Dwarf/Super Dwarf Retic or Boa

I currently have 3 ball pythons and a corn snake. Due to space constraints (and my spouse) I will probably only get one more snake to round out my collection. I would like it to be a larger breed than what I currently have but not so big that it can’t live in a 6 x 2 enclosure as an adult. (I currently have an empty 6 x 2 boaphile I picked up on Craigslist)

The two options I am currently considering are a Dwarf Retic or a Boa (either bci or bcc). Does any one have any experience with both species that could offer some opinions on them. My main concerns are temperament and size. I want something large enough to be impressive but not so large that it can’t live happily in a 6 x 2.

i appreciate everyone’s feedback.

Boa of any sort over a retic 1000% any and every day. Read some threads by myself, Gio, and a few others on here about our retic experiences. Not to say that all retics are bad, but over the last two years I have found boas and carpet pythons to be infinitely more enjoyable and in countless different ways.

Some boas, and especially specific locality BCC animals like pucallpa Peruvians could outgrow a 6’ cage. But for all practical intents and purposes, a 6’x2’ will likely be plenty for most average sized boas.

Bonus, they use the bathroom far less than retics, are much slower growing, easier to handle/slower moving, and probably on average have a reputation for a better temperament.

I’ve got a Pokigron Suriname red tail and an Argentine Boa and can’t get enough of either of them.


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I agree with jmcrook about the boa. I've never owned a retic (and have no desire) but I do have boas and I absolutely love them. And if you have a 6x2 but are leaning more towards the dwarf retic because that's what tickles your fancy, then have you considered a carpet python instead? They're more active than a boa is and great to handle. An ij or a jungle would do great in a 6x2. Just food for thought. Good luck in your decision!

Sounds like you want a boa.

Either a boa or a high-percentage FEMALE SD retic.

While I like my retics, I spend more time enjoying my boas.

Also I'd consider a Dumerils boa, as they can get larger than BI but are very docile and easy to deal with despite their size.

A carpet python is another excellent option.

Boa!

A 6X2' will easily house a female BI (or a male BI for sure).

BI's are a little more forgiving in terms of husbandry than most BC's and you can get any color/pattern you want!

I have 2 BI's and one BC and love them all. They have great temperaments and if you can keep BP's happy, you won't have an issue with husbandry.

I've heard mixed things on Retics and have no desire to own one.

Boas are great snakes. As you said, impressive size, but manageable and generally puppy dogs when out.

Unlike your corn snake and BP's, you definitely want to hook train a boa though. They have a crazy strong food response.

Any questions on breeders, hook training, picking one out, husbandry, etc. just ask. Lots of good boa peeps on here.

P.S. I have a Carpet Python as well and he's a great display snake as well as having a great temperament. If I had to choose, I would pick a boa as a last snake over a CP. However, not a bad suggestion to consider a CP. However, with a CP you will want height in that 6X2' which may or may not be an option for you.

I don’t have either but I’ve done a lot of research on both, and it hasn’t been mentioned that unless u are diving deep into ur pockets and getting a true sd retic then it’s very possible that it will get pretty big, you would need to see pics, age, and size of the parents to have a guess at how big it may be. And just because the parents are smaller doesn’t mean all the babies will be that small too. If u can’t go above a6x2 then that might be an issue. also my option is that relics need and love to climb when they are younger.

basically I’m saying get a boa and be happy lol

Boa all the way!

Everyone,
Thanks for all of the responses. I was leaning towards a boa actually and I think this pretty much confirms that’s what I should be looking at. I don’t know much about carpet pythons but I may do a little research on them as well.

I will be looking for boa breeders to talk to in or around Michigan if anyone has any recommendations.

Thanks again!

I'd recommend going with a SD retic.