Snakes · Care guide
Eryx / Gongylophis ssp.
Many species of sand boa (Eryx / Gongylophis) from dry sandy habitats worldwide share the same husbandry. Most reach about 2 ft (Indian sand boa up to ~4 ft). Dry heat with a probe target of 80 °F, a humid hide for burrow-style humidity, and a rodent diet sized to girth — docile and straightforward when kept correctly.
At a glance
Key parameters for day-to-day husbandry. Full detail is in the sections below.
Daytime probe
80 °F
27 °C · thermostat sensor
Night drop
~10 °F
~70 °F · ~21 °C
Diet
Rodents
By girth · size stages
Adult size
~2 ft
Indian spp. up to ~4 ft
01 · Housing
Fossorial dry-habitat boas that burrow for humidity as well as security. Dry desert-style substrate, a humid hide, cool-side water bowl, and a clear temperature gradient. Smaller species from 36″ × 18″ × 18″; larger forms progressively larger.
Adult minimum size
36″ W × 18″ D × 18″ H
Smaller species minimum; larger forms progressively larger (Indian sand boa can reach ~4 ft). Dry setup with heat bulb, humid hide, and cool-side water bowl.
Housing diagram
Enclosure example
Front view 36″ wide × 18″ tall (depth 18″) · dry substrate · humid hide · cool water bowl
Setup diagram · 1 of 2
Top-down view
Heat bulb & probe left–right positions · Recommended temps need this layout
Setup diagram · 2 of 2
Front view
Looking into the vivarium · bulb on the ceiling · probe hangs down the back
02 · Climate
Dry heat with a clear cool-to-warm gradient (probe 80 °F · cool ~78 · mid 86–88 · warm 90–92 · bask ~95 °F) and a humid hide so the snake can choose humidity rather than high ambient moisture.
When the heat bulb and thermostat sensor are placed as instructed, a probe target of 80 °F (27 °C) creates this spread. The probe point is not the basking spot.
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Cool side | ~78 °F (~26 °C) |
| Probe point (thermostat probe target) | 80 °F (27 °C) |
| Middle | 86–88 °F (30–31 °C) |
| Warm side | 90–92 °F (32–33 °C) |
| Basking spot | ~95 °F (~35 °C) |
| Night drop | Reduce thermostat by ~70 °F (~21 °C) at night · ~10 °F drop |
Climate diagram
Heat & photoperiod
Heat dome on the warm side · day length 12 h winter / up to 16 h summer
Always have the thermostat dial turned down before you plug it into the mains for the first time. Set the probe to 80 °F (27 °C) for daytime once the heat bulb and sensor are in place.
03 · Nutrition
Straightforward feeders that almost invariably feed well when kept correctly. Rodent feeders sized to girth — settle first, then build a steady schedule.
At a glance
Guide as the snake grows — size relative to girth
| Prey | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 1 pinkie | 2× per week |
| 2 pinkies | 2× per week |
| 1 fluff | 2× per week |
| 2 fluffs | Every 5 days |
| 1 hop | Every 5 days |
| 1 small mouse | Every 7 days |
| 1 medium mouse | Every 7–10 days |
| 1 large mouse | Every 10–12 days |
| 1 extra-large mouse | Every 14 days |
Snakes may naturally refuse food at times — breeding season (males especially can go off feed for many months), and during shed (slough). The shed process can take 1–2 weeks; you may not notice the very beginning.
Speak to a member of staff if feeding concerns continue after settlement and shed cycles.
04 · Behaviour
Very tolerant of handling and extremely docile when settled. Patience first — regular feeding comes before handling.
Allow the snake to settle and begin eating regularly before handling — we recommend at least two successful feeds first. Adapting is stressful; early handling can make it worse.
Initial sessions: 5–10 minutes only. Lengthen as the snake becomes more comfortable.
Always wash or disinfect hands before and after handling to prevent bacteria transfer both ways.
Do not use aerosols or plug-in air fresheners near the enclosure — the chemicals can harm reptiles.
05 · Welfare
Prevention starts with correct husbandry — heat, hydration, and safe substrate working together.
Correct temperatures and hydration keep the immune system and gut working well — supporting essential physiological processes.
Pros
Cons
Questions
Minimum recommended is 36″ × 18″ × 18″ for smaller species, then progressively larger for bigger forms (Indian sand boas can reach about 4 ft). Use a dry desert-style substrate with a humid hide so they can retreat for humidity when shedding and at other times. Cool-side water bowl, heat bulb with the ¼/¼ probe method, and daily spot cleaning.
Set the thermostat probe to 80 °F (27 °C) by day with the heat bulb about one-quarter from one side and the probe one-quarter from the opposite side, hanging down the back a few inches from the floor. That creates a gradient of about 78 °F cool, 86–88 °F middle, 90–92 °F warm, and around 95 °F under the basking bulb. At night reduce the thermostat by about 10 °F to around 70 °F (21 °C).
Daytime heat about 12 hours in winter and up to 16 hours in summer when days are naturally longer. A clear day/night temperature difference lets metabolism slow at night so the body can rest.
Most species only grow to around 2 ft, though the Indian sand boa can reach about 4 ft. They are relatively small to medium snakes, straightforward to keep, very tolerant of handling, and extremely docile when kept correctly.
Allow the snake to settle and begin eating regularly before handling — at least two successful feeds first. Early sessions 5–10 minutes only; lengthen as they become more comfortable. Wait about 24 hours after feeding before handling so digestion is not interrupted. Always wash or disinfect hands before and after. No aerosols or plug-in air fresheners near the enclosure.
Young snakes twice a week while growing; sub-adults about once every five days; adults about once a week. Prey size should match the snake’s girth (not head size). Move up a size if a meal leaves no noticeable bulge a few hours after eating. Feed in the evening or overnight; remove uneaten food by morning.
Next steps
Shop heating, housing and lighting on this site, browse livestock when available, or speak to our team for a tailored kit list.
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