Good Boa for a Beginner

SharkBait1992 · 05-27-12, 07:14 PM

I don't have any snakes right now and I haven't had one in about 9 years. I have recently fallen in love with boas, I was just wondering what kind of boa would be good for a beginner. Thanks!

**Boots** · 05-27-12, 09:20 PM

My first boa was a red tail, but to be honest almost any boa should be fine. They tend to have a good temperament. Just make sure to let it get used to you.

Jason

SharkBait1992 · 05-27-12, 09:24 PM

Thanks! Time to jump into some research to pass the time until I can get one.

buffcoat · 05-27-12, 09:29 PM

I would say a red tail boa or perhaps a rosey boa. Neither require crazy amounts of humidity. Also rosey's aren't that big of a boa either. That's if yer looking for something that's pretty manageable. And then there is the Kenyan Sand boa.

Ask questions about the one you "think" you'd like to get. I know there is a keeper of whatever here.

GarterPython · 05-27-12, 09:33 PM

Boots is back!

Kettennatter · 05-28-12, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffcoat

[...]
Ask questions about the one you "think" you'd like to get. I know there is a keeper of whatever here.

Being quite new myself, that's probably the best advise for beginners based on my limited. (That and handling a fully grown specimen of what you're about to get.)

Rogue628 · 05-28-12, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffcoat

Ask questions about the one you "think" you'd like to get. I know there is a keeper of whatever here.

Great advice since most boas are easy to keep as well as have really good temperaments.

I suggest a dumerils boa. They typically have really good temperaments, slow growers, and easy to care for.

exwizard · 05-28-12, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue628

Great advice since most boas are easy to keep as well as have really good temperaments.

I suggest a dumerils boa. They typically have really good temperaments, slow growers, and easy to care for.

I second this on both points.

SnakeyJay · 05-28-12, 12:40 PM

A good old common bci... Or a dwarf if you'd like something smaller... They're easy on the pocket and my dwarf male is a little softie. A male common should stay a manageable size aswell. To be honest there's so many out there to choose from that youll find a species that will suit you perfectly. Goodluck.

Toronto1977 · 05-28-12, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SharkBait1992

I don't have any snakes right now and I haven't had one in about 9 years. I have recently fallen in love with boas, I was just wondering what kind of boa would be good for a beginner. Thanks!

Maybe start with a Rosey or Kenyan (both are easy to care for), then graduate to something bigger once you have the hang of things...

alessia55 · 05-28-12, 02:23 PM

There are lots of boas... it depends on the size of a snake that you're willing to have. Kenyan sand boas and rosy boas stay smaller, whereas red tail boas are larger. Would you like to feed it mice, rats, or rabbits? How much space do you have to house one? Depending on what you feel comfortable feeding and housing, we can help you choose one that might better suit your needs and wants

unknownclown · 05-28-12, 02:49 PM

It depends on what it is youre looking for in your snake kenyans are great but IMO its a bit boring having a tank with nothing to look at but sand all the time.
Personally Id go with a rtb they are great!

USMCgunner11 · 05-28-12, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

There are lots of boas... it depends on the size of a snake that you're willing to have. Kenyan sand boas and rosy boas stay smaller, whereas red tail boas are larger. Would you like to feed it mice, rats, or rabbits? How much space do you have to house one? Depending on what you feel comfortable feeding and housing, we can help you choose one that might better suit your needs and wants

I agree that the end size of the boa you choose will probably be your biggest determining factor. If you don't have too much space to dedicate to your snake then, as several people have already recommended, a sand boa might be the way to go. If you can afford 6 to 8 feet of space to a larger species then a Common Boa would work. A true red tail can get bigger and will need more space.

SharkBait1992 · 05-28-12, 03:01 PM

Thanks everyone! I don't really know how much space I will have because I am moving to Arizona in July so I will continue with my research and I am sure I will be back with more questions soon. Thanks again everyone!!

Terranaut · 05-28-12, 04:06 PM

I would suggest you look into local laws regarding size and types of snakes allowed first.
When you "fell in love with boas" I assume you were looking at some on the net or some of ours here. What did you like? I am going to guess you mean a BCC OR BCI?? A nice normal plain BCI will cheap, easy to find and easy to care for. I know I have 2 not normal BCI's but if I was buying another I would go this route.