Corallus caninus Nederland - website dedicated to the Emerald Tree Boa of South America

CARING FOR CORALLUS CANINUS IN CAPTIVITY (2)

Because Corallus caninus is a very delicate snake, special care needs to be taken when building confinements for these snakes. Both humidity levels and temperatures need to be in balance for the snakes to thrive. Corallus caninus also benefits from a good perch with ample provisions for 'hiding'. Synthetic plants hanging from the ceiling of the confinement over the perch will provide sufficient hiding perches for the snakes. This is particularly important for newly imported or wild-caught specimens that first need to adapt to their new environment. They will be nervous and will want to hide most of the time until they feel more secure. So, to avoid too much stress, foliage must be provided to enable them to retreat at times. Living plants are not recommended because the soil substrate they need provide the perfect conditions for bacteria and fungus to thrive and spread.

Humidity in the confinement can be fairly well controlled by means of frequent spraying sessions in the early morning and after dark. The snakes will drink this water from leaves and from their own bodies, so it must be very clean and never come from a long-standing container. As the temperature during the day rises, the water sprayed in the morning and after dark will slowly evaporate and provide the right humidity level during the entire day.

Relative air humidity may never be allowed to drop below 60% for prolonged periods and should never rise above 90% for long. The snakes need a proper balance between temperature and air humidity in order to breath properly, maintain a good health and in order to shed their skins properly when the time comes. A large flat water basin will help to maintain humidity levels.

It has been observed in captive specimens that the correct balance between humidity and temperature is essential to the good health and well-being of Corallus caninus (and other members of the Corallus family - [OXTOBY, Lacerta 1989). Respiratory problems will inevitably occur if the balance is wrong. Confinements should be well-ventilated but free from draughts and high-velocity air flows (= draught).

Materials & Substrates
Epoxy-coated plywood suits well as the base material for confinement because the material is highly insulative and repels moisture well. Substrates used should be easily removable to facilitate easy cage cleaning and disinfection (thus reducing stress). Organic substrates that collect and hold moisture are not really recommended, since these may have an adverse effect on the health of the snakes - they provide perfect conditions for fungal and bacterial growth if not frequently replaced or cleaned. Perches can be made from beechwood or even synthetic materials, but natural wood always looks and feels better, even to the snakes. Plastic feels cold; wood absorbs more warmth. Wood perches and branches should be coated first to prevent rotting.

Lighting/heating
As mentioned previously, lighting and heating can be combined to produce the correct heating and lighting. Heating panels are a good option, but so too are IR-heat sources. Lighting and heating should always be safeguarded in order to protect the snakes from burns if they come too close.