Suriname Red Tail or Nicaraguan Boa?

[Nathair]

I've been wanting to get a boa for a while now and I'm trying to decide between a Nicaraguan or a Suriname. I know with most Red Tails the males are considerably smaller than the females is this still true with the Surinames? How big does a male Suriname usually get? and can I keep either in a tub? if so what size tub? I haven't been able to find much info on Nicaraguans so anything there would be helpful. any tips are also appreciated.

[3skulls]

I'm pretty sure Vin Russo uses tubs with his Boas. They are huge and not very cheap. I think the Vision Boa racks are
Around $1500
I would say you can keep them in tubs when they are smaller but will get to big for a normal size rack when adults.

I'm pretty sure the males stay smaller in both. Surinames are pretty high on my want list. I don't know much about Nics but I would take one of those too

[Evenstar]

First off, tubs are fine for babies and juveniles up to 5-ish feet or so. After that, you need something bigger. An adult male BCI will do fine in a 4x2x2. Females and BCCs of both sexes (which include Surinams) should have an adult enclosure of 6x2x2 at minimum.

You've named two boas that are very much at polar opposites. Surinam BCCs are very large snakes with males attaining lengths up to 8-9 ft and females easily topping 10+ft. BCCs tend to be slightly more temperamental and more sensitive to husbandry and feeding issues than common boas (BCIs). For this reason, I personally don't recommend a BCC as a first boa. Not saying it can't be done if you do your research, but it might not be the best choice.

Nicaraguan boas are a much smaller locality-specific sub-species of BCI. Male usually get around 4ft with females not usually topping 5ft. Many folks say Nics can be nippy even as adults. But while they may be more temperamental than the average BCI, they are not as sensitive to husbandry issues as BCCs are.

Personally, I would suggest a common Colombian BCI as your first boa. You would be getting an animal that would max out somewhere between a Suri and a Nic in size. And Colombians are extremely hardy, are voracious eaters, and have terrific temperaments and personalities.

[Nathair]

First off, tubs are fine for babies and juveniles up to 5-ish feet or so. After that, you need something bigger. An adult male BCI will do fine in a 4x2x2. Females and BCCs of both sexes (which include Surinams) should have an adult enclosure of 6x2x2 at minimum.

You've named two boas that are very much at polar opposites. Surinam BCCs are very large snakes with males attaining lengths up to 8-9 ft and females easily topping 10+ft. BCCs tend to be slightly more temperamental and more sensitive to husbandry and feeding issues than common boas (BCIs). For this reason, I personally don't recommend a BCC as a first boa. Not saying it can't be done if you do your research, but it might not be the best choice.

Nicaraguan boas are a much smaller locality-specific sub-species of BCI. Male usually get around 4ft with females not usually topping 5ft. Many folks say Nics can be nippy even as adults. But while they may be more temperamental than the average BCI, they are not as sensitive to husbandry issues as BCCs are.

Personally, I would suggest a common Colombian BCI as your first boa. You would be getting an animal that would max out somewhere between a Suri and a Nic in size. And Colombians are extremely hardy, are voracious eaters, and have terrific temperaments and personalities.

Thank you I will definitely consider it.