Sand strangler - a description of where he lives, features

In nature, this type of snake is found in Central Asia and Iran. In our country, they were seen in the Caucasus and Kalmykia. As a rule, they live in areas where there is a large amount of sand and clay. Sometimes individual individuals are found in abandoned burrows in gardens and vineyards. Consider the creeping lifestyle and the features of their appearance.

What does it look like?

An adult reaches a size of up to 70 centimeters, however, larger snakes are also found. A thin flattened head smoothly passes into the body. The tail is small and flattened. When bitten, the snake does not emit any poisons, therefore it is completely safe for humans. The bite is rather unpleasant and looks like a sharp needle prick. The coloring of the classic look of a sand strangler can be seen in the photos on the net. In deserts and semi-deserts located in the northern or western parts, completely black snakes are found. Scientists gave them a name - melanists.

Sand boas prefer to live alone. An individual can easily dig any mink. In sunny and hot weather, snakes burrow deep in the sand and seek shelter. The strangler loves to stick his head out of the sand and lie so, observing the movement of the victim. In addition, they can crawl into other minks and feed on its inhabitants.

The main enemies of the constrictors are birds of prey and monitor lizards. For the latter - this is a favorite treat. In November, snakes hibernate and wake up with the onset of warm days.

Sand Choke Diet

Mating period

Reproduction of sand boas begins in the spring, after they come out of hibernation. Females bear their cubs for 3 months. Snakes belong to the class of viviparous, therefore, there can be no talk of laying eggs. In late July, snakes begin to be born. One female can give birth to up to 15 stranglers. Their length is 12 centimeters. Puberty occurs at 4 years.

How to keep and breed sand boas?

These snakes are a great option for people who decide to engage in breeding creeping. They do not require special care and are easy to maintain. In addition, they quickly find a common language with the person.

For their maintenance, it is recommended to make a terrarium measuring 60x40x30 centimeters. Although for their constrictors, some prepare much less space. Now they live in a container, having ceded their habitat to another animal. This is a temporary house, because they will still grow both in length and thickness. Back to the terrarium. Its doors must be tightly closed, otherwise the doublers can open them and crawl out.

What should be in the terrarium?

Many professionals recommend creating conditions close to their habitat. At the bottom you need to pour fine sand and mix it with dry granules. The total soil layer should be about 5 centimeters. Here they can freely move and dig holes for themselves. In the terrarium, it is also necessary to install a bath of water, where they will drink and moisten their skin. It can be set for a while, and then removed. If the snake is in a container of water, then the humidity is quite low.

Some use coconut flakes as soil. It is softer, which allows snakes to dig minks.

In addition to all of the above, it is recommended to install a wooden stick. Boas can often be seen on this decorative element. Sand boas are able to stand upright, leaning on the walls of the terrarium, and on their small tail.

Important! Do not put objects where there are holes whose diameters coincide with the strangler. In this case, they may get stuck.

Maintaining the temperature at the required level is provided by light bulbs of various capacities. During the day, the temperature should be + 25 ° C, and at night much less. It is better to create several conditions in the terrarium so as not to rearrange the bulbs. How to do it? In one corner there should be a temperature of + 35 ° C. And in the other + 25 ° C. In this case, the strangler will be in different angles depending on the time of day.

What does a boa constrictor eat at home?

Sand chokes feed on small mice, which can be called "naked" or "runner." It all depends on the age of the snake. Some owners want to introduce dead mice into the diet. However, they are not suitable for everyone, since snakes need to hunt.

Older individuals feed on rats, large mice and chickens. One boa constrictor needs to be fed once every two weeks. Although they may not eat for months. It is better not to feed out the hands of the boa constrictors, since when they see their hands they will throw and bite. It’s better to pick them up more often so that they feel warm and safe.

How to breed snakes?

The ripening period of sand boas begins at the age of 4 years. To begin with, they need to create conditions for wintering. They gradually lower the temperature in the terrarium and stop feeding. Before this period, the stranglers are recommended to feed every two weeks and maintain a temperature of + 30 ° С. After that, they begin to create the necessary conditions. Wintering should last for 90 days, but this period can be done even less. With the onset of spring, the temperature in the terrarium is normalized and full feeding begins.

It is worth noting that some males or females eat after mating. No snakes need to be touched while mating. During courtship, the male constantly crawls after the female in the aquarium.

Snake ovulation occurs in a few weeks. And it is true. Sperm is in the body before a certain period, and then fertilization occurs.

Sand orangers ovulation can be observed quite simply. In the middle of the body, the female begins to show compaction, as if she only swallowed food of impressive size. If this is not observed, then it is necessary to put the female and the male in the same terrarium again. Throughout pregnancy, it is better to maintain a temperature of + 35 ° C. It is recommended to create temperature differences in various angles. If everything is done correctly, then at the end of August small snakes will appear. They hatch in a special shell, from which they crawl out independently after a while. As soon as they begin to crawl, they are cleaned in a separate terrarium with moist soil. The first molt should happen there. It is necessary to feed them with newborn mice, crickets or cockroaches. Sex determination is carried out according to a specific table. From this, many make a good business.

Conclusion

An adult reaches 80 centimeters long. As they grow, it is necessary to increase the size of the aquarium. As for reproduction, then everything is simple.First of all, they create wintering conditions, gradually lowering the temperature. After 100 days, the female sits in one container with the male. Sand constrictors are viviparous. The emergence of small individuals occurs at the end of August. Little cubs also need care. After reaching a certain age, they can be sold.

Video: sand constrictor (Eryx miliaris)