256: The Truth About Keeping Emerald Tree Boas | Zion McAndrews

Zion joins me on the podcast to discuss one of the most iconic—and notoriously challenging—snakes in herpetoculture: the Emerald Tree Boa. We break down the biggest mistakes new keepers make, how Zion refined his husbandry through trial and error, and what it really takes to keep these incredible snakes thriving in captivity.We also discuss the differences between Northern and Amazon Basin Emerald Tree Boas, the pros and cons of captive-bred versus imported animals, enclosure design, humidity management, heating, UVB, quarantine, and why patience may be the single most important quality for anyone considering this species. Whether you already keep Emerald Tree Boas or have always dreamed of owning one, this episode is packed with practical husbandry advice and fascinating insights.SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/256-emerald-tree-boas/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.emeraldtreeboas.org/https://www.instagram.com/emeraldtreeboashttps://www.instagram.com/zvivarium/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Zion0:00 Intro3:04 Welcome, Zion! Background6:30 Getting his first Emerald Tree Boa11:59 Initial Emerald Tree Boa Setup and Mistakes25:44 Northern vs Basin Emerald Tree Boas40:28 Who Should Keep an Emerald Tree Boa?50:20 Setting up a Proper Emerald Tree Boa Enclosure 55:40 Emerald Tree Boa Heating and Lighting1:16:38 ETB Humidity, Substrate & Ventilation 1:34:38 Basin vs Northern Husbandry1:38:08 ETB Perching Behaviour 1:42:56 Dealing with Wild-Caught Imports1:46:11 ETB Health Issues2:21:15 ETB Feeding Routine2:30:26 EmeraldTreeBoas.Org & Closing Thoughts2:42:20 Outro