Annulated tree boas (Corallus annulatus) are slow to reach sexual maturity, and breeding is not recommended until they are about 5 years old. As live-bearing snakes, they have a very long gestation period. Only breed snakes in excellent health and body condition, and allow a year off between breeding cycles for the female to recover, promoting a long, healthy life. It is unnecessary to cycle animals not intended for breeding.
The breeding process for annulated tree boas requires time and patience, as demonstrated by the Nashville Zoo’s successful methods. Start preparations in mid to late October by removing substrate from breeder enclosures and replacing it with a 2-inch layer of pea gravel at the bottom, topped with a 2-inch layer of normal substrate (a mix of hardwood mulch, peat moss, and coco peat). This setup helps siphon excess water during breeding. Ensure the female’s enclosure is baby-proof, with no escape gaps larger than half a centimeter to prevent neonates from disappearing. Next, transition into a cooling and raining period. Normal temperatures should provide a gradient of 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with a hotspot of 95 to 100 degrees and a nighttime low (NTL) not below 75 degrees. In early November, move enclosures to a cooler spot for evenings, aiming for NTLs of 73 to 74 degrees while maintaining similar daytime temperatures. Increase misting frequency from every second or third day to daily, with a short morning mist to raise humidity as day lamps heat the water. Ensure good airflow to prevent fungus or mold issues. During the breeding cycle, continue feeding annulated tree boas every two to three weeks, as digestion is not a problem if temperatures stay within the described range. After about two weeks (in late November or early December), lower temperatures further to achieve an NTL of 70 to 72 degrees and increase spraying to twice daily.To prevent complications or stress, ensure your snakes do not drop below 69°F. During reduced nighttime temperatures, maintain a daytime gradient of 75-85°F and a basking spot of 95-100°F.
Keep breeder animals on this routine separately until January. Then, begin pairing by introducing a male into a female’s enclosure. Leave them together for 2-3 nights, then separate for 2-3 nights. Continue this cycle until mid-March or until ovulation is observed, indicated by mid-body swelling in the female. By mid-March or after ovulation, reverse cooling and misting to return to normal temperatures. If ovulation is missed, continue occasional pairing and treat the female as gravid until confirmed. After copulation, parturition occurs in 6-9.5 months, potentially shortened with nocturnal basking via infrared or ceramic heaters. Gravid females may bask more and display unusual behaviors like lying belly-up. They might refuse food and become aggressive. At parturition, expect 6-16 neonates. Prepare for this volume in advance. Neonate care resembles adult care but requires higher humidity. House neonates separately if possible; if grouped, feed them individually to prevent fighting or cannibalism. Use an opaque container (e.g., 12″ tall, 12″ long, 8″ wide) with drilled holes, kept at 82-86°F day and night. Provide damp paper towel substrate and a sphagnum-moss hide box. Replace substrate when soiled or every five days to avoid mold.The sphagnum moss should be replaced about once per month or as otherwise needed.
Perching should be provided at different angles as well as a horizontal perch. As discussed earlier, I have not had problems getting a snake to eat as long as food was offered at a warm to hot temperature. The temperature of the food item is especially important for neonates and juveniles. Most snakes start off feeding on whole or partial pinky mice. Feeding begins after the first shed cycle is complete. All neonates can be housed in this or a similar setup until a year of age when they can begin to be housed as the adult annulateds. William Baugher has been a reptilekeeper with the Nashville Zoo for the past 4 years. Prior to his work at the zoo, he was a hobbyist for more than 15 years and performed salamander undergraduate research with Ambystoma barbouri in Tennessee with Belmont University. He has successfully bred annulated boas in two consecutive breeding seasons for the Nashville Zoo.