Ghost Boa: Cost, Care Guide, Unique Traits & Investment Insights for Snake Enthusiasts

Marie curie

Boas

What do you get when you mix mystery with elegance? Meet the Ghost Boa, a mesmerizing blend of hypo and anerythristic traits that create a stunningly pale snake-like no other.

Ready to discover why this unique morph has captivated snake enthusiasts everywhere? Let’s discover with us!

Ghost Boa History & Genetics

The Ghost Boa’s story began when breeders decided to combine two special genetic traits—the Hypo gene, which reduces black pigment, and the Anerythristic gene, which removes red pigment.

This unique combination gave birth to the Ghost Boa Constrictor, a snake with a muted, almost ethereal appearance that captivated reptile enthusiasts.

First appearing in the 1990s, Ghost Boas quickly became popular for their soft, smoky colours and elegant look.

Genetically, they are double recessive morphs, meaning both parents need to carry these traits to produce a Ghost Boa morph, making them both a fascinating and sought-after addition to any boa collection.

Ghost Boa Traits

Appearance

  • Body Color: Ghost Boas are a beautiful blend of pale greys, silvers, and taupe colours due to the combination of Hypo and Anerythristic genes. They have a misty, almost smoky appearance.
  • Shape & Eyes: Their bodies are thick and muscular, much like other boas. The eyes are often a soft grey or light hue, contributing to their “ghostly” look.
  • Belly: The belly is light-coloured with minimal patterns.
  • Head Shape and Tail: The head is broad, with a pronounced snout. The tail color is usually a continuation of the muted tones, without the bright reds typical of other morphs.
  • Speed: They move slowly, similar to other boa constrictors, preferring to conserve energy and use stealth rather than speed.

Ghost Boa Size & Weight

  • Size: Ghost Boas grow to be around 6 to 9 feet in length, depending on genetics and sex.
  • Weight: Adults typically weigh between 20 to 30 pounds, with females usually being larger than males.

Behaviour and Temperament

These Boas are calm and can become quite accustomed to handling, making them a good choice for those who want a visually unique but manageable boa.

They are usually active during dusk and dawn, enjoying exploring branches and hiding spots. Their relaxed nature makes them less prone to striking.

Lifespan

They can live for 20 to 30 years with proper care, similar to other boa morphs.

Ghost Boa Cost

  • Adult Ghost Boas: Typically cost between $400 to $700 due to their rarer morph combination.
  • Hatchlings: Priced at about $200 to $350, as they are more accessible but still have desirable traits.
  • Juveniles: Usually cost between $300 to $500, reflecting their developing colours and morph characteristics.
  • Where to Buy: The best places to buy them, are from specialized breeders or through platforms like MorphMarket.
  • Reptile expos also offer great opportunities to find quality Ghost Boas from reputable sellers.

Ghost Boa Breeding & Reproduction

Pair Selection: Choose a healthy male and female Ghost Boa, both ideally over 2-3 years old and weighing at least 10 pounds. Ensure they carry the necessary genes for producing Ghost offspring.

Cooling Period: Gradually lower the enclosure temperature by 5-10°F for about 6 to 8 weeks to simulate natural seasonal conditions. This cooling period encourages breeding readiness.

Introducing the Pair: After the cooling phase, return to normal temperatures and introduce the male to the female’s enclosure. Look for courtship behaviours, such as the male rubbing against the female.

ghost boa constrictor

Mating: The male will initiate mating. This process may take a few days, with multiple matings likely occurring.

Gravid Stage: After successful mating, the female will become gravid, carrying the developing young for approximately 30 to 60 days.

Live Birth: Ghost Boas are ovoviviparous, so the female will give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Expect around 15 to 30 hatchlings.

Hatchling Care: Once born, provide the hatchlings with a separate, appropriate habitat and ensure they receive proper humidity and diet for healthy growth.

Some Famous Ghost Boa Morph Combinations

  • Ghost Albino Boa: This combination features both the Ghost and Albino traits, resulting in a bright, eye-catching snake with beautiful yellow and white patterns.
  • Ghost Stripe Boa: The Stripe gene adds a striking linear pattern along the back of the Ghost Boa, creating a visually appealing contrast with its muted colours.
  • Ghost Hypo Boa: Combining the Ghost and Hypo traits, this morph has reduced black pigmentation while retaining vibrant colours, giving it a soft, smoky appearance.
  • Ghost Jungle Boa: This morph incorporates the Jungle gene, enhancing the patterns and colours of the Ghost Boa, resulting in a striking visual effect.
  • Super Ghost Boa: This morph features an enhanced version of the Ghost trait, often with a more pronounced pale colouration and a cleaner look.

Ghost Boa Care Sheet

1. Enclosure Setup

  • Size:
  • Juveniles: Young Ghost Boas can be housed in a 20-gallon terrarium (around 30 x 12 x 12 inches). This allows for plenty of space while keeping them secure.
  • Adults: For adult Ghost Boas, which can grow 6-8 feet long, a larger enclosure of 4-6 feet (around 48 x 24 x 18 inches) is ideal. This will provide them with enough room to stretch out and explore.
  • Type: A secure glass terrarium or wooden vivarium with good ventilation is recommended. The enclosure should be escape-proof, as boas are excellent escape artists.
  • Temperature: They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure. The cool side should be maintained at 80-85°F, while the basking spot should be kept at 90-95°F. A heat lamp or under-tank heater can help maintain these temperatures.
  • Humidity: Ideal humidity for Ghost Boas is between 60-70%. You can maintain this level by misting the enclosure, adding a large water bowl for evaporation, or using a humidity-retentive substrate. A hygrometer will help monitor the humidity.
  • Lighting: UV lighting is not essential for Ghost Boas, but providing a regular day-night cycle is important. Natural light or LED lighting will suffice, with no need for special UVB lights unless desired.
  • Substrate: Good substrate choices include cypress mulch, aspen shavings, or reptile-safe coconut fiber. Avoid pine or cedar, as they can release harmful oils and cause respiratory issues in snakes.

2. Diet & Feeding

  • Food:
    • Ghost Boas are carnivorous, primarily feeding on rodents such as mice and rats. Large boas may also consume birds or small rabbits, depending on their size and growth stage.
  • Feeding Schedule:
    • Juveniles: Feed young Ghost Boas once every 7-10 days, depending on their size.
    • Adults: Feed adult boas once every 10-14 days. Ensure the prey size is appropriate—about the width of the thickest part of the boa’s body.
  • Supplements:
    • Generally, Ghost Boas do not require additional vitamins or supplements if their diet consists of whole prey. However, calcium supplements may be used if their diet lacks variety.

3. Water Needs

  • Provide a large water bowl for drinking and soaking. Soaking helps your Ghost Boa stay hydrated and assists with shedding.
  • Keep the water bowl clean, replacing the water daily to prevent bacterial growth. A clean water source is essential for their overall health.

4. Handling & Behavior

  • They are known for their calm nature, especially if they’re handled regularly from a young age. Always support the boa’s body when handling it, using both hands to prevent stress.
  • Handle your boa 1-2 times a week for 10-20 minutes to keep it used to human interaction. Avoid handling them after feeding or during shedding, as they may become more defensive or stressed.
  • For beginners, handling sessions should be short and gentle until the boa is comfortable with being held.

5. Health & Common Issues

  • Respiratory Infections: Common in boas if their enclosure is too cold or humid. Symptoms include wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or mucus. Adjusting the temperature and humidity levels and visiting a vet is necessary if these signs appear.
  • Shedding Problems: Poor humidity can lead to retained shed, especially around the eyes and tail. Increase humidity during shedding cycles or offer a soak in lukewarm water to assist in the process.
  • Mites and Parasites: Check your snake regularly for mites (tiny black or red dots) and parasites. Use reptile-safe treatments if mites are detected.
  • Signs of Illness: Lethargy, refusal to eat, weight loss, and irregular behaviour are common signs of illness. If you notice any of these, consult a reptile veterinarian.

6. Shedding Process

  • Ghost Boas shed their skin regularly as they grow. During this time, their skin may appear dull, and their eyes may turn cloudy. This is a normal part of the process, and increased humidity can help the snake shed easily.
  • Ensure a water bowl large enough for soaking is available, and maintain optimal humidity (around 70%) during shedding.

7. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Spot Cleaning: Remove waste and shed skin regularly, ideally daily or every few days. Spot cleaning helps maintain a clean environment and prevents odour.
  • Full Cleaning: Replace the substrate and thoroughly clean the enclosure every 4-6 weeks. Use reptile-safe disinfectants to prevent the buildup of bacteria or mold.
  • Hygiene: Good hygiene is crucial for avoiding infections, respiratory issues, and unpleasant smells in the enclosure.

Conclusion

The Ghost Boa, with its soft, smoky appearance and mesmerizing morph combinations, is truly a unique boa to behold.

Its calm temperament, alongside its attractive coloration, makes it a fantastic choice for hobbyists and breeders alike.

This Boa Morph can be a stunning addition to any collection, bringing a subtle beauty that never fails to impress.

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