Kind Of Boas....

So i am considering getting a RTB...i know there are diffrent kinds, and im doing my research, but i really want to ask people that know about it, from personal experiences. Which would be the best for a semi-newb? I am doing my research, and as long as i can find out what to do, ill take care of it with all my effort...But i dont want a snake that is giant either. A really mellow, well tempered snake...i was thinking columbian.
Suggestions?

Thank you all!!

Colombians are a classic choice in a boa constrictor.. can't beat the temperament, though females can hit 10'. Males do stay smaller, so you may consider that.

Also.. hog island boas stay smaller than your average colombian. Some are a bit more high strung than colombians, but they can make a nice pet snake. They have a distinctive look.

It was great talking with you yesterday!!!
There are many B.c.ssp. that all have differnt patterns, sizes, and temperments.
These are the recognized B.c.ssp.
Boa constrictor amarali
Boa constrictor constrictor
Boa constrictor imperator
Boa constrictor longicauda
Boa constrictor mexicana
Boa constrictor nebulosa
Boa constrictor occidentalis
Boa constrictor orophias
Boa constrictor ortonii
Boa constrictor sabogae
Boa constrictor sigma

Of course the Most common is the B.c.i. with a ton of indivual localities with many differnt apperances and temperments.

My only experience is with male Colombians (boa constrictor imperator) but I can't say enough about them. Very easy keepers, not prey specific or having a tendency to refuse to eat, not prone to regurges, able to take a reasonable amount of handling without any apparent stress, actually quite "friendly" for a snake, pretty hardy health wise and a wonderful temperment. Of course all this is very dependent on proper husbandry (including a large enough enclosure) and an appropriate feeding schedule. Males though smaller than females are still a good size, very strong snake however. We have fostered a 6 foot plus male and currently own a 3 foot yearling male...both are fantastic snakes with little to say as a "con" other than of course they do get fairly big, though nothing like a burm, retic, etc. I think they have all the benefits of a slightly larger snake without any real drawbacks.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

My only experience is with male Colombians (boa constrictor imperator) but I can't say enough about them. Very easy keepers, not prey specific or having a tendency to refuse to eat, not prone to regurges, able to take a reasonable amount of handling without any apparent stress, actually quite "friendly" for a snake, pretty hardy health wise and a wonderful temperment. Of course all this is very dependent on proper husbandry (including a large enough enclosure) and an appropriate feeding schedule. Males though smaller than females are still a good size, very strong snake however. We have fostered a 6 foot plus male and currently own a 3 foot yearling male...both are fantastic snakes with little to say as a "con" other than of course they do get fairly big, though nothing like a burm, retic, etc. I think they have all the benefits of a slightly larger snake without any real drawbacks.

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Yep Yep!! I have 2 boas about those same sizes Jo and I can say the same. I think they are the next step up before I "giant" snake. Just My oppinion though

my first snake was a rtb and she's been an absolute joy. I bought her when she was about 1 month old, so she's still really small (23 inches), but they get to be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet (males are smaller than the females). She's not tempermental at all, hasnt nipped me once. great feeder, took f/t with no problems, eats regularly. had some problems keeping meals down at first, but i just didnt give her enough time to settle in.
they usually dont get really big until about 2 or 3 years old, so by then you'll have much more experience with snakes and can handle a larger boid.

hope this helps!
:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chibbi

my first snake was a rtb and she's been an absolute joy. I bought her when she was about 1 month old, so she's still really small (23 inches), but they get to be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet (males are smaller than the females). She's not tempermental at all, hasnt nipped me once. great feeder, took f/t with no problems, eats regularly. had some problems keeping meals down at first, but i just didnt give her enough time to settle in.
they usually dont get really big until about 2 or 3 years old, so by then you'll have much more experience with snakes and can handle a larger boid.

hope this helps!
:)

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A 3 yearold common boa may only be 5' which is no problem to handle for the average person. When they get 7-8' they can be a bit harder to control alone.

i have a hog island and a suri rtb. the hog island isn't a snake i can handle. my hubby has to. he hisses at me all the time and freaks me out :eek:

my rtb... well she's a complete sweetheart. i take her out with me whenever i go to the petstore... she's a complete gem!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pork Chops N' Corn Bread

A 3 yearold common boa may only be 5' which is no problem to handle for the average person. When they get 7-8' they can be a bit harder to control alone.

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whoops. sorry bout that. i'm already thinking "five feet, oy vey!"
hehe.
:)

Don't tell that "3 year old, only 5 feet" thing to Ruari. He wouldn't be amused. Ruari is a common boa who Jo helped me rescue from two twits. He's around 2.5yrs old and is touching 7ft now. Loves his bunnies, he does :)