Red Tail Boa or Burmese Python?

My finace wants to get another snake. We have a ball python already and I was wondering what would be good as a second snake. We both really like the red tails and have been around them a few times and know the size of both and size isnt an issue to us.

I would not recommend a burm as a second snake. Red tail yes, but not a snake that can reach a size of 100 lbs even for a male.. females 200 lbs or more. That's life threatening size. Most burms are puppy dog tame, but I think more than just BP experience is needed before taking the plunge and buying a burm. 1000s of burms are given up because people don't want them anymore.. they get huge.. requiring at least an 8' cage, and eating rabbits by the pound.

If you want a bigger than average boa, you might want to look at Argentines. They're some of the biggest Boas I've seen. From what I've heard, they can be nippy when young, but generally settle down with patience and handling. Temperment wise, burms are pretty cool, its just the sheer size of them that's a problem for most people.

Argentines are BCO.. (boa constrictor occidentalis) they are still smaller than BCC boas like surinames and guyanans.

Argentine boas have a unique look though, awesome animals.

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Originally Posted by Shelby

Argentines are BCO.. (boa constrictor occidentalis) they are still smaller than BCC boas like surinames and guyanans.

Argentine boas have a unique look though, awesome animals.

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Oh, oops, I thought they were BCC. I don't know though, they might not get as long as suris, but they're heftier (at least they ones I've seen). Either way, they're gorgeous!

I wouldn't say they're heftier.. ever seen a 10' peruvian BCC? That's hefty!

Flirty, unless you're absolutely sure you're ready to give a burm the space and feeding that it needs, don't get one.

My very first snake was a burm, 15-16years ago. By the end of the first year he was eating two 6-8 pound rabbits a week. Dollar-wise, that adds up pretty darn quick. Unfortunately, I had one of those unexpected life changes, my living situation changed, and I had to get rid of her. I won't tell you not to get a burm, just be sure you're ready for one.

Shelby, We'll have to agree to disagree, an aquaintance of mine had a 12ft+ Argy that was bigger around than a football. So............................ :P

Well I have never seen one that big. Biggest argentine I saw was around 8'. Are you sure it was a BCO argentine? I suppose BCC boas could live in Argentina too.

Ah.. who knows. Any boa constrictor aside from some dwarf subspecies is going to get big.

:D

<-- Still pines for an Argentine :P

I agree 100% that a Burm is not a snake to be taken lightly, they are considered giant snakes that demand respect. This is a snake that will be eating large rabbits or small pigs.

Also keep in mind that 100's if not 1000's of Burms are abandoned each year by owners who bought these cute 24" baby burms and did not want nor care for that 7ft-10ft-12ft-15ft snake knowing it was going to get even bigger with time.


I think we've all seen this picture a few months back that was all over the media.
http://www.foxnews.com/images/179329...505_python.jpg


Argies also get fairly large, they do average 9ft-10ft, but it's not uncommon if fed heavily to see females as large as 14ft. BCO's are beautiful snakes IMO, the blk/silver is very attractive. BCO's tend to be very nippy and hissy as young, but as with most snakes they will calm down nicely with regular handling. I would own a BCI or BCO over a BCC, just my preference.

As always do your homework, and ask yourselves "do I really want a snake that may reach 8ft-10ft-12ft-15ft+?".

A 5ft Ball Python is not the same thing as a 15ft+ Burmese or 8ft-10ft Boa. If cared for properly both make wonderful pets, the real question is "can we properly care for these giant snakes and do we want to?".