Gathering information...RTB BCC BCI

[Ratikal]

I'm Red Tail shopping but I'm gathering information first. I've owned an RTB Suriname before and I'm sure much has changed. Yes, I pre-ordered a bunch of goodies for the setup, i.e. herpstat, uth, 2 digital thermometers, 1 digital combo, extra heavy ceramic dog water bowl, aspen substrate, etc...I already have a cpl lamps and I want to setup a "glass habitat". Is it similar to a ball python setup? I read the "tub setup" above. I've also read a few caresheets and watched a couple videos from some well reviewed Boa breeders.
So here are a few questions and thank you in advance:
Are the main differences between BCI and BCC localities and a small variance in size?
I can't find much info to distinguish differences with Surinames, Costa Rican, etc...the different sub-species
Personally, I'm favoring another Suri but the jungle and monster tail lines seem to be catching my eye too. Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated...

[Ratikal]

Can I also add...which RTB retains their color in the long run. This is for a pet... I am not a breeder and have no plans to pair animals but I noticed some breeders sell pairs. Is there a reason behind this?

[Reinz]

Since you are going to get a Boa and have lots of questions, a lot of Boa keepers consider this to be the best book. It has tons of photos too! I would highly recommend acquiring one. Amazon is a good source.


It seems to me at least that most Boas darken with age. However some here have said that some lighten. All I know is that dealing with most living things about the only thing to engrave in stone is that death is certain to come.

BCs (BCC) are considered to be the largest. And different locales can have different colors and or size.


Punch, Wild Type BI

[Gio]

Since you are going to get a Boa and have lots of questions, a lot of Boa keepers consider this to be the best book. It has tons of photos too! I would highly recommend acquiring one. Amazon is a good source.


It seems to me at least that most Boas darken with age. However some here have said that some lighten. All I know is that dealing with most living things about the only thing to engrave in stone is that death is certain to come.

BCs (BCC) are considered to be the largest. And different locales can have different colors and or size.


Punch, Wild Type BI

I agree here and also second the book!

There are MANY differences between BCC and BCI, but the are not always evident unless you are very well versed in the species.

Feeding, reproduction, temps and general husbandry can have rather wide variation from species to species.

Obviously coloration and ability to retain it can be influenced by selective breeding.

Here is an example of breeding differences. True Red Tailed boas from Peru can be very, very difficult to breed. Seasonality is very, very important however most BCI are very forgiving when it comes to husbandry and usually rather easy to set into a breeding cycle.

I think reading that book and finding anything on the Web written by Gus Rentfro (world authority on boas) will help.

These days a higher end Suri can command a $600 price. Although that will get you one heck of a snake.

Legacy Reptiles is a good place to purchase. They have acquired a lot of Gus Rentfro's old stock both BCC and BCI.


This is a Gus Rentfro (Rio Bravo Reptiles) produced Barranquilla, Colombian boa. It is a locality animal and these boas share both BCC and BCI characteristics.



I bought him in 2013 from Legacy Reptiles.


He has held onto his coloring but his tail in both pictures is less red than when he was a baby.

[Ratikal]

Thank you and that is a beautiful snake...

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Just ordered the book off amazon...thank you and that is a beautiful looking RTB...

[Gio]

The author, Vin Russo, and Gus Rentfro are close friends.

I think you'll like reading that!