Step into the intriguing realm of the Anery Boa, known for its unique and eye-catching appearance that sets it apart from other boa morphs.
What makes the Anery Boa’s colouration so distinctive, and how does its gentle nature make it an ideal pet?
Dive in with us as we uncover the captivating traits, care tips, and fascinating facts about these beautiful snakes that have captured the hearts of reptile lovers everywhere!
Anery Boa History & Genetics
The Anery Boa has an intriguing history, emerging as a popular morph among reptile enthusiasts in the late 1990s.
This captivating snake is characterized by its unique lack of red pigmentation, resulting from a genetic mutation that causes a black and white or gray appearance, setting it apart from other boa constrictors.
The Anery trait is inherited as a recessive gene, meaning that both parent snakes must carry this gene for the offspring to exhibit the stunning anery colouration.
Breeders have since selectively paired Anery Boas to enhance this distinct morph’s features, leading to various beautiful combinations.
The appeal of the Anery Boa continues to grow, thanks to its striking looks and calm demeanour, making it a favourite among both new and experienced reptile keepers.
The ongoing interest in this morph has spurred research into its genetics, deepening the understanding of how these stunning colours are produced.
Anery Boa Traits or Characteristics
Anery Boa Appearance
- Body Color: The Anerythristic Boa showcases a stunning gray or black base color with striking white or cream patterns, giving it a distinctive appearance. This morph lacks the typical red pigments found in other boas.
- Shape: Similar to other boas, Anery Boas have a thick, muscular body.
- Eyes & Belly: Their eyes are dark, often blending in with their overall coloration, and the belly is usually lighter, often with a slightly mottled pattern.
- Head Shape and Tail: The head is broad with a slightly pointed snout, leading to a tapering tail. The tail often has the same distinct markings as the body.
- Speed: They are not particularly fast; they tend to be deliberate and slow in their movements.
Anery Boa Size & Weight
- Size: Adult Anery Boas typically grow to lengths of 6 to 10 feet.
- Weight: They usually weigh between 20 to 30 pounds.
Behavior and Temperament
- Temperament: Known for their docile nature, they are friendly and tend to enjoy handling, making them suitable for pet owners of all experience levels.
- Behavior: They are also mostly nocturnal and can be quite curious, often exploring their surroundings.
Lifespan
With proper care, Anery Boas can live for 20 years or more in captivity.
Anery Boa Cost
- Adult Price: Anery Boas can range from $300 to $800, depending on genetics and breeding quality.
- Hatchling Price: Hatchlings typically cost between $100 and $400.
- Juvenile Price: Juveniles may range from $200 to $600.
- Where to Buy: Reputable breeders and specialized reptile expos are the best places to find Anery Boas. Ensure you purchase from a seller who provides a health guarantee and has positive reviews within the reptile community.
Anery Boa Breeding & Reproduction
Choose healthy, mature Anery Boas for breeding, ensuring they are at least 3 years old.
Breeding a visual Anery Boa with a normal or het (heterozygous) Anery can yield various offspring with different colour patterns.
Set up a spacious breeding enclosure that mimics their natural habitat.
The setup should include plenty of hiding spots and optimal temperature and humidity levels should be maintained to encourage mating.
Introduce the male Anery Boa to the female during the breeding season, typically in the cooler months. This is when they are most likely to engage in courtship behaviour.
Observe the mating rituals, which may involve the male wrapping around the female and displaying courtship behaviours.
Successful copulation may last several hours, and multiple mating sessions are common.
Egg-Laying & Incubation
After successful mating, the female will develop eggs over the next 30 to 40 days. Ensure she has a suitable nesting area to lay her eggs comfortably, as they require a safe, warm place.
Collect the eggs and place them in an incubator set at approximately 88-90°F (31-32°C) with high humidity. The incubation period lasts around 60 to 70 days, depending on conditions.
When the eggs hatch, it’s vital to provide appropriate housing for the hatchlings.
Each young Anery Boa should have its own enclosure equipped with the necessary habitat elements for optimal health and growth.
Some Famous Anery Boa Morph Combinations
- Anery Hypo Boa: Lighter colouration with reduced dark pigmentation, enhancing brightness.
- Anery Snow Boa: Pale, ghostly appearance with soft shades of grey and white.
- Anery Coral Glow Boa: Vibrant yellows and pinks over a greyish base.
- Anery Tiger Boa: Bold banding on a light base, creating a striking contrast.
- Anery Pastel Boa: Bright colours with reduced dark markings, enhancing overall brightness.
Anery Boa Care Sheet
1. Enclosure Setup
- Tank Size: Young angry boas can start in a 20-30 gallon tank, but adults need an enclosure that is at least 6 feet long and 2-3 feet wide for adequate space.
- Substrate: Use safe substrates like cypress mulch, coconut fiber, or newspaper. Avoid cedar and pine as they contain harmful oils.
- Hides and Decorations: Provide at least two hides (one on the warm side and one on the cool side). For semi-arboreal boas, offer branches or sturdy climbing decor.
2. Temperature and Heating
- Temperature Gradient: The warm side of the enclosure should be maintained at 85°F-90°F, with the cool side around 75°F-80°F.
- Heat Source: Use heat pads or ceramic heat emitters with thermostats to regulate temperature.
- Night Temperature: Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly but should not fall below 75°F.
3. Lighting
- Natural Day/Night Cycle: UVB lighting is not necessary for them. A regular 12-hour light/dark cycle using standard lights is sufficient.
- Supplementary Lighting: If UVB is not used, ambient room light or basic daylight bulbs can provide enough light for a natural day/night rhythm.
4. Humidity
- Humidity Levels: Aim for humidity between 50%-70%. Mist the enclosure as needed, especially during shedding periods.
- Humidity Control: Misting, a water dish, or a humidity box can help maintain the correct humidity level.
5. Feeding
- Diet: They typically eat rodents. Feed prey that is no larger than the boa’s widest part.
- Feeding Schedule: Juveniles should be fed every 5-7 days, while adults can be fed every 10-14 days.
- Live vs. Frozen/Thawed Prey: Frozen/thawed prey is recommended to avoid injury from live rodents.
6. Water
- Water Dish: Provide a fresh water dish that is large enough for the boa to soak in if needed. Change the water regularly.
- Soaking: Anery boas may soak before shedding. Ensure the dish is large enough for full submersion.
7. Handling
- Frequency: Handle your boa snake1-3 times per week to avoid stress.
- Proper Technique: Support the snake’s entire body while handling, and avoid quick movements.
8. Shedding
- Signs of Shedding: Dull skin and blue, cloudy eyes indicate the boa is about to shed.
- Shedding Assistance: Increase humidity and provide a moist hide to aid in shedding.
9. Health & Common Issues
- Health Monitoring: A healthy anery boa will have clear eyes, smooth skin, and regular feeding habits.
- Common Health Problems: Watch for respiratory infections, shedding issues, and scale rot. Keep the enclosure clean and provide proper humidity.
- Veterinary Care: Regular checkups with a reptile vet are recommended to ensure the boa’s health.
10. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Cleaning Schedule: Spot-clean the enclosure daily and perform a thorough cleaning, including substrate replacement, every 3-4 weeks.
- Sanitization: Use reptile-safe disinfectants and ensure everything is rinsed well after cleaning.
Conclusion
The Anery Boa stands out for its beautiful coloration and calm demeanor, appealing to both hobbyists and first-time snake owners.
With its unique patterns and stunning looks, they are a true gem in the world of reptiles, perfect for those seeking a captivating companion.
