Redtail boa Questions

[Willie76]

So. My addiction has been confirmed by many professionals. I currently have 2 ball pythons and although these are my primary love, I am seriously considering adding a redtail boa in the next year or so. After all the research I have done, I see there are many morphs to these and that "redtail boa" is kind of a catch-all phrase and I have a few questions:

1. What is BCI and BCC? Differences?
2. Who are some good breeders to buy from?
3. Are some species more aggressive than others? Looking for docile that can be held like my BPs.
4. Any special needs of a redtail boa outside the scope of ball pythons?

Many thanks ahead of time...Always learning!

[xFenrir]

What is BCI and BCC? Differences?

Red Tail Boas are classified as follows:

Boa Constrictor Constrictor (BCC) - These are the "true red tails." These are generally the largest in size and maintain their red tails into adulthood. The tail will normally have a distinct red color that ranges from bright red to a deeper, more blood red color. They come from:
Peru
Brazil
Venezuela
Suriname
Guyana

Boa Constrictor Imperator (BCI)- This is the largest group of boa constrictors. Their tail color normally ranges from a darker, more subdued red to a more common brown color. They include the boas from Central America:
Colombia
Panama
Costa Rica
Nicaraqua
Mexico: Tamaulipas, Tarahumara
and the insular islands:
Hogg Island
Caulker Cay
Crawl Cay
Corn Island

Boa Constrictor Amarali (BCA)- Bolivian boa constrictors

Boa Constrictor Longicauda (BCL)- These come from the Tumbes region of Peru. They are also known as the Peruvian Long-tail Boa, as they have a higher scale count from their vent to tail tip, than the Peruvian BCC.

Boa Constrictor Occidentalis (BCO)- Argentine boa constrictors.

Boa Constrictor Sabogae (BCS)- Pearl Island boa constrictors

As well as, some of the lesser known sub-species:

Boa Constrictor Nebulosa- Dominican Republic, Lesser Antilles
Boa Constrictor Orophias- St. Lucia
Boa Constrictor Melanogaster- Ecuador Black Belly

It is best to research each of these, as they have different sizes, colorings, and growth rates. Here are a few websites to help you get started, where the different sub-species of Boa Constrictor are discussed and described:

http://www.boa-constrictors.com/com/com.html

http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/contactinformation/

http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index.htm

Physical Differences:

-Saddle Shape: Generally the BCI saddles will have a rounder apearance, looking something like this: ( ) ( ) ( ), whereas the BCC saddles generally have an apex in the saddles, much like this: } { } { } { } . While this is a good marker, it is not always reliable.

-Head Shape: The head shape between BCC and BCI may be hard to detect in neonates, but from about 1 year in age, the differences become more apparent. The BCC generally have less pronounced jaw muscles, giving the head a more slender, longer, or uniformly tapered appearance, with a more pointed shaped nose. Also, the size of the head will appear larger in relation to the size of the body in the neck area. The BCI generally has more pronounced jaw muscles and a more blunt or broader looking nose, giving the head a shorter appearance. Also the BCI head will appear smaller in relation to the size of the body in the neck area.

-Scale Count: Scale count is another indicator of Boa type, however, since alot of the numbers overlap, it should not be relied on solely. Scale count + Head shape is the most accurate method of determining the type of Boa that you have. If you are looking for a specific locale of BCC or BCI, the easiest way to ensure that you are getting what you want is to buy from a reputable breeder who will guarantee the genetics.
Here is a chart that was posted on another forum with some basic scale and saddle counts. I left the authors name in the post so that he can recieve credit:

Here are the scale counts for you.

BCC
scale counts - 75 to 95 dorsal rows.
227 to 250 ventrals.
49 to 62 subcaudals.
Average 15 to 21 saddles.

BCI
scale counts - 56 to 79 dorsal rows.
225 to 253 ventrals.
47 to 65 subcaudals.
Average 22 to 30 saddles.

BCA ( Amaral Boa)
scale counts - 71 to 79 dorsal rows.
226 to 237 ventrals.
43 to 52 subcaudals.
Average 22 saddles.

BCL (Longicauada)
scale counts - 60 to 76 dorsal rows.
243 to 247 ventrals.
50 to 67 subcaudals.
Average 19 to 21 saddles.

BCO (Occidentalis)
scale counts - 65 to 87 dorsal rows.
242 to 251 ventrals.
45 subcaudals.
Average 22 to 30 saddles.



For those who are doing research or looking for care info, the following links are to the different sections of "The Ultimate Boa Constrictor Care Guide" by Clay English:

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...ew-line-40589/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...-online-40590/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...-online-40591/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/emer...-online-40594/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/feed...ew-line-40593/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/inst...-online-40592/

You can also download the entire guide in PDF format free by going to this link and registering:

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/down...ion-3-a-31312/

Also, here is a fairly in-depth article by Gus Rentfro, Rio Bravo Reptiles, on Boa Constrictor care:

http://www.redtailboa.net/forums/sna...tail-boas.html

Hopefully, all of these links and info will help those doing research, or the keeper who is just looking for some additional resources and info...

<<<< -Vypyrz- >>>>

[Daybreaker]

1. What is BCI and BCC? Differences?
2. Who are some good breeders to buy from?
3. Are some species more aggressive than others? Looking for docile that can be held like my BPs.
4. Any special needs of a redtail boa outside the scope of ball pythons?

1) BCIs are boa constrictor imperator such as Colombians, Nics, Hog Islands, Mexican, and other Island boas. BCCs are boa constrictor constrictor such as Peruvians, Surinames, Guyanas, Brazilians, etc. BCCs usually get larger than BCIs and these are the "true" red tails; when someone calls their Hog Island or Colombian a "red tail boa" it's not correct IMO.
2) I've personally purchased from Jimi Snakes, Boamaster, Chad Duggin, and Dan Eby with success.
3) I've read that Central American boas are more hissy pissy as babies but have no first hand experience with this. My three Colombians are amazingly tame, much tamer than my Hog Island (though I think she's a fluke as most Hogs are well mannered).
4) Male BCIs usually will need at least a four foot vivarium/cage, females will most likely need at least a 6'. I keep my boas a little cooler than my balls and it seems they prefer the cooler temps. Don't feed baby boas more than once a week and I feed my adults every 2 weeks.

[Evenstar]

^^^ What they said.

I have also purchased from Tim with Special K Reptiles, Gus at Rio Bravo, and Prima Reptilia. These are all great people to work with.

If you are interested in a Surinam true Red Tail (BCC), a friend over on the www.redtailboa.net forums has a NICE litter with several babies still available. These are some of the best Suri's I've seen in a long time and I'm drooling over them as we speak. But I already have a female snow coming from her and just can't swing another at the moment (although I'm still thinking about having her add one to the box, lol!!). Anyhow, look up her username to contact her and/or see pics of the babies. Her name is Star and her username is weird_science04 if you're interested.

Numbers 1 & 2 have been answered really well, but to expand on the others.....

#3 -----
-- Nicaraguan, Central American, and Mexican BCIs can all sometimes be nippier, especially as babies. They will usually tame down well, but they have a reputation for being more temperamental. Argentine boas can also be slightly more sensitive. They have a real reputation for being big bluffers. BCCs are also more sensitive - both temperamentally and physically.
-- Colombian BCIs are noted for having the most laid back personalities of all the boa subspecies and I agree with that. Mine are very mellow and gentle.

#4 -----
-- Always remember that while they are not any harder to care for than BPs (except for size) and a lot of their care requirements are similar, boas are NOT ball pythons and not everything you do or would try with BPs should be applied to boas.
-- Dumerils, BCIs, and male BCCs will need a cage that is a minimum of 4x2x2. Female BCCs and large female BCIs will need at least 6x2x2. Make sure you have room for a cage that size before getting a boa. While you'll be fine with smaller enclosures for a baby, they do grow fast.
-- If you start with a baby, feed only once a week or once every 10 days. NO more frequently!! Boas have much slower metabolisms than BPs and can be more sensitive. Go slow and don't get impatient to "put weight on" your boa. They should look thin and lean and not chubby like a BP. Use a prey item that leaves a barely preceptable lump or no lump at all in your boa's belly. Smaller is always better. A slow-grown boa is healthier in the long run.
-- BCCs are particularly sensitive to husbandry. BCIs are more forgiving, but BCCs are not. Make sure your husbandry skills are up to par before trying a BCC.

Hope this helps you!

[Willie76]

1) BCIs are boa constrictor imperator such as Colombians, Nics, Hog Islands, Mexican, and other Island boas. BCCs are boa constrictor constrictor such as Peruvians, Surinames, Guyanas, Brazilians, etc. BCCs usually get larger than BCIs and these are the "true" red tails; when someone calls their Hog Island or Colombian a "red tail boa" it's not correct IMO.
2) I've personally purchased from Jimi Snakes, Boamaster, Chad Duggin, and Dan Eby with success.
3) I've read that Central American boas are more hissy pissy as babies but have no first hand experience with this. My three Colombians are amazingly tame, much tamer than my Hog Island (though I think she's a fluke as most Hogs are well mannered).
4) Male BCIs usually will need at least a four foot vivarium/cage, females will most likely need at least a 6'. I keep my boas a little cooler than my balls and it seems they prefer the cooler temps. Don't feed baby boas more than once a week and I feed my adults every 2 weeks.

See my collection HERE

WOW! Just viewed and am jealous of your collection! Many thanks for helping me learn...

[Daybreaker]

WOW! Just viewed and am jealous of your collection! Many thanks for helping me learn...

Thanks for the kind words If you have any questions about boas or any of the other species I keep just let me know, I'd be happy to help.