5 Essential Tips for Caring for a Kenyan Sand Boa

Looking for a calm, low-maintenance pet snake that won’t outgrow your living room? The Kenyan sand boa might be your perfect match. These little diggers are docile, easy to care for, and don’t need a ton of space — but there are a few things to know before bringing one home.

Why We Love Kenyan Sand Boas

First off, they’re adorable — chunky, with a cute shovel-shaped head and a tail that looks like a second head (a built-in defense trick). They’re one of the smallest boa species, with males often staying under two feet and females topping out around three feet. That smaller size makes them easier to handle and house than many other snakes.

They’re also pretty chill. Kenyan sand boas aren’t climbers or explorers — they prefer to stay buried in their bedding most of the time. So if you’re looking for a flashy, always-on-display kind of reptile, this might not be it. But if you like the idea of a secretive little snake that’s easy to care for, this is a great choice.

What to Know Before You Get One

Handling:
They can be handled, but gently — especially the smaller males. They’re not aggressive, but they can be a little unpredictable when buried. I’ve had them strike out of nowhere if I startled them while cleaning. Just move slowly and scoop, don’t grab. Once they know you, they tend to settle down.

Feeding:
Yes, they eat mice. That’s a dealbreaker for some, but the good news is they’re not picky eaters. Most do fine with thawed frozen mice, which feels a lot less intense than feeding live ones. Juveniles eat weekly; adults every two weeks.

Housing Needs:
They don’t need much space — a 10-gallon tank works for most, though big females might appreciate a bit more room. Just make sure the lid is secure. They’re not escape artists, but better safe than sorry.

Heat and Humidity:
These snakes are desert natives, so they like it warm and dry. Keep one side of their home around 90–95°F and the cool side in the low 80s. At night, it can drop to 70°F. Humidity should be low — just mist occasionally, especially when they’re getting ready to shed.

Substrate Matters:
Even though they’re called “sand” boas, skip the sand — it can cause health issues if ingested. Aspen shavings are a much safer and more comfortable option. They love to burrow, so give them something they can really dig into.

Lighting:
They don’t need special lighting, but a low UVB light or regular day/night cycle helps them stay in sync. If they’re in a dark room, leave a light on during the day.

Decor:
They don’t care much for decorations, but a hide or two and some lightweight items won’t hurt. Just avoid anything heavy that could crush them if they dig it loose.

Long-Term Commitment

Kenyan sand boas can live up to 30 years in captivity. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and available in a bunch of beautiful morphs (like albino, snow, and anerythristic) that are becoming easier to find and fairly affordable.

They’re also live-bearers — no eggs! — and breeding them is relatively simple if that’s something you want to explore down the line.

Final Thoughts

Kenyan sand boas are a great first snake for someone who wants a low-key, hands-off reptile that’s still beautiful and fascinating. They’re not flashy or super interactive, but they’re easy to care for, don’t need a big setup, and have tons of personality once you get to know them.

If you’re okay with the occasional feeding of mice and a pet that prefers hiding over hanging out, this could be your perfect reptile roommate.