looking into getting a big boa

[Orangephoner]

So as the tittle says im looking into getting a large boa that i found locally. It is a 7 foot red tail. I found her on craigslist. I have been talking to the seller, they say that she eats a big rat every 2 weeks. Shedding seems normal never refuses food. Also friendly and handled often. Even said she can easily be handled alone.she is 12 years old. He is asking $150 for the snake and a large cage and stand lights and everything. His reason for selling is "i just got kind of bored of her after a while". hmm
Anyways, a little back ground on me. I own a smaller red tail and two larger ball pythons. i have owned snakes for a couple years now. i feel confident in owning/housing/feeding/handling them.
So i guess my question in all of this first is ive never owned a 7 ft snake. So any tips in owning one? And also this site has never failed me, so i would honestly like your input in this. Good or bad.
Thank you
Christian.

[Orangephoner]

these are the sellers photos. i am meeting with him on wednesday to see the snake in person.

[bcr229]

If she's healthy and has a decent temper then I don't see a problem. I would just use her tank during the QT period and upgrade her to a Boamaster or AP enclosure afterward though.

[Orangephoner]

What would be a good QT period? I have heard anything from 2 months to 6 months. Never heard of a boamaster or Ap. What are they?
Thanks

[jclaiborne]

Animal Plastics and Boamaster are cage manufacturers that use PVC to make cages instead of glass tanks. They insulate well and hold himidity better, and have front opening doors instead of comming down on top, so they can be stacked as well.

[Evenstar]

A good period for Q/T is 90 days. That is what I personally do. 60 days is acceptable, 90 days is about as safe as you can be. 6 months is likely overkill. The thing is, certain viruses like IBD can remain dormant for years. Yes, years. So quarantining longer than 90 days, while certainly your prerogative, really isn't any safer than 90 days. Most issues are going to show up within those first 3 months.


I would stay away from Boamaster. There are a lot of poor reviews for them. The best and most respected manufacturers are Animal Plastics, PVCcages.com, Constrictors NW, and Boaphile (be aware that Boaphile, while producing a superior product, absolutely SUCKS in the customer service department). All of these places have websites - just google.

For that nice big girl, I would personally do a 6x2x2.

[Rob]

Go for it! Boas are great. Can't go wrong with an AP cage either.

[Tigerhawk]

I agree she looks good, and seems very good natured.I would go for it.