Explore the Anery Kenyan Sand Boa: A Unique Reptile

Introduction

The Kenyan Sand Boa (Eryx colubrinus) is a fascinating and relatively low-maintenance snake species native to North-Eastern Africa. Known for its docile temperament, compact size, and captivating color variations, the Kenyan Sand Boa is a popular choice for beginner reptile keepers. This care guide delves into the specifics of caring for the Anery Kenyan Sand Boa, a striking morph characterized by its lack of typical pigmentation.

Enclosure Setup

A Kenyan Sand Boa's enclosure should mimic its natural, sandy environment to support its burrowing behavior. A 35-gallon terrarium suits adults, while juveniles thrive in smaller, 10-gallon setups. Ensure the habitat is secure and well-ventilated, using either a plastic tub with air holes or a glass terrarium with a mesh lid for air circulation. You can line the bottom of the container with newspaper, sand, or aspen, which Kenyan sand boas love!

Temperature and Humidity

Kenyan Sand Boas prefer a warm, dry environment. Maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with a warm side around 85-90°F (29-32°C) and a cooler side around 75°F (24°C). A basking spot of 90-95°F (32-35°C) can be provided using a ceramic heat emitter or a heat lamp. The Kenyan sand boa prefers lower humidity, because it comes from a dry region in Africa. 20 to 50 humidity is perfect for this snake. There also should be no moisture on the sides of the tank or in the substrate. It should be nice and dry.

Diet and Feeding

Kenyan Sand Boas are carnivores and thrive on a diet consisting exclusively of frozen and thawed mice. The size of the mouse and how often you will feed your Kenyan Sand Boa depends mostly on its age. Baby Kenyan Sand Boas and younger snakes need to eat frequently because of how they will need the calories for their growth. That said, feed your Kenyan Sand Boa with a pinky mouse every 4 to 5 days. Increase the portion sizes as the snake grows bigger and older. Frozen mice can be thawed by placing them in a plastic bag and placing the plastic bag in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water for 20 to 30 minutes.

Anery Morph

The Anery Kenyan Sand Boa, also known as the "Anerythristic" morph, is a striking variation that lacks the typical pigmentation found in other Kenyan Sand Boas. This results in a striking contrast between the brown/black blotched patterning and the pastel grey base. Many Anery Kenyan Sand Boas have patterning that is a shade of brown. Animals that are pitch black as adults are pretty rare. The Anery morph is highly sought after by collectors for its unique and striking appearance. Anery Kenyan Sand Boas are just as easy to care for as their normally pigmented counterparts, requiring the same husbandry practices for optimal health and well-being.

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