Snakes · Care guide
Candoia paulsoni
Pacific Island Candoia about 4 ft (females larger) that climb nearly as much as tree boas. Adult vivarium 36″ × 24″ × 24″ (3×2×2 ft · height preferred), cool-end probe 78–80 °F, Shadedweller Max UV, coir and orchid bark, humidity about 60–70% day / over 90% night with night spray priority, a large soak bowl, and a rodent diet sized to girth.
At a glance
Key parameters for day-to-day husbandry. Full detail is in the sections below.
Daytime probe
78–80 °F
26–27 °C · cool-end sensor
Night drop
~10 °F
~70 °F · ~21 °C
Humidity
60–70 / 90%+
Day / night · spray 1–2×
Adult vivarium
36×24×24
W×D×H inches · (3×2×2 ft · height preferred)
01 · Housing
High-humidity Pacific Island boas that like to hide by day and climb nearly as much as tree boas. Give generous floor cover — hides on both ends, branches and tunnels, artificial plants, humid coir and orchid bark, and a large cool-side soak bowl. Adult minimum 36″ × 24″ × 24″ (3×2×2 ft) with height preferred.
Adult minimum size
36″ W × 24″ D × 24″ H
3×2×2 ft minimum with height preferred for climbing. Heat bulb with cool-end probe method, Shadedweller Max UV, humid coir and orchid bark, and a large cool-side soak bowl (Candoia like to submerge).
Housing diagram
Enclosure example
Front view 36″ wide × 24″ tall (depth 24″) · hides · branches · tunnels · foliage · cool water bowl · humid coir and bark
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
Cool-end probe 78–80 °F with a clear cool-to-warm gradient, Shadedweller Max UV, and high humidity (~60–70% day / over 90% night) with a night spray priority.
When the heat bulb and thermostat sensor are placed as instructed, a probe target of 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) creates this spread. The probe point is not the basking spot.
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Cool side | ~76 °F (~24 °C) |
| Probe point (thermostat probe target) | 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) |
| Middle | 84–86 °F (29–30 °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
Lighting setup
Shadedweller Max on the ceiling · heat dome on the warm side · match UV to heat
Always have the thermostat dial turned down before you plug it into the mains for the first time. Set the probe to 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) for daytime once the heat bulb and cool-end sensor are in place.
03 · Nutrition
Rodent feeders sized to girth. Settle first, then build a steady schedule.
At a glance
Relative to girth · ask staff if sizing is unclear
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
Patience first — they can be a little feisty initially. Settling and regular feeding come 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, UV, hydration, and safe substrate working together.
Correct temperatures, hydration, and UV where used keep the immune system and gut working well — supporting essential physiological processes.
Pros
Cons
Questions
Adult minimum is a vivarium 36″ wide × 24″ deep × 24″ tall with height preferred for climbing. Solomon Island Ground Boas are a Candoia family from Pacific islands off New Guinea and Indonesia — about 4 ft (females larger); five other subspecies share this husbandry. Use humid coir mixed with orchid bark, at least two hides (cool and hot), branches and tunnels, artificial plants, and a large cool-side soak bowl (Candoia like to submerge). Heat bulb with cool-end probe method (sensor opposite heat, 2–3″ from substrate) and Shadedweller Max UV.
Set the cool-end thermostat probe to 78–80 °F (26–27 °C) by day with the heat bulb about one-quarter from one side, halfway front–back, and the probe on the opposite cold end hanging from the top ventilation cover about two to three inches from the substrate. That creates a gradient of about 76 °F cool, 84–86 °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.
They need high humidity. Daytime can be as low as 60–70%, rising to over 90% at night as much as possible. Spray 1–2 times a day with the night spray most important — that night spike matches wild conditions and supports the respiratory system. Spray systems and foggers can help. Use humid coir mixed with orchid bark.
Although boas are nocturnal, we recommend UV systems — research has found they access UV rays at some point during daylight hours, even while resting with part of the body exposed. Use a Shadedweller Max. Mount on the ceiling. Daytime heat 12 hours in winter and up to 16 hours in summer.
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 24–48 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 a week; adults every 2–3 weeks (slow metabolism). Prey size should match the snake’s girth (not head size). Feed in the evening or overnight; remove uneaten food by morning. Do not feed during shed — wait until after the shed is complete.
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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