Approved - And a Handling Question

I am still debating whether I want a Ball Python or a Red Tail Boa. I have enough space for either one but I can't get both. My mom has agreed to let me keep frozen feeders so now I have to decide which snake I want. My first snake was a pet store BP but I will never make that mistake again, buying from a petstore that is. I've learned a lot researching both but I can't decide which one I want because I REALLY like both.

Basically, I've found out that red tail boas can be kept out of their enclosure for long periods of time, like 2 - 5 hours at the most. Can you keep a ball python out for that amount of time as long as the weather is nice or if the environment surrounding is warm? I really want a boa but I'm kinda leaning more towards the BP since they're smaller and come in so many beautiful morphs.

Either species you will have to work up to handling outside of the enclosure for that amount of time, but yes bps can be taken out for that long. I've taken my bp with me for long drives before, running errands and the sorts with no issues. I keep both species, I have 4 bps and 1 colombian boa and I originally fell in love with bps, but boas are a close second. Idk how you're gonna choose! I love all of mine to pieces. Good luck :D

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Either species you will have to work up to handling outside of the enclosure for that amount of time, but yes bps can be taken out for that long. I've taken my bp with me for long drives before, running errands and the sorts with no issues. I keep both species, I have 4 bps and 1 colombian boa and I originally fell in love with bps, but boas are a close second. Idk how you're gonna choose! I love all of mine to pieces. Good luck :D

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Thank you :) . It's really hard deciding which to get. If I had enough space, I would definitely get both. A ball python was my first snake so it's going to be hard deciding at the next reptile show xD

I suppose you could have a bp out for that long too, as long as the temps and the environment were good. I personally have never had mine out for that amount of time, but, like Leah said, it should be fine if you work up to it.

The main thing to me is the significant size difference. RTBs grow much faster than bps, and you will need a much larger enclosure for an adult. I know you already said that space wasn't an issue, and as long as you are truly aware of how big they can get and that you'll have to be picking up a snake that could potentially weigh around 30-40 lbs, then it's all good. They are both awesome snakes... boas are more curious, bps are usually more chill... so it really comes down to your personal preference as far as overall look, feel and temperament :)

Good luck, and I can't wait to see pics of whatever you choose!!

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Originally Posted by blushingball419

I suppose you could have a bp out for that long too, as long as the temps and the environment were good. I personally have never had mine out for that amount of time, but, like Leah said, it should be fine if you work up to it.

The main thing to me is the significant size difference. RTBs grow much faster than bps, and you will need a much larger enclosure for an adult. I know you already said that space wasn't an issue, and as long as you are truly aware of how big they can get and that you'll have to be picking up a snake that could potentially weigh around 30-40 lbs, then it's all good. They are both awesome snakes... boas are more curious, bps are usually more chill... so it really comes down to your personal preference as far as overall look, feel and temperament :)

Good luck, and I can't wait to see pics of whatever you choose!!

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I didn't know they grow faster than bps! My bps are growing like weeds lol. I did make sure I got a male boa because I don't think I could personally handle a 10+ foot female on my own. Good to know though! And I only take my bps out with me like that if it's 75+ degrees outside, I'd never do that in the winter lol.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I didn't know they grow faster than bps! My bps are growing like weeds lol. I did make sure I got a male boa because I don't think I could personally handle a 10+ foot female on my own. Good to know though! And I only take my bps out with me like that if it's 75+ degrees outside, I'd never do that in the winter lol.

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Well, they both grow pretty fast, but yeah, from my experience with my ex's little female RTB, she was only a few months old when we bought her and she seemed to almost double her size in just around 6 months. Now I could be remembering wrong since it was several years ago now, and I'm sure because females are larger they grow faster, but they definitely do grow fast!

Haha yup, that's exactly why I got a male boa too!! :P Even though rainbows are already smaller than RTBs, I really didn't want a 7 foot long snake... anything more than that I wouldn't feel comfortable handling on my own. And same here, I was even afraid to take out my snakes the other day when the wind was a little chilly haha

Awesome! I remember when I had a BP. He/She was so darn cute! I might just get another but the boa keeps coming back into play xD

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Originally Posted by PastelPython

Awesome! I remember when I had a BP. He/She was so darn cute! I might just get another but the boa keeps coming back into play xD

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I am so in love with my ball pythons and their little duck faces, I THINK if I HAD to choose I'd stick with the balls, but I do see more boas in my future, too lol.