I've Got Boa Fever

[PeachyKeen]

I'm looking at getting another snake and boy oh boy, is the itch serious. There is a few that I have been interested in, of course all boas. I have helped handle my grandfather's old 6ft Colombian Boa Constrictor, Ralph, on many occasions. I also will research loads more into it once I finally pick (How could I? So many great choices). But this will still be my first own personal boa. I know I could go on websites and see the "personality/trait" list but I figured it would be better to get all of your guy's experience with these certain Boas. Also any tips would be awesome
In no particular order:

1. Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2. Red-Tailed Boa
3. Caulker Cay Boa Constrictor
4. Colombian Boa Constrictor
5. Dominican Red Mountain Boa

[bigsnakegirl785]

Out of your list, Colombians are definitely my favorite. I'm not a fan of dwarves (like their pattern not their size), and never had a BC or DRMB.

In my experience, the "personality" of BRBs and Colombians is fairly similar, but then again I've only had two babies and my other two were already 6-8 months old when I got them. I've had 4 BRBs and currently have 4 Colombian boas, and there's a fairly equal distribution of docility and snappiness between the individuals I have. The boa constrictors do tend to be lazier, though, the rainbows are the first to come out when it gets dark. Most of my boa constrictors spend a great deal sleeping in the open, while my oldest BRB only slept out in the open while he was very young, and the other 3 did/do hide away most of the time. This is small sample size, but as far as I can tell looking at others' experiences, mine tend to line up fairly well. Boa constrictors are just as likely to be nippy as rainbows, and rainbows are just as likely to be docile as boa constrictors.

All 7 of my boas handle about the same as far as energy level goes, they're fairly slow-moving but on the go with the occasional period where they feel lazy and want to just sit there. The only exception is my Picasso stripe BRB, as he has digestive issues, leading him to eating way less than a normal BRB. The past few months, he's been a lot more active when handling, though, so we'll see how that progresses.

I have found rainbows to be a lot more delicate when it comes to husbandry and any mistakes made. If their humidity drops even a bit too low, they're prone to refusing food and regurging. The only snake I've had die yet was a BRB, although it's unsure if it was wholly a husbandry issue or if she was also born with a defect like my current Picasso stripe. They also require very cool temps, prolonged exposure to temps over 85F without any escape can cause neurological damage and death, so any heat waves are a lot more likely to take a toll on them than with a boa constrictor.

Boa constrictors are definitely more beginner friendly, but with enough research and careful planning a BRB shouldn't be too difficult. I would definitely advise a test run on an enclosure if you get one, BRB's set ups are harder to get right and take more work to maintain than a snake with lesser needs, but isn't difficult once you have it dialed in.

[Wykyd]

I love my Red tail, she is a sweetheart. Current length is roughly 7ft long. She was a rescue that I've had for some months now and is a fantastic snake. She's very active, loves been held and absolutely loves outside time. I've had no issues with any aggression or defensive action considering when I got her she was completely blind due a shed that remained on her head (and eyecaps) for roughly a month after I got her.

I also have a Central American Boa and he's just as docile. Currently he's just over 4ft long. My kids really enjoy handling Jack as he's substantially smaller than Janna, yet still fairly long. Between the two, Jack is definitely my escape artist. All he does is look for ways to get out of his enclosure, constantly searching every inch. When he's out of the enclosure he is always on the move so it's hard to take my eye off him.

Ultimately I would say I'm a fan of the larger snakes, there's just something about sitting that enormous animal on your shoulders. People absolutely love Janna, when I'm out with her people always ask about her. The main question is always, "Aren't you worried she's going to eat you." I always get a good chuckle out of this.

[Minkness]

I have a hypo and a hog island and I adore both! I eventually want a BRB from living gems as well. =)

It's easy to get addicted to these guys. Just make sure that you keep adult caging in mind for whatever you get.

[riddick07]

I have 6 boas....someone remind me if I'm miscounting:p

My dwarfs are divided between eat your finger half the time to being just as docile as my big girl. Mood swings major especially with the little female the male is more consistent.

I've had my big 8ft girl for 12 years and she's one of the nicest snakes I own. I took her in for bloodwork last week and the vet loved her. Wants to use her in their educational program since she lets you do whatever with her from flipping her over to poking her with needles and sticking wood in her mouth lol. She just goes with it. Feeding time is the only time she gets interesting but she knows the hook means she's coming out so she's easy to snap out of it. My little Sunglow is just like her but my other two are a little more iffy.

I want a BRB from living gems. So really there's no debate get one of each eventually if you have the room lol

[Minkness]

. So really there's no debate get one of each eventually if you have the room lol

This...yes....this....lol

[PeachyKeen]

Haha! Thank you all! I'd definitely get 'em all if I had the money and space. Plus, I'm moving in with my S.O. in a year and a half, so we'll see how much more he'll warm up with Sid the Pinstripe BallPython ;):p
Really isn't easy choosing one (for the time being, mwuahaha).
It's true when they say, "you can't have just one snake", either that or it was "you won't have just one snake".

[Minkness]

Both work....I was allowed 1 snake 3 years ago.....just one...ever...-stares at continuously growing collection- yeaaaahhhhh....

Getting 2 more in a little over a month as well lol

[dannybgoode]

Boas are lovely snakes. You are however missing one from your list-the Dominican Mountain Boa.

Toddandbecka breed them and they're not that common and very beautiful.

[PeachyKeen]

Boas are lovely snakes. You are however missing one from your list-the Dominican Mountain Boa.

Toddandbecka breed them and they're not that common and very beautiful.

Quite beautiful indeed, that they were already listed ;)

[dannybgoode]

Quite beautiful indeed, that they were already listed ;)

Apologies, long day at work!

You are however definitely missing a Dumerils boa. Again, quits sublime :)

[Snakesitter]

All excellent choices. I do approve of the list order though. ;-)

Rainbows are not as fragile as they appear. Yes, high temps will devastate them, but they are more forgiving on short-term humidity issues -- or at least that has been my experience so far. They are also a good "sales" snake to people initially skeptical of snakes, due to their amazing looks and moderate size.

I do want a red-tail myself some day though -- just one, as a pet.

Great post!

[PeachyKeen]

Apologies, long day at work!

You are however definitely missing a Dumerils boa. Again, quits sublime :)

All excellent choices. I do approve of the list order though. ;-)

Rainbows are not as fragile as they appear. Yes, high temps will devastate them, but they are more forgiving on short-term humidity issues -- or at least that has been my experience so far. They are also a good "sales" snake to people initially skeptical of snakes, due to their amazing looks and moderate size.

I do want a red-tail myself some day though -- just one, as a pet.

Great post!

No worries, Danny! We all have our moments. Not bad suggestions at all.
Rainbow Boas were my #1 favorite...Then I started looking into 140+ different snake species along with their subs and into their morphs/locality. :yes: And, of course, there's still plenty more to learn about. I do find Dumerils Boas pretty and interesting but my mind is really set on dark snake or a really bright red snake for some reason. I shouldn't be adding more to the list or we'd be stuck here all day just getting through list number #2237 :p

[dannybgoode]

For me I think:

1/ Dominican Mountain Boa
2/ Dumerils
3/ BRB

I already have a Central American imperator.

As for a true red tail Boa constrictor locality is everything. If a Peruvian constrictor came up I think I'd have to risk divorce and just buy it regardless of whether we'd moved house or not or whether I had acquired the others on my most -they come up so infrequently.

If it was a Guyanan or Suriname then I may take a punt and wait until I'd got the others on my list.

Search for a member called nightflight99-he hasn't posted for a good while but he has some of the nicest boas I've ever seen and has put up plenty of photos.

[toddnbecka]

For handling as a pet snake our red tails or Dominicans are generally less "moody" than the Dumeril's. Our red tails tend to want to wander off if allowed, though they don't usually go very far. Aside from feeding time I trust them both completely. My bull snake will happily take a rat from my hand with no worries about trying for a finger with it, I wouldn't try that with the red tails though.
The Dominicans love to climb, and would rather be on top of the bookshelf or slithering around the ceiling (in the basement, water pipes and such.) As far as disposition, they simply never strike or bite, worst they ever do is musk. The only exception IME is one newborn, but I suspect even that one will chill with time. You can be sure they won't grow more than 7', more likely 6', and more slender than red tails or rainbows.
The Dumeril's is usually fine with Becky, though she did tag my hand without warning one day when I reached towards her. She really seems to prefer to be in her enclosure, so far has never tried to escape.
Most recent additions to the boa gang were the Halamahera Island ground boas. Not very colorful, but you did say dark, and they are a very dark brown. Very mellow dispositions, they hardly move at all when picked up but have an amazingly quick response when offered food. High humidity and relatively cooler temps, plastic tubs and a heat mat are all they really need. Smaller adult size as well.