Scaly friends count too.
Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Also called Northern Rubber Boa
From Western North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Adults range from 38 to 84 cm; newborns are 19-23 cm.
Wild recaptures show over 20 years; the oldest known lived at least 50 years.
Looks how to spot one
scales
The rubber boa has small, smooth, shiny scales that give its skin a loose, wrinkled, rubbery look and feel. Its body is thick and its tail is blunt, resembling the head to confuse predators.12
Personality what they are like
Rubber boas are famously calm and non-aggressive. They never strike, even when frightened, and will instead curl into a ball or release a smelly musk. When handled, they gently wrap around a wrist and stay put for a long time, seeming to enjoy the warmth.54
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low. They are nocturnal and spend most of the day hidden in snug shelters. They do not need large enclosures or exercise space, but they do need secure hiding spots.42
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low. Provide a secure enclosure with tight-fitting lid (they are expert escape artists). Use a substrate that allows burrowing, such as aspen or cypress mulch. Keep a water bowl and maintain humidity moderate. Clean the enclosure regularly.46
Home where they are happiest
A 10-gallon tank is fine for a young snake; a 20-gallon long for an adult female. Provide several tight hides (e.g. overturned clay pot saucers with a notch, folded newspapers). Keep a thermal gradient with a warm side around 27-30°C and a cool side around 21-24°C. They are not venomous and are legal to keep in most places, but check local regulations.46
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In captivity, feed pre-killed or frozen-thawed pinky or fuzzy mice. Larger females can take hopper or small adult mice. Offer food every 5-14 days depending on age and size. They are constrictors and will wrap around prey.64
Company who they like around
Solitary. They do not need company and should be housed alone. They are secretive and prefer to be left alone most of the time. Handling is fine but keep sessions short and gentle.4
The story where it all began
The rubber boa has been kept as a pet for decades, prized for its docile nature and manageable size. It was first described scientifically in the 19th century. In the wild it is found across western North America. Its calm temperament makes it a favourite among snake enthusiasts, especially for beginners and those who want a snake that is easy to handle.14
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rubber Boa. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh waterevery day
- Temperature checkCheck the warm and cool endsevery day
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Spot cleanevery 2 days
- FeedingHow often depends on species, age and sizevaries
- Shed checkNote each shed in the diary; a complete shed is a good signvaries
- Weigh inevery month
- Full cleanevery month
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rubber Boa?
Feed your rubber boa every 5 to 14 days, depending on its age and size. Younger snakes need more frequent meals, while adults can go longer. Always check the food label and ask your vet for a schedule that fits your snake.64 Furry Diary plan
What does a Rubber Boa eat, and what should it never eat?
Rubber boas eat pre-killed or frozen-thawed pinky or fuzzy mice; larger females can take hopper or small adult mice. They should never be fed live prey, as it can injure them. Stick to the recommended prey items for safe feeding.64
How much space does a Rubber Boa need?
A 10-gallon tank is fine for a young rubber boa, and a 20-gallon long works well for an adult female. They don't need a huge enclosure, but they do need secure hiding spots to feel safe.46
What temperature, light or water does a Rubber Boa need?
Provide a thermal gradient with a warm side around 27-30°C and a cool side around 21-24°C. Keep a water bowl available and maintain moderate humidity. They don't need special lighting, but daily temperature checks are a good idea.46 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Rubber Boa's home?
Spot clean the enclosure every couple of days and do a full clean once a month. Regular cleaning keeps your snake healthy and its home fresh.4 Furry Diary plan
Can a Rubber Boa live with others?
No, rubber boas are solitary and should be housed alone. They prefer their own space and do not need company.4
How long does a Rubber Boa live?
With proper care, a rubber boa can live 7 to 30 years. That's a long-term commitment, so be ready for a wonderful companion.34
Can I handle a Rubber Boa?
Yes, rubber boas are famously calm and gentle. They rarely strike and will gently wrap around your wrist, seeming to enjoy the warmth. Keep handling sessions short and gentle for a happy snake.54
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: rubber boa en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, history
- wdfw.wa.gov: charina bottae wdfw.wa.govused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, activity needs, fun fact
- ndow.org: northern rubber boa ndow.orgused for lifespan years, colours
- reptilesmagazine.com: rubber boa care tips reptilesmagazine.comused for weight kg, lifespan years, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- rubberboas.com: about rubberboas.comused for best traits, temperament
- rubberboas.com: captivecare rubberboas.comused for grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics
- canadianherpetology.ca: species page canadianherpetology.caused for fun fact
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.