I think I need a boa...

So I was picking up rat chow at our feed/pet store, and this adorable juvie red tail definitely had his eye on me :) He was so inquisitive! And gorgeous to boot. I was sorely tempted, but I think for my first boa I'd like to start off smaller, definitely no BCC. I've been considering a boa for the past few months, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I'd like one of the smaller localities, but I'm not sure which would suit me best. I'd love some input from you boa specialists.

Like I said, I want to stick with a smaller boa, nice temperament(obviously this will be dependent upon the individual, but generally speaking). Additionally, I'd like a lighter/bright/flashy specimen. Sunglows,for one, have really caught my eye when browsing on king snake :) So for now, I've narrowed it to hog island, dumeril, possibly a male BCI. Are there any others I should add to my list? Once I decide on one, I'll start my research on species-specific requirements. Thanks in advance!

Please put the research info/housing setup on here eventually....I want to see what goes into setting up a boa:gj::gj: One day soon I'll get some other types of snakes, and a boa is definitely on the list.

No, you've got it pretty well narrowed down to what we usually recommend here. I personally think a male Colombian BCI is the best choice for a first boa. They are easy to find, come in a huge variety of morphs (quite of few of which aren't all that expensive), don't generally get more than 7-ish feet or so, and tend to have the most consistently docile and pleasant personalities.

Dumerils can often get bigger, even the males, and can occasionally be picky eaters.

Tarahumara Mountain, Hog Island, and the other insular localities (still considered BCI) can sometimes be hard to find and can be somewhat more temperamental.

One nice thing is, even if you haven't decided, you can start your research now. All of these boas have very similar care requirements and generally need the same range of heat and humidity. And a tip - most boas like slightly cooler temps than the standard 80 / 90 degrees.

The problem with boas is housing. They are bigger than BP's, so it needs to be a consideration when looking for a new boa.

Caging a boa isn't really the issue here tho, the problem is housing 4, 5, 6+ boas, because you can't, get, just, one, boa!

So make sure you have room for 5, or 10, or 20 boas lol


Sent From an Enclosure

We started with a male BCI. And I absolutely adore him. His temperment is wonderful. So my vote would be for a BCI.

Haha thanks for the input guys! I've already done the research on general temps, space requirements, frequency of feedings, etc. I'm really leaning toward the male BCI just for the sheer volume of morphs available. I do have a 48"x24"x12" that I could use(for now! ) But I'd really like more room for the little guy. I'd like to build my own, but I think that may be more effort than it's worth. For a larger enclosure, should I just go RHP? And might any of you know solid breeders in AZ? I've orderes snakes online before, but I'd much rather see it in person before pulling the trigger.

I think everyone needs a boa :P

I think male BCI's are an excellent choice. They usually have a great temperament, are interesting to work with, eat really well, and come in a variety of colors.

I will have to confirm what is already said, GET A BCI!!!! I have a BCI female and she is got to be my favorite snake! In fact,she is hanging out around my neck as I type this. The biggest problem I have run into with keeping a boa is, they HATE going back into their enclosures!! Well at least mine does anyway, she is a total lap slut but when it's time to put her back she acts like I put toxic sludge in her enclosure and tries to get out as fast and strong as she can!

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Originally Posted by Ronin

I will have to confirm what is already said, GET A BCI!!!! I have a BCI female and she is got to be my favorite snake! In fact,she is hanging out around my neck as I type this. The biggest problem I have run into with keeping a boa is, they HATE going back into their enclosures!! Well at least mine does anyway, she is a total lap slut but when it's time to put her back she acts like I put toxic sludge in her enclosure and tries to get out as fast and strong as she can!

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That's exactly what I'm looking for! She sounds like a sweetie pie. Thanks to all you guys, I'm about 95% sold on a BCI. I'd like somethinf a little more personable than a ball, but not as easy to lose as a hognose lol. Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by MootWorm

Haha thanks for the input guys! I've already done the research on general temps, space requirements, frequency of feedings, etc. I'm really leaning toward the male BCI just for the sheer volume of morphs available. I do have a 48"x24"x12" that I could use(for now! ) But I'd really like more room for the little guy. I'd like to build my own, but I think that may be more effort than it's worth. For a larger enclosure, should I just go RHP? And might any of you know solid breeders in AZ? I've orderes snakes online before, but I'd much rather see it in person before pulling the trigger.

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Actually, a 4x2x1 enclosure would probably be fine for a male BCI for his entire life. Doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't go bigger, but you wouldn't necessarily have to if he got plenty of "out" time. If you get a baby and put it in there right away, make sure to provide several hides and clutter it up a bit so he'll feel more secure. Boas will use as much space as you can give them, so if you are inclined to build something larger, go for it! :gj:

I don't know any breeders specifically in AZ, but try going to a few expos and talking to people. I've bought several of my boas from good people at expos. Beware though, it is ADDICTIVE. And Expensive Hobby is right - be prepared for enclosures for 3, 6, then 10 or more............ :P