Sweetie Joins the Family: Our Brazilian Rainbow Boa Adventure
Sweetie’s first hand holding session - glove came off in a matter of minutes - she is a sweetheart as Kiley would call her!
Well folks, the snake madness did not stop with Ludo and Zoey. Along came the Show Me Reptile Expo in Warwick, RI – on, in fact, our 17th wedding anniversary. This expo was actually the first one we experienced back in early 2024, then again twice this year. Unfortunately, it seems the expo is getting smaller and smaller. We still managed to find a way to have fun, and well, something found its way home with us.
An Anniversary to Remember
Ever since our first expo of 2024, momma has had her eyes on Brazilian Rainbow Boas. One breeder in particular, Boa's by Beck from Massachusetts, has been a go-to table at all the local expos we have seen over the past two years.
Each visit we got closer and closer, and then on October 11, 2025 – it was done. Matt, with his wicked awesome Massachusetts accent and flair, sold us within a matter of minutes. Not gonna lie, someone (momma) was browsing his stock on Morph Market a few days leading up to the show and kept talking about the Bullseye Brazilian Rainbows.
Every experience with Matt from Boa's by Beck was an awesome one. During our first visit early last year, he let Kiley hold onto a very long shed. It was awesome seeing how excited he was to sell us our new baby Rainbow Boa, and knowing it was our anniversary, he gave us a very sweet deal. In fact – Kiley promptly named her Sweetie.
Matt gave us a care guide, talked to us at length about how to care for the little kritters, and has even kept in contact with Dad as we have gotten her settled. The guy is the pinnacle of rainbow boa knowledge, and we are thankful he is willing to go that extra mile and check in with his clients.
The picture with the Adult Rainbow really captures the iridescent rainbow effect that these snakes can display!
Image Credit: Matt Boekeler holding an adult Rainbow Boa of Boas by Beck
Why We Waited
Now, we have most likely held off on Rainbow Boas for a few reasons. They aren't an entry-level reptile keeper choice. They need to remain in a very humid environment but also have lower temperatures than your typical Ball Python or Boa Imperator species. They also can be very feisty as babies, but Matt ensured us – and Sweetie has proved to us – that he brings his best-mannered animals to the shows. So far, she has been a ball, literally! The first few handling sessions she balled up just like a Ball Python would. After a few minutes, she relaxes and comes out of her proverbial shell and explores.
Sweetie's Setup
Currently, we have her in an appropriate locking tub with an under-the-tub heat mat on a dimming thermostat on one side and temperatures locked in around 83 degrees. The cooler side is more 75-78 degrees. Of course, we have a hide on each side, a sturdy water bowl that helps with the humidity on the cool side, and a mix of ReptiChip and Cypress mulch for substrate. We have temp and humidity gauges on either side, a heat gun, and so far, everything has been spot on! She enjoys a nice rock where we typically drop feed her FT pinkie mice on, a piece of cork bark, and some fake vine plants for enrichment. Eventually, we will be building her a 5x2x2, but for now, she is comfy and seems to be happy.
Meet Sweetie
Sweetie, our new Brazilian Rainbow Boa, was born on August 3, 2025, and is a "Bullseye" named trait. This refers to her pattern; most Rainbow Boas have what to me looks like either Mario coins or even cartoon funny eyes. The "Bullseye" trait has a pattern where each circle looks like a bullseye on a target. A fun fact about the Brazilian Rainbow Boa is that its name comes from the iridescent, rainbow-like shimmer on its scales, which is caused by microscopic ridges that refract light, not by pigments. This is similar to how a prism creates a rainbow. They are obviously from South America, like to spend a lot of time in the water, are a very strong snake, and closely related to the Anaconda.
Care Guidelines for Brazilian Rainbow Boas
For anyone considering adding a Brazilian Rainbow Boa to their family, here are some essential care guidelines based on our research and experience with Sweetie:
Enclosure Requirements
Baby/Juvenile: Start with a secure tub or terrarium (20-40 gallons). Sweetie is thriving in her locking tub setup.
Adult: Minimum 4x2x2 feet, though we are planning a 5x2x2 for Sweetie as she grows. These snakes are active and appreciate the space.
Security: Rainbow Boas are escape artists! Make sure your enclosure has secure locks.
Temperature and Humidity
Hot Spot: 82-85°F (we keep Sweetie's at 83°F)
Cool Side: 75-78°F
Humidity: 75-90% (this is critical!)
Nighttime: Temperatures can drop slightly, around 70-75°F
Use a dimming thermostat for precise temperature control and invest in reliable digital thermometers and hygrometers for both sides of the enclosure.
Substrate and Furnishings
Substrate: Cypress mulch, ReptiChip, or a mixture of both works great for maintaining humidity. We use a blend for Sweetie.
Hides: Provide at least two hides – one on the warm side and one on the cool side. Snug-fitting hides help them feel secure.
Water Bowl: A large, sturdy water bowl is essential. Rainbow Boas love to soak, and the water bowl helps maintain humidity.
Climbing Enrichment: Add branches, cork bark, and fake plants. These snakes are semi-arboreal and enjoy climbing.
Feeding
Babies: Frozen-thawed pinkie mice every 5-7 days. Sweetie is currently on this schedule.
Juveniles: Appropriately sized mice or small rats every 7-10 days.
Adults: Medium rats every 10-14 days.
We drop-feed Sweetie on a flat rock in her enclosure to avoid substrate ingestion. Some keepers prefer tong feeding or feeding in a separate container.
Handling and Temperament
Baby Rainbow Boas can be defensive and may strike or musk when scared. Sweetie balled up during her first few handling sessions but quickly relaxed.
Handle gently and consistently (2-3 times per week) to build trust.
As they mature, most Rainbow Boas become calmer and more tolerant of handling.
Always support their body and move slowly – they are strong constrictors!
Health and Maintenance
Shedding: High humidity is crucial for healthy sheds. Provide a humid hide if needed.
Misting: Lightly mist the enclosure daily or as needed to maintain humidity levels.
Cleaning: Spot clean daily and do a full substrate change every 4-6 weeks.
Vet Visits: Find a reptile-experienced vet and schedule annual checkups.
Things to Know Before You Commit
Brazilian Rainbow Boas are not beginner snakes. They require precise humidity and temperature control.
They can live 20-30 years with proper care – this is a long-term commitment.
They grow to 5-7 feet on average, with females typically larger than males.
Their iridescent scales are stunning but require consistent care to maintain their health and beauty.
They are closely related to Anacondas and share similar care needs, particularly their love of water.
Our Rainbow Boa Journey Continues
Adding Sweetie to the Kiley's Kritters family has been an incredible adventure. From momma's two-year fascination with these gorgeous snakes to pulling the trigger with Matt from Boa's by Beck and bringing home our Bullseye beauty on our anniversary, every moment has been special. Watching Sweetie's iridescent scales shimmer under the light, seeing her relax during handling sessions, and learning the ins and outs of her specific care needs has deepened our appreciation for these amazing reptiles.
We know Rainbow Boas aren't for everyone, and that's okay. They demand attention to detail, consistent husbandry, and a willingness to learn. But for families like ours who are ready to take that next step in reptile keeping, the reward is absolutely worth it. Sweetie has already taught us so much, and we are excited to share her journey with all of you.
If you are considering a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, do your research, find a reputable breeder like Matt at Boa's by Beck, and make sure you are ready for the commitment. These snakes are stunning, fascinating, and full of personality – but they need keepers who are prepared to meet their needs.
Here's to Sweetie, to Matt for his incredible knowledge and support, and to all the reptile lovers out there who share our passion for these beautiful kritters. We cannot wait to see what adventures lie ahead with our newest family member!
Stay curious, stay kind, and keep loving those kritters!
– The Kiley's Kritters Family
