My Dilemma

[JustBitten]

OK, so I guess I'm having one of those problems that isn't. :D

My first snake is my pinstripe ball. I was planning for my second to be a ball as well because I like their size, crazy selection of colours and their generally mellow personalities. Now I've discovered that the beautiful boas I've always been attracted to come in a "dwarf" size and I'm smitten. I have to admit that I've never handled one, only admired them on screen. I understand that they are nippy when little and I've read quite a bit of "theory", but what else should I be aware of considering my actual experience is limited to a ball? Admiring a selection of salmon Nicaraguan males for about $150...

I really don't want anything over 5.5 feet or so for handleability and because I couldn't make myself feed rabbits. I have no objection to other people doing it, but I bred (shockingly expensive) rabbits for show when I was a kid and I am too aware of their personalities to stomach feeding them to anything:sad:

Anywho, any info you can pass on would be much appreciated.:blink:

[Caylan]

Well boas are amazing and a good step up from a ball python. The Hogg Island and Calker Cay varities proving to be some of the most amazing boas out there!! With dramatic light and dark phases, plus an ontogenic colour change to a point, makes them really exciting to see everyday as well. Male's generally stay smaller as you know, and even with length they stay lighter then their female counterparts. Even a 6 foot Hogg Island male can weight the same as a 5 foot female, not to mention still appear smaller when curled up. I've seen ball pythons attain sizes greater then that of some adult hogg islands. Nicaraguans are known as the more aggressive subspecies that I know of, but that doesn;t necessarily mean anything... All snakes have their own individual behaviours and even a Nic can be as calm as a columbian. They are definitely worth looking into more if you already keep ball pythons but don't want something too much larger. Good luck regardless, just make sure to post pictures of your new addition!

[lumpbump]

Adult boa constrictors can be maintained on rats their whole life. You dont ever need to feed rabbits. If

[JustBitten]

Thanks for the advice Caylan and lumpbump, I appreciate it. There is an expo coming up in my area so I'm hoping to see an adult or two and see if I'm comfortable with their size. Seeing them in person and talking with breeders might make a bit of a difference. Thanks again!

[Pals_id]

Dwarf localities are what got me keeping boas in the first place and they are great. I still keep some Nicaraguans, but have moved up to the larger locales and morphs too. Definitely buy from a reputable breeder if you want to be assured of a pure dwarf locale. Many people have crossed insular island and Central American localities into Colombian morph projects, so it's really buyer beware when buying a boa that is supposedly a dwarf subspecies. The two main breeders of locale specific boas I would trust are Rio Bravo Reptiles and Cutting Edge Herp. Google them, I'm sure you will love looking at all the eye candy on their websites. Plus, Vin of Cutting Edge answers his email promptly and has great customer service even after the sale.

The main thing to keep in mind is that you must feed the dwarf subspecies less than many people feed their "normal" Bci. Once every two weeks for babies is plenty, and then less as the prey item's size increases.

Good luck

[Skits]

I have a boa constrictor, she's a little less than 6 feet. I can handle her with no problem, my younger brother even holds her once in a while, and he's uncomfortable holding my corn snake because of my corns speed. I feed mine large rats and she's at a good weight.

[Terranaut]

I agree with the others about size. I have a 5.5 ft male and a 6.5 ft female bci and both are very handleable and docile. Just get a boa. Great snakes. Love ours. Where is Maple Ridge?

[lumpbump]

Yea check out the mexican or island boas on rio bravo reptiles site. Good info to be had there. Cutting edge herp, thats vin russo's website. He authored a book titled The Complete Boa Constrictor. You could buy his book, he will even autograph it for yah, read about the different sub species and care for em and get your enclousure nice and boa happy. By then you'll be able to make an informed decission.

[Snakefood]

You know Henry Piorun is just up above Stave Lake, not far from you at all. He has all kinds of Boas, and will stand there and talk to you for hours while he shows you what he has, he also lets you see/hold the adults. You may want to take a trip up there and have a chat with him!!

[JustBitten]

I agree with the others about size. I have a 5.5 ft male and a 6.5 ft female bci and both are very handleable and docile. Just get a boa. Great snakes. Love ours. Where is Maple Ridge?

I'm an hour outside of Vancouver, BC in the Fraser Valley. :)

[JustBitten]

You know Henry Piorun is just up above Stave Lake, not far from you at all. He has all kinds of Boas, and will stand there and talk to you for hours while he shows you what he has, he also lets you see/hold the adults. You may want to take a trip up there and have a chat with him!!

Exactly! That's about 20 min from me. I had heard he was open to people coming for visits and the opportunity to pick his brain would be priceless. I guess I just felt awkward about asking because I've never actually met him and didn't want to impose. If you think he wouldn't mind, that would be great.He has some real beauties on his site. :yes: Thanks everyone!

[JustBitten]

Well boas are amazing and a good step up from a ball python. The Hogg Island and Calker Cay varities proving to be some of the most amazing boas out there

Caylan do you know of anyone with Calkers in BC?

[Snakefood]

I know he won't mind, I was just up there this weekend!! He's awesome and full of knowledge. I was there for a specific 2 snakes, but he let me hold others and look around the animals that I had NO intention of taking home. He even let me check out some of his breeders!!

Call him, that's all I have to say!!

[JustBitten]

I know he won't mind, I was just up there this weekend!! He's awesome and full of knowledge. I was there for a specific 2 snakes, but he let me hold others and look around the animals that I had NO intention of taking home. He even let me check out some of his breeders!!

Call him, that's all I have to say!!

Thanks! Will do! :D