Which one should I get?

[Cendalla]

I know there has been quite a few of these posts latelySorry...

There is a show here in April and I want to add another boa to my family. I'm down to a Brazilian Rainbow Boa or a Hog Island. I'm just not sure what to choose. Its not an issue of husbandry or cost- and they are both beautiful animals in completely different ways.

What one has the best temperament as an adult?
What makes the better pet?
Do any of you have experience with both? What are your thought?

Thank you

[MoonlightBoas]

I know there has been quite a few of these posts latelySorry...

There is a show here in April and I want to add another boa to my family. I'm down to a Brazilian Rainbow Boa or a Hog Island. I'm just not sure what to choose. Its not an issue of husbandry or cost- and they are both beautiful animals in completely different ways.

What one has the best temperament as an adult?
What makes the better pet?
Do any of you have experience with both? What are your thought?

Thank you

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are awesome! However, I am somewhat biased. The majority of Rainbow Boas in my collection have a fantastic temperament. I have a thought though. If you don't see a snake that you fall in love with at the show in April, I'd hold off until the spring/summer when new babies start dropping. You'll have a much larger selection and likely be able to choose a snake with more vibrant colors.

[Evenstar]

I absolutely LOVE my BCI. Mine aren't Hoggies though so I'm not sure about them. I'd like a rainbow myself someday. Personally, I think you'll be really happy with either one.

But I agree with Paul - if you don't see something you just have to have in April, wait just another month or two and the selection should be huge.

Just a thought - last spring I attended my area's rept expo and I knew I was going to get something, but I could not decide what I wanted - a rainbow, a dumeril, or a columbian boa. I decided to keep an open mind and just see what I liked when I got there. I looked over EVERYthing and had my hands on a really nice dumeril and almost got her, but I kept finding myself drifting back to the BCIs. Then my eye caught a perfect little baby hypo BCI that had so much pink in her she looked like she'd swallowed a strawberry. As soon as the breeder put her in my hands I could not put her down. That was it and I've never for a single moment been sorry - and I had a wonderful time and a great experience at that rept expo. I'd suggest that no matter what you think you might want before you go, keep an open mind and listen to your heart too.

[Cendalla]

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are awesome! However, I am somewhat biased. The majority of Rainbow Boas in my collection have a fantastic temperament. I have a thought though. If you don't see a snake that you fall in love with at the show in April, I'd hold off until the spring/summer when new babies start dropping. You'll have a much larger selection and likely be able to choose a snake with more vibrant colors.

Are they easy to get on F/T young? Its very difficult to get live rats out here. I wouldn't mind finding one thats older but that doesn't seem too common. I want a nice pet not a breeding project. I leave that to the pros I'm just an enthusiast!

[TheWinWizard]

I would go with the Hog Island Boa. Yes, I'm biased. They are extremely mellow, my big female's like a little kitten. I trust her 100%. The male I don't fully trust, he's given me a love bite, just a quick nip and release. Of course he didn't want to be bothered, but I had too. They eat frozen thawed with no problem at all.

[dereklondon24]

Honestly from my experience they are both amazing snakes and both of them have good temperments when handled frequently. Personally if it were me i would get the rainbow but like i said thats my personal opinion

[dereklondon24]

Plus what other boa can get so multi colored and irredescent they r georgous


1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

[MoonlightBoas]

Are they easy to get on F/T young? Its very difficult to get live rats out here. I wouldn't mind finding one thats older but that doesn't seem too common. I want a nice pet not a breeding project. I leave that to the pros I'm just an enthusiast!

You'll probably have better luck finding a really nice Brazilian Rainbow Boa as a baby. Most of the juveniles and adults that are put up for sale aren't the best looking.

Brazilian Rainbow Boas are pretty easy to get on frozen thawed rodents. If you have any issues, try heating up the rodent to 80-90 degrees. One of the great things about BRBs is that they're great eaters. I rarely have one refuse a meal.

[Scimthar]

Not a Hog island, but I have a female BCI and she's a very nice snake to own. About 5ft at the moment, quite tame and never misses a feed. Furthermore, Hogs are incredibly beautiful. I'd so go for one if I had the chance!

[Royal Hijinx]

If you get a BRB, make sure the breeder has good looking adults that remain somewhat red, not completely browned out. I have seen a huge difference in quality of BRBs. The Hogg Island is also a great choice and most boas eat like champs.