Boa questions

As the header suggests, I have a few questions about boas. I am planning on getting one (it may be some time before my living situation permits one as I currently basement rent) and have a few questions about what locality/flavor to look at so I can properly do my homework. I have 1 ball python and did about 2 years of research before going out and finding her.

Here is what I am looking for. I understand that they can get to be a good size. For my own preference, I am looking at no larger than 8-10ft. I would like it to have a very bright red tail and be relatively clean of freckles. I can appreciate the beauty of the freckles, but i find the ones with the clean saddles absolutely stunning. I guess that's it. Like I said before, it will be a while before I can get one so I have a lot of time to really decide and prepare. Also, if there is anything else I should consider please feel free to let me know. Thanks in advance!

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Here's some options from your description:

I'd look into the BCC's if you favor bright red tails. They usually hold them through their entire lives, and I've seen some with bright red to deep crimson tails that are very stunning. I personally favor the Peruvians but they can be speckly, but Guyanas and Surinames seem to usually be a little "cleaner". Here's a great link to those different locales: http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index_livestocksite.htm

BCCs do tend to become larger than BCIs, so I would look into a male over a female.

The other option I can think of is Colombian BCI boas, where females can get in the range you specified (males usually smaller, 5-7 ft but there's always exceptions of course). Most regular Colombians will start with bright tails but will usually fad over time. For speckles, pastel Colombians are very clean and some hypos/super hypos too (my hypo girl is very peppered, so of course it depends on the individual). The ghost or anery morph Colombians (just a couple examples) don't have the red/orange tails, but they are stunning themselves.

Here's a great link to some more boa morphs that you can look into: http://www.classreptilia.com/boa_morphs.htm
and http://www.blumenboas.com/boamorphs.htm

For the true red tails go with BCC's. Lack of speckles do the Guyana, Suriname. BCI's are called red tails, but they tend to be brownish in color.

You might look at Albino or sunglow BCI's, they are gorgeous. And if size is somewhat of a concern, always go male over female, as they typically will be smaller. Boa's have a great personality, I think you will be very happy with it when you get one! :D

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I have heard about the personality and that is a lot of the draw in getting one. I plan on having more snakes when i can and i really want my next one to be a boa. I will take a look at these resources when i get out of class. Thanks for the advice.

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If you want a bright red tail that limits your options to BCC (Boa constrictor constrictor, 'true' red tail boas), or Colombian BCI (Boa constrictor imperator, the most common subspecies in captivity). True red tails have brighter tails and more vivid colors than Colombians and cost a good deal more. The important thing with BCC is to spend the extra money to get a nice one from a good breeder because if improperly cared for they are prone to feeding and temperament issues. Colombian BCI are very cheap but make very hardy and wonderful pets, and if you shop around you can find some top notch Colombians that can come pretty close in quality to true red tails.

And yes; boas really do have the best personalities! Good luck with your search!

I agree with everyone else. Suriname, Guyana, Brazilian, and Peruvian Red Tail ( not to be confused with Peruvian Long Tail, which is Boa Constrictor Longicauda ) will be your best bet. I also agree that Gus Rentfro at Rio Bravo Reptiles or Vin Russo at Cutting Edge Herpetological are your best places to start. Make sure you do your research on BCC's, as their husbandry requirements are a little more specific...

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I really like the suriname and Brazilian ones from that first link. I'm going to keep looking and will look at a few bci also, for comparison. Who knows, I may like them better. Thanks again for all the suggestions. I have a very good starting point.

Suriname!
Good to see you researching first!
One big difference from BP's is the size of enclosure. With a mature suriname, I'd probably go with a 5 or 6 foot cage.

Yea, i did the same with my ball python and i wouldn't even think of not doing the same for a boa. I have heard that their requirements are a little different and there is no discounting that the boa will probably be twice as long as my bp. I really do like the bright red tail on the Suriname. And the body is killer. I really think that is the way it is looking right now. Maybe it will change in a year or so when I can buy the boa, maybe it wont. Only time will tell.

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