydration

​Low ambient humidity is crucial for this arid species.

  • ​Ambient Humidity: Must be kept low, ideally between 30\% and 50\%.

  • ​Water Dish: A small, sturdy water dish should be available on the cool end.

  • ​Caution: Any water spilled must be cleaned immediately to prevent the substrate from becoming damp and risking infection.

​7. Diet & Feeding

  • ​Staple Diet: Appropriately sized frozen/thawed mice or small rats.

  • ​Feeding Schedule (Adult): Feed every 7–14 days.

  • ​Feeding Method: Prey is usually presented with tongs or left briefly on the substrate above where the snake is buried.

​8. Handling & Maintenance

  • ​Handling: They are very docile but should be handled carefully outside of the enclosure to prevent ingesting sand.

  • ​Maintenance: Spot-clean waste immediately. The entire dry substrate should be sifted/replaced every 3–4 \text{ months}.