Can I do it alone?

[Nasubi77]

I have become very entranced by RTB's and hope to eventually get one. From my understanding, they get about 8-10 feet? I've been lurking on the Giant Python board, and I know everyone stresses about always having a second handler when handling large snakes. I wondered if the same was advised for RTB's? My hubby is afraid of reptiles and won't even touch my beardies or my ball so if having a second handler is recommended, then I guess I won't be adding a RTB to my collection.

[ladywhipple02]

Only the biggest of females will get 8-10 ft long. Females typically get anywhere from 6-8ft, and males right around 5-6'.

If you really want to get a boa, get a baby male. He'll stay small... and since you got him as a baby, you can grow with him---learn his temper, his moods, etc.

FYI: there are smaller boa out there if 6' is still too big. Hogg Island boas usually stay more around the 4-5' mark for males.

[wilomn]

Only the biggest of females will get 8-10 ft long. Females typically get anywhere from 6-8ft, and males right around 5-6'.

If you really want to get a boa, get a baby male. He'll stay small... and since you got him as a baby, you can grow with him---learn his temper, his moods, etc.

FYI: there are smaller boa out there if 6' is still too big. Hogg Island boas usually stay more around the 4-5' mark for males.

This is not true.

Males can get as large as females. Most don't because they are not fed as much as the females are.

True Redtails tend to be larger than their common cousins but, they too can exceed 8ft easily.

A Hog Is. or one of the Central American Boas might be a better choice. They do stay small, rarely reaching 6 ft.

Go to a show or see if someone near you has a large boa you can handle. Get a feel for it and then decide if it's a snake you really feel comfortable having.

[Nasubi77]

I have handled one before, albeit briefly at a show. I am comfortable with doing so.

My question is, is it safe to handle one by myself all the time? Is having a second handler recommended as it is with the bigger pythons?

Like a toddler, what I'm comfortable doing, and what is actually safe to do, can be two totally different things...

Oh, and also I'm referring to the BCI, like a Columbian, which I now see averages 7-8 ft.

[wilomn]

I have handled one before, albeit briefly at a show. I am comfortable with doing so.

My question is, is it safe to handle one by myself all the time? Is having a second handler recommended as it is with the bigger pythons?

Like a toddler, what I'm comfortable doing, and what is actually safe to do, can be two totally different things...

Oh, and also I'm referring to the BCI, like a Columbian, which I now see averages 7-8 ft.

That will depend on size and attitude. Size is important because if you weigh 90 lbs and the snake weighs 20, you're going to lose in a tug-o-war. If you're not tiny, then your attitude will be important. You have to know your snake and be confident in your ability to handle it.

The large snake guidelines are good but with boas it can be difficult to know when you need a second person. They are, as a rule, much more mellow than pythons. In my experience.

The thing is, while you really should have someone there when the snake is 8 ft or larger, you may not ever need them.

I say train your husband better and be done with it.

[Nasubi77]

That will depend on size and attitude. Size is important because if you weigh 90 lbs and the snake weighs 20, you're going to lose in a tug-o-war. If you're not tiny, then your attitude will be important. You have to know your snake and be confident in your ability to handle it.

The large snake guidelines are good but with boas it can be difficult to know when you need a second person. They are, as a rule, much more mellow than pythons. In my experience.

The thing is, while you really should have someone there when the snake is 8 ft or larger, you may not ever need them.

I say train your husband better and be done with it.

Well, I'm 5'10 and 180 (with women's size 11 feet, haha) so I'm def NOT tiny and have a good, confident, comfortable, yet respectful attitude toward all animals, domestic, wild, farm, exotic or whatever.

While I know that no one should ever have a Burm or Retic without help, just didn't know what the general consensus about RTB's was. After browsing many forums, had never seen the need for a 2nd person mentioned.

As for the hubby, it's a lost cause. You ought to have seen him shriek like a little girl when my BABY beardie crawled on his hand once, lol. The only help he would be is that he might come after the boa with a machete if I were to ever find myself incapacitated within it's coils.

My son, however, will be a teenager in a couple years, so he could be my backup, at least until he flies the nest.

Thanks for your responses.

[mainbutter]

My question is, is it safe to handle one by myself all the time? Is having a second handler recommended as it is with the bigger pythons?

Short and sweet, answering what you're asking:

YES.

A bit more explanation with handling larger snakes:

Many 'larger' snakes are not in any way lethal, but if they get pissy and bite you, it can be a hassle to get them off even with help. But it is still 'safe', in that I firmly believe it is impossible for even the largest BCIs to present lethal dangers towards adult humans. The worst you'd get is some torn flesh and have a bit longer time getting the snake off than if you had help.