Brazilian/Columbian Rainbow Boa

[zackw419]

Hey, I've been contemplating on my next snake and one of my wants is a Rainbow Boa. I've read a caresheet or two but I still havn't gotten a good feel on how these guys are. So, I wondered if people who have had these guys could chime in and give me some info on how they are as pets.

Also, What is the differences between a Columbian and Brazilian Rainbow boa as far as temperament and care goes?

Are these guys skiddish? Picky Eaters?


Just looking for some info

-Zack

[LeoNik]

Id have to say I like the brazilians better because of their colors,thats what I have. Im not too sure of the difference between the brbs and crbs as far as care taking gos, but if you have good husbandry skills and dont mind taking a nip every now and then till they are tamed, then their awesome! Just make sure you have the time to care for it!

[zackw419]

what kind of enclosure do you keep yours in?

[Jo81]

I love my BRB, mines so calm and placid. The main difference in the BRB and CRB is the colour, the CRB tending to be paler orange and less patterning and they tend to lose a lot of their pattern as they mature. Mines never been bitey but as with all boas they can be when young. I think (although correct me if wrong) the care of both species is pretty similar, needing high humidity but most prefer the temps at the lower end of the recommended range.

[Ayla]

As far as I know, care for both is about the same...as far as temperments...BRBs are pretty much infamous for their horrible attitudes...BUT mine has never even struck at me. Just like any snake in this hobby...some are nicer than others. I have definitely heard of more mean BRBs than nice ones though. I keep mine in a tub with a hide, damp moss box, and water dish, and she's perfectly happy & healthy. A lot of people STRESS that you need to keep them in super high-humidity environments, no exceptions, or they will suffer and die, etc., but with all the experiance I have had with mine, I have kept her in basically the same type of enclosure for a few years now, and she's never had any skin problems, never refuses a meal, always sheds perfectly, and is nice and handleable to boot. Can't argue with that!

But as far as choosing between the two, I say BRB all the way.

[zackw419]

Thanks for the input everyone.

[aalomon]

Id say BRBs are nippy as babies but all the adults Ive seen are sweethearts. If you do look into getting a BRB, try looking for a yearling. Ive noticed with mine that babies are a little more sensative while my adults/subadults are nearly indestructable.

[PigsnPythons]

I have a pair of BRBs. The male is a bit nippy but once he is out of the enclosure he is usually fine. The female has never tried to bite me. They are considered an "intermediate" species to keep because they have pretty strict husbandry requirements. The babies need like 95% humidity and don't need to get over heated. I believe the temp range is like 78-85 degrees. However, from what I understand, the adults don't need such high humidity. Mine are still babies so I'm not sure. I got mine from www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com.