price range question

there is a reptile show coming up in my area, and i've been toying with the idea of picking up a 2011 boa. since virtually all of my disposable income is tied up in ball pythons, i'm not looking for a terribly expensive snake, but i keep seeing prices for regular red tails that are all over the map. does anyone have an idea of how much a quality red tail baby should cost? over the years i've kept corns, ball pythons, milk snakes, kings, etc., but i was never quite interested in boas until recently. since my only real experience with market price ranges is with balls, i figured i'd ask for some input.

and just to avoid any latent or potential question that some people might infer from this kind of post, i'm not looking to skimp on an animal or husbandry requirements. if it proves too expensive right now, i'll wait. however, i have a spare enclosure that a boa won't outgrow for a year or so, and while i don't have a lot of money to spend at the moment, i've seen red tails that go for around $100. if that's just a pet store price, that's fine, i just don't have a good conception of what new boas go for.

any input would be appreciated, even if only tangentially related (for example, whether the reason for price differentials is related to the differences between BCIs and BCCs, etc.).

thanks in advance.

Well, someone with more 'market' experience than me may be along to correct some of my figures, but here's a few points for you...

If you are just looking for a normal patterned BCI (common columbian boa) with no special genetics involves (ie: het for something), then you ought to be able to pick one up for $30-40 depending on location and availability.

Hypos and/or anerys run around $100 and up depending on whether there's reduced patterns and upwards of $200 if they are het for something. $300-400 for albinos and more outrageous morphs like sunglows might be $400-600 and up. Snows are going to be pushing $1000.

BCC's would run higher than normal BCI's. They are harder to come by and many consider their bloodline more 'pure'. The BCC is the "true red tail".

Sounds like you're just looking for a nice pet? You'll love having a boa - they are so inquisitive and personable! You can't go wrong with a normal BCI. You might even find a hypo or anery in your budget. Either way, we'll expect pics once you bring him home!

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Well, someone with more 'market' experience than me may be along to correct some of my figures, but here's a few points for you...

If you are just looking for a normal patterned BCI (common columbian boa) with no special genetics involves (ie: het for something), then you ought to be able to pick one up for $30-40 depending on location and availability.

Hypos and/or anerys run around $100 and up depending on whether there's reduced patterns and upwards of $200 if they are het for something. $300-400 for albinos and more outrageous morphs like sunglows might be $400-600 and up. Snows are going to be pushing $1000.

BCC's would run higher than normal BCI's. They are harder to come by and many consider their bloodline more 'pure'. The BCC is the "true red tail".

Sounds like you're just looking for a nice pet? You'll love having a boa - they are so inquisitive and personable! You can't go wrong with a normal BCI. You might even find a hypo or anery in your budget. Either way, we'll expect pics once you bring him home!

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Sounds about right on the pricing.

I should probably add that the figures I gave were generally for BABY boas - like 2011's. You might find 2010's around those price ranges, but older ones will be more $$.

Personally, I am thrilled I got my boa as a baby. It is very rewarding raising her from neonate to adult and wonderful to watch her grow. :gj: