New Boa, Enclosure question

[Lira]

Hi all,

About a year ago I became the unexpected momma of a baby ball. (aquentance moved, told me he was going to let the snake go, and I coudn't let that happen). Mr. Hyde is just about the best pet I've ever had, much less nurotic and care intensive then my cocker spainels by a long shot. I found this forum, got good advise and after I got him all set up with an Animal Plastics enclosure and worked out temp and humidity issues I even calmed down a few degrees.

Everythings been great

... and now... a neighbor saw that I have a BP. He told me that he bought his son a snake, but the wife wouldn't let him keep it in the house. So, he's had it at his office, for a little over two years, the son doesn't take care of the snake and dad doesn't spend much time in the office. He asked me if I would take it.

I agreed to take her (or him, but I just think I'll call her a her until I know otherwise). I have no idea why, but for some reason (probably because I love my BP so much) I just assumed he had a BP. Imagin my surprise when he showed up with a RTB. He says its a Purvian RTB. I don't know if it is, or even what the difference is but she is beeeeauuuutiful. I'll try and get a pic up in a few days.

I've read the care sheets, and I'm trying to work out any care differences. My biggest concern at this point is I am going to have to give her enclouser back (it's a 60gal aquarium). So, I went and looked at Animal Plastics again because I really like Mr. Hyde's cage. But, with a boa should I get the aboral cage rather then the terrestral?

I'm already noticing some major personality differences. My BP is so sweet and cuddly, and erm, lazy. The RTB is... well, quite a bit bigger then my BP for one thing, and in constant motion. Doesn't seem to be aggressive or nippy at this point, but definatly more *active* and more climby. It took some doing to get her back in her cage too.

Anyway, I'm rambling. What do you suggest for an encousure for a RTB? Taller or flatter or doesn't matter?

[xdeus]

Congrats on the new snake. Can't wait to see some pics.

To answer your question, a terrestial cage would be more appropriate. Although BCs tend to climb more than Balls, they still prefer more floor space to roam around rather than vertical space to climb. A good cage would be the AP T10 or T11 for a male or the T20 or T25 for a female.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Just understand that if its a pure Peruvian Boa Constrictor Constrictor, a female has the potential to hit 12'+ and males 8'+. A 6' by 2' cage would be ok for a boa up to about 10' I would say. Just keep us updated on him and we'll be glad to help you out.

[JimiSnakes]

I want pics! They are stunning snakes and I LOVE to see pics of them. You grabbed quite a catch on that one! Congrats!

Flatter would be the only way to go. I've rarely heard of them getting bigger than 8 ft for females, but anything goes. I would say a 6 ft cage would be plenty big enough for her.