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View Poll Results: Which Boa Should I Get?
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Registered User
Can't decide on which boa to get.
I currently have a ball python, and I love it, but I want something a little more sociable. I am thinking about getting some type of boa. (it will probably be 6 months to a year before i get it, because i need to do research) I have thought of a few I might like, but I can't decide. So, I want to ask you. Which one would be good for me? Here's a little bit about what I am looking for:
-I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
-I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
-I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
-I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
-I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
-I will probably get a male.
-Not very interested in getting a morph.
-Relatively low prices would be nice.
I have thought about a Dumerils Boa, a Leopard Boa, a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and a Hog Island Boa.
Reptiles:
0.1 Normal Ball Python (Gretel )
1.0 Autumn Red Leatherback Bearded Dragon (Spyro )
Dogs:
1.0 Poodle (Dobby )
1.1 Chihuahuas (Boots & Cocoa )
Cats:
2.0 Domestic Long Haired (Spooky & Meow-Meow )
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Hog Island or Colombian BCI male would be my recommendation. They should get up to 6', most are docile and well tempered, the cooler temps are fine for them, and pure Hogs and Colombians are relatively inexpensive. Be prepared for at least a 4'x2' vivarium for either species though, I don't recommend these guys in tubs when adults.
~Angelica~
See my collection HERE
4.15 Ball Pythons
1.1 Angolan Pythons
2.2 Cali Kings_______________________0.1 SSTP Black Blood
1.1 T+ Argentine BCOs______________1.0 Snow Bull
1.3 Colombian morph BCIs___________0.1 Coastal Carpet
0.1 Hog Island BCI__________________0.1 Platinum Retic
0.1 Het Anery BCL __________________0.1 Lavender Albino Citron Retic
0.2 Central American morph BCIs_____1.0 Blonde/Caramel Retic
0.1 Pokigron Suriname BCC__________0.1 Goldenchild Retic
0.0.1 Corn
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Based on the criteria you've listed, I strongly recommend a Dumerils. They stay relatively small when compared to boas in general, do well in tubs (when they are young), are very easy to keep and are comparable to Ball Pythons in that regard, and they are very social and curious animals.
1. I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
2. I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
3. I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
4. I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
5. I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
6. I will probably get a male.
7. Not very interested in getting a morph.
8. Relatively low prices would be nice.
1. Dumerils are quite docile. Females can get bigger, but the males usually stay at about 6ft.
2. Any boa will fit this bill.... 
3. Not quite sure what you mean by this, but between Dums, BRBs, and BCIs, I think the Dums will have the broadest head.
4. Dumerils, being ground boas, will fair the best of the ones you've mentioned in a tub for the longest period of time. However, I would not keep any boa in a tub as an adult though. They need more room to move around than BPs do. Minimum cage size for ANY adult boa would be a 4x2x1 ft cage.
5. Any snake should have the least temperature variation as a general rule. A swing of 10 degress is HUGE. You really should take steps to fix this problem - for your BP as well as for any other snakes you get. A small gradient of 2-4 degrees is exceptable, but not 10. Boas can be more sensitive with digestion than BPs and can and will regurge if the temps are not appropriate. Dumerils tend to be the most forgiving of husbandry mistakes.
6. The males will stay smaller than the females, but other than that, it's just a matter of preference.
7. A Leopard boa is a morph of BCI, specifically in Sonoran Desert boas. It is simple recessive.
8. Leopard boas are MUCH more expensive. Normal BCIs, Hog Islands, and BRBs are going to run you anywhere from 100-200. You can find a nice baby Dumerils for 120 or less. I found my gorgeous female for 75.
Please think CAREFULLY about your husbandry and cage size (#'s 4 & 5). These are very important considerations for a boa.
Last edited by Evenstar; 03-31-2013 at 06:22 PM.
Reason: spelling
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Registered User
(BRB= Brazilian Rainbow Boa) Because BRB's ideally need 80% (as adults) humidity (although some say they have been able to keep them low as 70%), you cannot keep them in the traditional rack system. Babies need to be kept at 90% humidity. The best caging is a PVC viv. You mention a heater, I would not put her near it since it may lower humidity. Furthermore, stay away from heat lamps if you can, they are humidity's kryptonite.
Temp wise, I keep mine at 83 on the hot and 76 on the cool end. The ambient temp needs to be at least 75.
There really isn't a significant size difference between males and females. They are usually between 5-6 ft.
(Keep in mind I only own one at the moment), My BRB is quite sociable, and isn't nippy in the least. But she is a busy-body. Wants to constantly climb on me or anything she believes to be in her reach. On rare occasions she will just stay still. Sometimes it's a mix between climbing and chilling.
Prices can vary depending on the quality. For a normal usually ranges from $100-$200 (babies). If I were you, I would buy an adult (or close to it) since they are not as picky on the humidity requirements.
Humidity is one of the things you do need to watch. But if you do your research, you should be fine. Also, if the temps get over 90 degrees, it is fatal (so make sure you have a good thermostat, I would not buy a cheap one for a BRB).
I hear good things about the Dumeril's Boa but I have never owned one, so I cannot vouch for them, I'm sure someone will pitch in about them though.
I hope this helps you make a decision on which ever Boa you decide on. Just remember if you do choose a BRB, to do more research for the info above is just a general overview.
0.1 Blood Red Corn Snake (BHB)
0.1 BRB (Elegant Reptile Images)
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The Following User Says Thank You to RoseRed For This Useful Post:
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Re: Can't decide on which boa to get.
I always recommend a dum to anyone looking to get there first boa. I should think a male dum would meet your requirements very nicely. they are very docile and the head tend to be a little wider than a bci since you seem to like that.
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Re: Can't decide on which boa to get.
As already stated leopards are a Central American morph. Sonorans are notoriously nippy as well. Most do calm down as adults to some degree but not all do. I have 2 young ones right now, the female is nervous and it doesn't take much to startle her into striking mode and the male is satan incarnate.
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Re: Can't decide on which boa to get.
Based on your information and temperature requirements you may want to look at carpet pythons. You can get some fairly thick long females with decent sized heads a lot of the Australian pythons are very forgiving of husbandry changes humidity temps etc. just something to add into the mix I strongly considered carpet pythons before going with a BCI Colombian. I have seen some very large female dumerils I am not sure how active they are compared to a BCC/BCI or a carpet python
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Registered User
Re: Can't decide on which boa to get.
I've considered the carpet python too, as well as the Woma python. I think I'm in between the Woma Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and the Dumerils Boa. I'm going to read more about each one and maybe narrow it down. I'll read about the carpet python as well. Thank you. It will be a while before I buy one, but I want to be completely happy with my decision and know what I'm going to get so that I can do a TON of research about them!
BTW: I bought an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer, and it turns out that my old one was just off. I've got the temps and humidity right now for my ball python, if anyone was worried, lol.
Reptiles:
0.1 Normal Ball Python (Gretel )
1.0 Autumn Red Leatherback Bearded Dragon (Spyro )
Dogs:
1.0 Poodle (Dobby )
1.1 Chihuahuas (Boots & Cocoa )
Cats:
2.0 Domestic Long Haired (Spooky & Meow-Meow )
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Registered User
Re: Can't decide on which boa to get.
And for the big head question, I just meant that I like how they have a separate head from their neck. Not like a milk snake or a king snake, who's heads blend in with their necks. (AKA big heads, lol) Sorry about the confusion.
Reptiles:
0.1 Normal Ball Python (Gretel )
1.0 Autumn Red Leatherback Bearded Dragon (Spyro )
Dogs:
1.0 Poodle (Dobby )
1.1 Chihuahuas (Boots & Cocoa )
Cats:
2.0 Domestic Long Haired (Spooky & Meow-Meow )
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I love love love my dumerils boa.
1.0 firefly ball python
1.0 100% Pastel het clown ball python
1.0 Enchi ball python
1.0 Super Pastel 100% het pied (Richard)
0.1 Butter 100% het ghost
0.1 Pastel 100% het pied (Keira)
0.1 Butter 50% het Ghost Ball Python (Penny)
0.1 100% het Ghost
0.1 Normal Ball Python (Irwin)
0.1 Mojave Ball Python (Eve)
0.1 Black Bee Ball Python (Charolette)
0.1 Pintripe (Olivia)
0.1 Dumeril's Boa (Peaches)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Dude)
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