Good first boa?

[SnowFoxx]

I'm looking into possibly getting a boa (in addition to about five other snakes LOL) and I'm wondering what kind is a good to start with? I currently own two BPs and a corn snake. I'm looking for one that stays in the 6'-8' range, and temperment is of highest importance! Are Dums good tempered snakes in general? I like the way they look. Any other ideas? I do like BCIs, but something a bit more unusual (top price $300) would be nice. No offense to BCI lovers! :)

- Victoria :w

[snake_lover]

I would say a good first boa would be a columbian BCI or a hogg but columbians have a better temperment then a hogg island boa!But the hogg wil stay smaller then the columbian and is a lil bit more expensive then the columbian
Goodluck,

[rethius]

Nothing wrong with starting off with a nice cb Bcc. Guyanas and Suris might fall into your price range! And if you are really worried about size, get a male!

[Zoe]

Yep, I'd say a BCI or a BCC, too. BCIs tend to stay a little smaller than BCCs but not my too much, and are quite a bit cheaper. Males will stay a bit shorter, and thinner, than females.

You could also consider some other BCIs, like argentinians which stay 4-5 ft.

There are also rainbow boas to keep in mind... the brazilians are gorgeous and are about 6-7 ft. Colombians are nice, but lack the bright colour and pattern that adorns the brazilian's back, and they stay smaller - about 4-5 ft.

Also, there are ATBs, (Amazon tree boas) which are beautiful, hardy, interesting but also usually very aggressive. However, if you get a baby and handle it daily (start when it's bites wont hurt :D) it should be fine as an adult.

Zoe

[djnzlab]

HI,
I have seen some big bcc lately, never any over a few years old this makes me think they are being dumped or worse due to size,
here's a post that shows a few middle aged bcc

be sure you want a large snake they are very gentle giants but do need some room, I have two sub adults
doug:rolleyes:
http://reptilehaven.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=11099&5
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/bigperuvianboa.jpg
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/BigBoaDanMulleary.jpg
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/BigSurinameWithWoman01.jpg

the pictures were from the post on reptilehaven.net, and were from the BCC breeder Mcarthy,boa's

Doug


http://mccarthyboas.com/

[djnzlab]

Here's another pic of a big old common BCI, thats about 11 ft and some pounds she's so biglook at her eye's geeze..
http://reptilehaven.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Forum&file=index&action=viewtopic&topic=10937&8
this female Belongs to breeder of BOa's nameD Lori KEho,
the snakes name is diamond..
http://photo.reptilehaven.net/albums/album51/DIAMOND_1_11_02_PIC_3.jpg
Jeeze i never thought bci got this big did you..psps LOri dosen't power feed this is just an adult snake...
doug
Lori's web page, she does rescues in the states for numeorus reptiles.
http://www.koalaskritters.net/livefeeding.html
excellent info.
doug

[Zoe]

Those are exceptions. There is a wide range between feeding enough, feeding a lot, and power feeding. Feeding a snake often (especially if this snake's parents are big) can easily result in a 10ft+... but that isn't normal, most stay around 6-8ft, depending on sex and feeding.

Zoe

[BoidKeeper]

Rosie Boas make great first boas. They stay about the size of a corns.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Zoe]

Oh yeah! Can't forget the rosies, and sand boas! They stay small, are very colourful and are hardy.

I suggest you go to a herp show in your area and take a look around... A lot of boas would be good first boas, depending on what you're looking for.

Zoe

[rethius]

Hey, I've been looking for that first pic for a while, what a peruvian!
Can't wait till mine get that big!

[snake_lover]

those are pretty cool pix ! That's the first time i see a suri that big in a pic :O

[snakemann87]

hey, dums can be harder than BCI's or hoggs, if size is a big factor, then a hogg would be best. They're pretty and easy, but a BCI is just as good take away the size potential, but you can always get a male. Come on how can you resist this???

http://ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1431meathena-med.jpg

http://ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1431athena-med.jpg

:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

[Linds]

I would steer clear of any arboreals, as these are sensitive snakes with very specific requirements, and are best left to more experienced keepers.

If you can meet the high humidity requirements of a rainbow boa (very easy to do unless you intend on housing them in an aquarium), they can make wonderful pets. Asides from the low-heat tolerance, and high humidity requirements, they are hardy, relatively problem-free captives. Though babies are born striking at anything and everything, I find them probably one of the easiest species to calm down, and grow into predictable (as far as snakes go), handleable adults.

Rosy boas are hands-down my favourite beginner snake. They are great for the first time keeper to the most experienced. They are super easy to care for and stay small (2-3 feet). They come in all sorts of pattern and colour variations, depending on locality. Probably the most tolerant species of snake for handling. Sand boas and rubber boas also fit into this category. Rubbers and rosies have awesome temperaments, sandboas can too, though some of them may be snappy.

Many of the insular forms of BCI attain smaller sizes (4-6') and are not challenging in their husbandry requirements. There's many to choose from, however be prepared that no matter what the animals' reputation, that is never the rule. Many people say burms are gentle... well, I've encountered more burms that would like to bite my head off than gentle ones... BCC are calm? maybe 65% of them... now everyone says BCI have great temperaments... hehehe... well... some of them do... but I've seen just as many nasty ones as I have docile :rolleyes: There is really no guarantee on temperament, whatever the case.

Originally posted by djnzlab
they are very gentle giants but do need some room, I

LOL... you haven't met my kids :p :rolleyes: :eb:

[snakemann87]

very true linds. Most have better reps but that is never the case. I'm sure somewhere out there, there is a nasty corn. So you can never be sure.

[dead bob]

Originally posted by snakemann87
very true linds. Most have better reps but that is never the case. I'm sure somewhere out there, there is a nasty corn. So you can never be sure.

Yup, my daughter's young corn curls up into an "S", repeatedly strikes, and shakes his tail like a rattle snake. Pretty amazing actually....:D :D

[snakemann87]

lol. luckily the reps for BCI's and BallP's are true for me, and thank god the reps of baby burms isn't :)

[djnzlab]

Hi,
Be sure you want any animal you get , they can be a little work, and will have good days and bad.. SOme animals are grumpy in shed some are excited on feeding days.
Many can be unnerving when upset.
I beleive you need a calm understanding that many species aren't that far out of the jungle . I keep snakes because they intrest me. I don;t often take them out of the house, hey if you want to see them come visit.
I have returned to the original pet store for the Guyana's i have a special large ice cooler with wheels so I can take them out,they are floored at their size.My Guyana are starting the third year of life and stil growing like weeds.

I wonder how many reptiles make it to that first year mark. yes there's a learning curve many don't make it. please do your homework join a good reptile forum, and visit with someone who has a 4-5 year old , so you can see what your getting.
I have a good friend who has had a BCI boa almost all her adult life the snakes gotta be 26 + years old and she's stil eating two to three jumbo rats a month ( the snake) hehe
doug:D
here's my baby in the feeding mode
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p001a6f59177a728f7086526a09f3ea9b/fc9e7cb5.jpg

same girl at 24 mos, over 6 ft and starting to gain weight, I only feed he once a month now.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p07c359ecdb4fd1cc9b12258dbd641a2e/fc9e9293.jpg

this is a pic of her mate in that pre-shed funk I leave him alone when he's like this..

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/p9569a1a50ee76a3a38d4f451ae57911b/fc9e8df0.jpg
tha learning curve..
doug

[Lasher]

I have a columbian red, argentine X, brazillian rainbow, and hogg island. All have excellent temperment except for the argentine X. He is now well mannered, but it took about 6 month to tame him.
Please see most of my coven here:http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=61001693

and feel free to email me with any questions.
Lasher
nighthawk@chartertn.net

[stormyva]

I agree with DJN.... go spend some time with someone that has a large snake before you invest your money and time into one that has the potential to get big. Spend the time to know what you are getting yourself into!

[SnowFoxx]

I have two BPs and a corn right now, so I do have snake experience (I got the impression some of you think this is my first *snake* - My mistake, I should have said)

I have been the first contact in a couple of rescues of boas in my area, so I have handled them and am comfortable with their size. Unfortunately their owners weren't:( (once people find out I keep snakes, I here a lot of "I know a guy with a really big snake, and he's afraid it will eat his kids/dog/neighbors, will you take it?" I hope to do rescue eventually)

I have done a WHOLE LOT of research on boas in general, but before I buy any kind of animal I always go to the people who own them to get opinions.

For those who haven't seen my other post, I bought a little male BCI last night!! I think he's absolutely the nicest BCI I have ever seen, and I'm sure he will make a wonderful addition to my family. Thanks for all the advice, guys! :)

- Victoria :w

[havenots26]

You could also consider some other BCIs, like argentinians which stay 4-5 ft.

Hi Zoe,

I just wanted to clarify a couple things about your statement. First, Argentines are Bco(Boa c. occidentalis) not Bci. Secondly, large female Argentines can easily reach ten feet in length so I would not classify them as a small snake. Please don't take this as a personel attack. I just want us all to have the correct information. Have a nice day.

John

[Feed'em All]

I was just about to clarify the same. As Argentinian and keeper of
an Argentine Boa, they are classified as Boa Constrictor Occidentalis, and it's said they are one of the biggest boa subspecies.
Another fact I bet most of you don't know, here there are called "Lampalagüas", strange name, isn't it?
Although their size, if you get a hatchling you probably will grow a "gentle giant" I really love their temp/attitude..
Just my opinion, Martin.

[havenots26]

Martin,

"Lampalagüas",

Does this word translate into english? Just curious as to what it means.

John

[Feed'em All]

I guess there is no translation into english, not sure since is not an spanish word, it is in some indian language (bco inhabits a vaste area where many tribes are settled, so I dunno which language are is).
In some places there are also called "culebrones" meaning "big colubrids" (I know there are no colubrids, but the person that came up with the "nickname" obviously didn't).
Martin.

[uog11]

forget the big snakes, get a small sand boa. kenyans look nice and you could get a pair cheaper than 1 bci. or if you want something a little more unique get a russian sand boa. they are really cool too

[djnzlab]

WHoops on the soap box again,
Hey good luck with that new BCI,
Sometimes when we post we start rambiling cause we've seen so many boa's back at the pet store cause they out grew a 55 gal tank.
When I purchased my first Boa I was told by the employee of the pet store that the boa I liked was from a dwarf or smaller sized boa (trying to make a sell) thats an example of trying to sell something at any cost. My first boa was a guyana ( not exactly a dwarf)..At the time I thought she had more color than the other boa's. she was skinny little snake as a baby.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid51/pa2887a0877cc5fd6a6300bef824ac203/fc9e8335.jpg
I hardly ever see any boa's over 5 years old, My guess is they are destroyed, or dumped..
I hope I am wrong.
doug

[havenots26]

Hey Doug,

Here is an eight year old, near seven foot Common boa. I've had her since she was a newborn. Just thought you would like to see an older boa. Take care.http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/1219columbian_rtb_2_-med.jpg John

[djnzlab]

Hi,
I really like that 8 y/o nice color,
thanks thats one of the first post I ve seen on 5 different forums of an adult over 6 y/o boa..
sHe's a lucky snake.
and thanks doug
ps them argies can get as big as Guyana 's sometimes bigger they are the Giants of the species.

[havenots26]

Doug,

Thanks alot. Is this the same Doug with the Mad. tree boas?

John

[a boas friend]

we rescued two redtails 5 or 6 yrs ago and just had our first clutch of 15 theyre gorges