First Boa, what species to get?

[Nobodyspecial]

So I've taken a fancy to Boa's, and even after researching I'm still not sure what type I'd like to get. I would really like to buy one that at gets at least 6+ feet long, but not so big that it has to eat rabbits. (My best friend swore she'd beat me if I ever got a snake that eats rabbits, So I'd rather avoid that, and my research has pointed out that there's really not a better option for prey for larger snakes.) I know that really kinda kills my options, but I'm hoping you guys can point out something I've missed? I really don't know what size a snake needs to be before rats can no longer feed it.

I've found that I really like hogs, and they're currently on the top on my list. But do you guys have any other recommendations possibly?

[Ridge Runner_20]

Yes, I'm biased, but I think a Hog Island would be an excellent choice. I love their coloration (the variation from night to day is amazing), size (typically 4'-5' for males and 4'-6' for females), and temperment seems very good in all the examples I've encountered. Ours is a joy to keep, very sweet and calm, but curious as well. She also eats like a horse! :) Do your research and due diligence, find a reputable breeder and enjoy! Good luck with your search! :freakedout:

RR_20 (Mike)

[rmfsnakes32]

I am partial to central americans or columbian red tails both have beautiful colorations and good temperments. Hope you find a new scaley friend that fits :)

[promdom]

I recently picked up a female hypo BCI so that makes me a little biased, but maybe look at a male BCI morph? theres a large variety of colours and males tend to stay slimmer and shorter than females. I love the hypo colour but albinos look really good as well. A female dumerils might suit you as well but i don't know too much about those. I think the females get 5-7 feet. Good luck!

[Terranaut]

A 6' boa can eat a rabbit.
I personaly would look for an unwanted snake in my local classifieds or kijiji or whatever. I have even seen a hog island on my local kijiji. Worth a look to rehome one if you can. If you must get one specific kind get it from a breeder not a pet store.

[Nobodyspecial]

A 6' boa can eat a rabbit.
I personaly would look for an unwanted snake in my local classifieds or kijiji or whatever. I have even seen a hog island on my local kijiji. Worth a look to rehome one if you can. If you must get one specific kind get it from a breeder not a pet store.

Of course, I wasn't even considering going to a petstore. But unfortunately there's very few reptile rescues in the area, other wise I would happily go that route if I found the right animal. (I'll still be looking through the ones we do have mind you.)

And I know a 6 foot boa can eat a rabbit, I was just curious as to what size boas or snakes in general need to be before a colossal rat or what ever doesn't suffice as a meal. haha.

So Hogs are still on top of the list, but I'll look into some Male BCI's and Dumerils as well? Any one know which are fairly even tempered as well? Sounds like hogs are, but what of the others?

[Wildside]

Of course, I wasn't even considering going to a petstore. But unfortunately there's very few reptile rescues in the area, other wise I would happily go that route if I found the right animal. (I'll still be looking through the ones we do have mind you.)

And I know a 6 foot boa can eat a rabbit, I was just curious as to what size boas or snakes in general need to be before a colossal rat or what ever doesn't suffice as a meal. haha.

So Hogs are still on top of the list, but I'll look into some Male BCI's and Dumerils as well? Any one know which are fairly even tempered as well? Sounds like hogs are, but what of the others?

Hogs can be temperamental. You're better off starting with a male BCI. I'm gonna send you a pm.

[Ridge Runner_20]

Hogs can be temperamental. You're better off starting with a male BCI. I'm gonna send you a pm.

Do you have extensive experience with Hog Islands? That's a VERY generalized statement, and I would argue completely untrue for the dozen or so Hog Islands I've encountered. ANY snake can be tempermental, but I would say Hogs are no more or less so than any mainland BCI. And as I'm sure you're aware, a Hog Island is also a BCI, albeit of the insular variety.

Here's some good reading for the OP:

Rio Bravo Reptiles: Island Boas (http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/boas_island.htm)

Locality & Color Morph Boa constrictors & selectively Bred Ball Pythons Color & Pattern Morphs, Cutting Edge Herpetological Inc. Island & Cay Boas (http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/islandcayboas.html)

RR_20 (Mike)

[Wildside]

Do you have extensive experience with Hog Islands? That's a VERY generalized statement, and I would argue completely untrue for the dozen or so Hog Islands I've encountered. ANY snake can be tempermental, but I would say Hogs are no more or less so than any mainland BCI. And as I'm sure you're aware, a Hog Island is also a BCI, albeit of the insular variety.

Here's some good reading for the OP:

Rio Bravo Reptiles: Island Boas (http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/boas_island.htm)

Locality & Color Morph Boa constrictors & selectively Bred Ball Pythons Color & Pattern Morphs, Cutting Edge Herpetological Inc. Island & Cay Boas (http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/islandcayboas.html)

RR_20 (Mike)

Amazing how you invalidated your whole argument with one word.

I didn't say "NOOOOO HOGGY WILL BITEZ U... GET COLOMBIAN!" Did I? Ever think that maybe Hogg Islands just like you a lot? There are plenty of people around who can attest to Hoggs being temperamental and unpredictable. In my extensive experience going from such laid back snakes as ball pythons to one that's likely to tag you from time to time could be a turn off. I thought the OP should be aware.

[Kettennatter]

I would agree with a male BCI from the local classifieds, reptile show, rescues and such. Generally docile and because 6ft of a thick-bodied snake is too much for some people, they can be picked up for next to nothing pre-loved.

[Ridge Runner_20]

Amazing how you invalidated your whole argument with one word.

I didn't say "NOOOOO HOGGY WILL BITEZ U... GET COLOMBIAN!" Did I? Ever think that maybe Hogg Islands just like you a lot? There are plenty of people around who can attest to Hoggs being temperamental and unpredictable. In my extensive experience going from such laid back snakes as ball pythons to one that's likely to tag you from time to time could be a turn off. I thought the OP should be aware.

Question asked, answer avoided, as expected. Directly from Gus Rentfro's Rio Bravo website, who's been producing Hogs for many, many years, "These boas are considered among the more docile of the Central American boas and are well adapted to captive conditions.", and then from Vin Russo of Cutting Edge Herps, "Hog Island Boas are one the most beautiful Island Morph boas that are readily available and make wonderful Pets with excellent dispositions." Like I said, no more or less tempermental than ANY other BCI. You GENERALIZED that Hogs were an inherently tempermental lot. I disagree, and have given evidence to the contrary from people who would know. 'Nuff said.

I wish the OP the best of luck in finding his ideal animal.

RR_20 (Mike)

[Wildside]

Question asked, answer avoided, as expected. Directly from Gus Rentfro's Rio Bravo website, who's been producing Hogs for many, many years, "These boas are considered among the more docile of the Central American boas and are well adapted to captive conditions.", and then from Vin Russo of Cutting Edge Herps, "Hog Island Boas are one the most beautiful Island Morph boas that are readily available and make wonderful Pets with excellent dispositions." Like I said, no more or less tempermental than ANY other BCI. You GENERALIZED that Hogs were an inherently tempermental lot. I disagree, and have given evidence to the contrary from people who would know. 'Nuff said.

I wish the OP the best of luck in finding his ideal animal.

RR_20 (Mike)


Boom Headshot! I guess you win.

I'm not in any way trying to discourage the OP from buying a hog island. Just putting in my own personal experience and what I know of a few others. Why so defensive Bronie, you got a hog island you want to sell or something? :yes:

[Nobodyspecial]

Sorry for the delayed response here work and all that fun stuff haha. And actually its good to hear differing opinions on the hogs, because not all snakes are the same personality wise. I guess its good to know that there is a chance that I may get a fairly bad tempered one, because its clearly not unheard of. Then again I run that chance with any other snake as well but it just emphasizes the point of being picky with the particular animal I end up choosing. While I've been tagged by one of my balls, he doesn't strike often, so getting one that's gonna strike at me every time I open its enclosure would be kind of a let down.

I would get a pre-loved boa but I do need to get a very young snake for now. (Wouldn't be opposed to getting a few pre-loved snakes once I get my own place however :D ) My dad's girlfriend is still wary of my snakes and suddenly bringing home a 6-7 foot boa would probably be too much for her. Shes been doing well with the balls since two of them are fairly small still, and the third is only around 4 feet long. We all figure as long as the snake grows up around her she'll be alright with it. Not that I'll still be living with them by the time it gets big anyways.

[Wildside]

Sorry for the delayed response here work and all that fun stuff haha. And actually its good to hear differing opinions on the hogs, because not all snakes are the same personality wise. I guess its good to know that there is a chance that I may get a fairly bad tempered one, because its clearly not unheard of. Then again I run that chance with any other snake as well but it just emphasizes the point of being picky with the particular animal I end up choosing. While I've been tagged by one of my balls, he doesn't strike often, so getting one that's gonna strike at me every time I open its enclosure would be kind of a let down.

I would get a pre-loved boa but I do need to get a very young snake for now. (Wouldn't be opposed to getting a few pre-loved snakes once I get my own place however :D ) My dad's girlfriend is still wary of my snakes and suddenly bringing home a 6-7 foot boa would probably be too much for her. Shes been doing well with the balls since two of them are fairly small still, and the third is only around 4 feet long. We all figure as long as the snake grows up around her she'll be alright with it. Not that I'll still be living with them by the time it gets big anyways.

Neonates Boas are absolutely adorable, she won't be able to help but like it a little :)

[Kettennatter]

Neonates Boas are absolutely adorable, she won't be able to help but like it a little :)

That's true, very hard to resist. Even though, I'm normally in favor of showing the "final product", so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the road. Getting your dad's girlfriend to hold any snake would be a big step forward, IMHO.

[Nobodyspecial]

That's true, very hard to resist. Even though, I'm normally in favor of showing the "final product", so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the road. Getting your dad's girlfriend to hold any snake would be a big step forward, IMHO.

I actually got her to pet my normal female, a huge step for someone who's not terribly fond of snakes, shes getting there slowly lol. I think she generally knows how big they'll get, its just she needs to get used to it as it grows. Kinda one of those things, you really don't notice how much they've grown until you've seen a picture of your snake when you first got it.

And yeah really hard to resist a neonate. <3 Darn things got me interested boas in the first place, haha.

[Wildside]

I actually got her to pet my normal female, a huge step for someone who's not terribly fond of snakes, shes getting there slowly lol. I think she generally knows how big they'll get, its just she needs to get used to it as it grows. Kinda one of those things, you really don't notice how much they've grown until you've seen a picture of your snake when you first got it.

And yeah really hard to resist a neonate. <3 Darn things got me interested boas in the first place, haha.


They are sooo cute with their little bulging bug eyes. :)

[Kettennatter]

just handled a hog island x BCI hybrid over lunch. It was temperamental but very manageable. I will not comment on which side was responsible for the temperament. :D A very beautiful snake, though.

[rmfsnakes32]

I had a Hogg for over 2 years and he was great the only reason I rehomed him was my landlord at the time said I had to many snakes and at that time he was 5ft the biggest of all I had! But otherwise was an awesome snake my children played with him all the time! There wasnt a mean bone in his body. My personal opinion is it depends on how much human interaction they get! He went to a great family and they were 1st time snake owners and when I ran into them a few months back they said he was a dream to have!

[Kettennatter]

I've also found that there is a lot of posturing going on with many boas. It seems like they are striking, but they are falling short. My wife was a little too trusting with an adult dum, and she seemed to strike at my daughter, her hand clearly between the dum's jaws. She just laughed and her hand was unharmed. I've seen so many of these "near misses" with BCIs.

My colubrids are the opposite: They don't telegraph their intentions, strike very fast, hardly ever miss and go for the full effect.

So, while many BCIs struck at me, I've yet to get bit by one. Even tough, when handed the hog hybrid yesterday, I was a little concerned when I noticed that the person giving him to me was wearing gloves.

[filthy phil]

I am partial to central americans or columbian red tails both have beautiful colorations and good temperments. Hope you find a new scaley friend that fits :)

+1
Getting a 6' male red tail myself. Mellow and STRONG:D

[ZStone]

"NOOOOO HOGGY WILL BITEZ U... .

HAHAHA I cant get that out of my head, I'll probably go around saying it all day tomorrow and no one have a clue what I'm talking about!!

[Wyldrose]

Why not look into some of the larger pythons?
Like Olive pythons, they get 2 meters (6 feet) but they don't get as thick as some boas.
Woma pythons are really neat too. I'm hoping to pick up a pair one day :)

[Trent]

Why not look into some of the larger pythons?
Like Olive pythons, they get 2 meters (6 feet) but they don't get as thick as some boas.
Woma pythons are really neat too. I'm hoping to pick up a pair one day :)

Olive pythons get a wee bit bigger than 6 feet..lol

[Nobodyspecial]

Sorry for the delay everyone, its been a busy last couple of weeks because well my snake population doubled in the past few weeks thanks to the Boise repticon, and the breeder recommendation Wildside gave me. I did end up getting a male BCI, he's a Salmon hypo? Anyways, he seems to be settling in nicely, he's eaten for me and everything. It just amazes me how different boa's are from ball pythons, It never really occurred to me that ball pythons where so well lazy in comparison. (Don't get me wrong I still love all of my balls, but the difference is incredible!)

My only concern is he's not going in his hides at all, ever. I've had him about 2 weeks now and while he noses around at everything like I assume a boa will, when it comes to resting he seems just content chilling out along one side of his tub. His temps seem to be okay, cool side is low 80's, warm is low 90's, humidity is around 65%. Is this normal for these guys, or is he unhappy with something here?

Also I do need to post pics, as I will with my new balls too. I just can't get the little guy to hold still long enough to get a good picture. XD

[Wildside]

Sounds like he's very happy. He'll settle in but in my experience boas really don't hide all that much.

[exwizard]

Sorry for the delay everyone, its been a busy last couple of weeks because well my snake population doubled in the past few weeks thanks to the Boise repticon, and the breeder recommendation Wildside gave me. I did end up getting a male BCI, he's a Salmon hypo? Anyways, he seems to be settling in nicely, he's eaten for me and everything. It just amazes me how different boa's are from ball pythons, It never really occurred to me that ball pythons where so well lazy in comparison. (Don't get me wrong I still love all of my balls, but the difference is incredible!)

My only concern is he's not going in his hides at all, ever. I've had him about 2 weeks now and while he noses around at everything like I assume a boa will, when it comes to resting he seems just content chilling out along one side of his tub. His temps seem to be okay, cool side is low 80's, warm is low 90's, humidity is around 65%. Is this normal for these guys, or is he unhappy with something here?

Also I do need to post pics, as I will with my new balls too. I just can't get the little guy to hold still long enough to get a good picture. XD
Good for you. Congratulations :)

[rmfsnakes32]

Yes its normal some just dont like hides I have one that doesnt use hers at all! Congrats on getting the boa glad your happy! :)