Prepping for my first boa, what do you think?

[brobertson]

Since I'm getting a male BCI for Christmas, I figured that I would start planning out my setup. For QT, I was going to use a 10 gallon that I used to use for my BP. I would use a tub, but since it will be in a different room, I need to use a CHE as well. The tank will be controlled by a herpstat 2, and I will use this for a month or two. Then, I will move him to my cb70 rack with my BPs, where he will live for a year or two. Finally, I will buy a T8 from animal plastics, where he will live out the remainder of his life. It will be controlled by one of the zones on the herpstat two (gonna use the other for a BP incubator ) Please tell me if you have any suggestions, this will be my first boa, so I want to be sure to get it right. One question that I have is how likely is it that east coast breeders will ship during the winter? Thank you! Benek

[brobertson]

Bump...

[Evenstar]

If you are getting a baby, this should be fine. I would not use the 10gal for any longer than the q/t period though - even babies should have at least a 20gal long. I would also suggest a T13 from Animal Plastics as his final adult home. You'll find some people say a T8 is ok for an adult boa, but they will utilize more space and climb too if given the chance. You should have plenty of time to save up for a larger cage before he outgrows the cb70. If this is going to be your only boa (and I know plans can change, lol), then give him the maximum space you can possibly provide. Even male BCIs can get too big for a T8.....

[Kinra]

Kali hit the nail on the head in terms of advice.

I personally QT my boas for longer than 2 months, but that is a personal choice. I honestly wouldn't recommend putting it in the same rack as ball pythons though depending on how hot you keep your BP rack. My boas are kept at slightly cooler temps than my ball pythons.

Also when you do get your boa remember to grow it slow. They metabolize prey at a much slower rate than ball pythons. Feed smaller meals only once every 7-10 days.

[Evenstar]

Also when you do get your boa remember to grow it slow. They metabolize prey at a much slower rate than ball pythons. Feed smaller meals only once every 7-10 days.

x2 on this!!!