Central American Boas

Hello!

I am creating this post to gather some information. I went to my favorite store yesterday and I handled a Central American boa. Wrong move. I fell in love with it. My question is, how big do they get and also does anyone have any photos to share.

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These are some the pictures that I took while at the store. Feedback is welcomed and warranted.

Thanks fam!


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Centrals usually max out around 5 ft from my knowledge. Depends on genetics and locale, but they are definitely smaller than BCIs.

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

Centrals usually max out around 5 ft from my knowledge. Depends on genetics and locale, but they are definitely smaller than BCIs.

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Thank you! Do have some what of the girth or am I looking at the same size as a Hogg island?


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I believe centrals are both shorter and less girthy than a Colombian. I know that some regulars on here have some pretty nice CA boas and can share more knowledge than I can. I primarily work with BCI morphs.

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

I believe centrals are both shorter and less girthy than a Colombian. I know that some regulars on here have some pretty nice CA boas and can share more knowledge than I can. I primarily work with BCI morphs.

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Again thank you! I want to get the little fellow but I don't want to be caught off guard with a snake I have never worked with before. If that makes sense.


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Have you had reptiles before? Honestly I love boas, and think they are great snakes for beginner-intermediate herpers who have at least some reptile experience, or are willing to educate themselves properly. Boas, especially centrals will grow much slower than you think. I have 4.5 year old female Colombians that are just now moving past the 6 foot mark. Boa growth rate gives you time to adjust to your animal, and grow alongside it, learning more as you go. Dont be intimidated by their adult size. The internet is filled with pictures of 9 ft monster boas, but most of these are power-fed and severely unhealthy individuals.

Slow growth is the key for a long and healthy life. If you can maintain a good 90 deg/80 deg warm/cool side, with ambient temps at least in the high 70s, and 50-60% humidity you are good to go. Boas are usually very hardy animals, and not prone to stress like BPs.

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

Have you had reptiles before? Honestly I love boas, and think they are great snakes for beginner-intermediate herpers who have at least some reptile experience, or are willing to educate themselves properly. Boas, especially centrals will grow much slower than you think. I have 4.5 year old female Colombians that are just now moving past the 6 foot mark. Boa growth rate gives you time to adjust to your animal, and grow alongside it, learning more as you go. Dont be intimidated by their adult size. The internet is filled with pictures of 9 ft monster boas, but most of these are power-fed and severely unhealthy individuals.

Slow growth is the key for a long and healthy life. If you can maintain a good 90 deg/80 deg warm/cool side, with ambient temps at least in the high 70s, and 50-60% humidity you are good to go. Boas are usually very hardy animals, and not prone to stress like BPs.

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Yes sir I have. I used to have a burm but I have also recently sustained a back injury. That is why I checking on the size for the CA. I don't want a huge animal that I can't lift myself. Not until I get an all clear from the doc.


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Oh cool! Well if you have had a burm a boa is cake to handle. I imagine it would be at least 3 years before the boa would reach an appreciable size to be worried about weight. My 6.5 ft Colombian is around 20-25 lbs at 4.5 years old. Again, centrals will be smaller.

Awesome! Just awesome.


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I love my Boa they are pretty cool,see what happens when you hold them.lol:)

Is it just me or does the boa in the pictures look like a common BCI and not a CA locality?

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Is it just me or does the boa in the pictures look like a common BCI and not a CA locality?

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I thought the same thing when I saw him but they are saying it is Central American boa.


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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

I love my Boa they are pretty cool,see what happens when you hold them.lol:)

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Yeah! Do you have pictures of yours that you can share?


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Originally Posted by bcr229

Is it just me or does the boa in the pictures look like a common BCI and not a CA locality?

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Those were my exact thoughts as well.

It looks very much like Elenore, my 6 Ft BCI which at the minimum growth rate. Sorry, I don't know her age, she was sort of a rescue. I believe that she is 4+ yrs due to her minimum growth rate.


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Originally Posted by Reinz

Those were my exact thoughts as well.

It looks very much like Elenore, my 6 Ft BCI which at the minimum growth rate. Sorry, I don't know her age, she was sort of a rescue. I believe that she is 4+ yrs due to her minimum growth rate.

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I am dude to go back there this weekend for food. So I will make sure if he is still available.


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You won't be sorry, Boas are cool! :cool:

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Originally Posted by Kam

I am dude to go back there this weekend for food. So I will make sure if he is still available.

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See if they know who produced it or what locality of CA it is supposed to be.

CA's often command higher prices than common BCI's, which is why they're labeled and sold as such, when they really are not. That's not to say that it isn't a nice snake that wouldn't make a great pet, but if you want it don't overpay for it.

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Originally Posted by Reinz

You won't be sorry, Boas are cool! :cool:

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I had a couple of bias before I love them as well. I just wanted that particular one because he was cute. [emoji6][emoji851][emoji41]


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Originally Posted by bcr229

See if they know who produced it or what locality of CA it is supposed to be.

CA's often command higher prices than common BCI's, which is why they're labeled and sold as such, when they really are not. That's not to say that it isn't a nice snake that wouldn't make a great pet, but if you want it don't overpay for it.

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Thank you for that information. I will be sure to ask.


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Originally Posted by Kam

Yeah! Do you have pictures of yours that you can share?


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I do go look at My thread Boa Adventures I have a new baby arriving today its pictures will be posted their also.[emoji4]

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

I do go look at My thread Boa Adventures I have a new baby arriving today its pictures will be posted their also.[emoji4]

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I will.


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Kam did you get a Boa ?

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Kam did you get a Boa ?

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No i didn't. I wanted to so badly get him but I didn't.


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So I went back today and the guy that used to own him stated that he is CA. Dwarf locale is what he stated.

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And for added view pleasure a Motley

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Looks like somebody had some fun..... the Boas look nice I don't know much on what would be a true dwarf , I read that breeders that know what they are doing are working with the dwarf so some day we can all enjoy them lol

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@lady I love that store. It is like therapy from my day to day world.


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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Looks like somebody had some fun..... the Boas look nice I don't know much on what would be a true dwarf , I read that breeders that know what they are doing are working with the dwarf so some day we can all enjoy them lol

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I work with Tarahumaras dwarf boas. Breeders who work with them know what they've got, lineage matters. That critter just isn't looking like one to me.

As I said, there's nothing that says it won't make a great pet but do not be surprised if it grows up to BCI size (with the need for a large enclosure) rather than remaining a dwarf locality size if you get it.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I work with Tarahumaras dwarf boas. Breeders who work with them know what they've got, lineage matters. That critter just isn't looking like one to me.

As I said, there's nothing that says it won't make a great pet but do not be surprised if it grows up to BCI size (with the need for a large enclosure) rather than remaining a dwarf locality size if you get it.

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I figured as much. I just want to get him. If I have to get a larger enclosure down the line, I will do just that but I knew by posting on here I would get the real answer.

Thanks!


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If you want to learn about the locality boas one of the best sources of information is at http://cuttingedgeherp.com/

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Originally Posted by bcr229

If you want to learn about the locality boas one of the best sources of information is at http://cuttingedgeherp.com/

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Thank you for that information.


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You won't be sorry, getting a boa and I would get a smaller species too. They are a bit more adventurous than balls (rarely see my female ball out of her hide) whereas my Hogg Island wants to know what I'm doing in his enclosure (whatever I'm doing) - he comes out to check it out (because you never know, I might just have a rat attached to my hand!). They are great eaters and have not heard of one on a crazy, winter fast. He is a pain (funny one) to put back in his enclosure as he will contort his body in all kinds of crazy directions to stay out. Check out the Hogg's as they don't get too big. My guy is getting long but not very thick yet and is quite strong.

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Originally Posted by BWB

You won't be sorry, getting a boa and I would get a smaller species too. They are a bit more adventurous than balls (rarely see my female ball out of her hide) whereas my Hogg Island wants to know what I'm doing in his enclosure (whatever I'm doing) - he comes out to check it out (because you never know, I might just have a rat attached to my hand!). They are great eaters and have not heard of one on a crazy, winter fast. He is a pain (funny one) to put back in his enclosure as he will contort his body in all kinds of crazy directions to stay out. Check out the Hogg's as they don't get too big. My guy is getting long but not very thick yet and is quite strong.

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They are truly an amazing animal. I used to have a boas back in the day. I had three.


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Even if it is a true BCI, a male isn't going to get too massive. If you love the animal, and feel a connection, I say go for it. Life is too short.

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Originally Posted by JoshSloane

Even if it is a true BCI, a male isn't going to get too massive. If you love the animal, and feel a connection, I say go for it. Life is too short.

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That sounds like something my grandmother would say.


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Kam I read in my Good Books written by Russo and other breeders and it states that CA Boas are smaller like 5 to 6 foot . If you have Amazon thats were I get my goods books I buy the Kindle option its alot less money

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If you dont have a fire tablet just download the kindle app for Android if you have ios You can get it to.

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Sharing my Raphael She is out playing with me for a little while and this girl wants to climb so I stacked pillows she played it was so cute http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...57d45ce1ae.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...365591761f.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...01dde81dc5.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...1774c94182.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...3be85a8dfc.jpg

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I even got the tongue......lol

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Kam did you get a Boa ?

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Kam did you get a Boa ?

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No sadly I didn't. I keep thinking about getting him because I want another. But as I stated previously just buried my grandmother two weeks ago and then just paid rent so funds are not allocated in the play money account. [emoji30]


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Oh I did not see that My condolences on your Grandmother may she RIP It's hard when we loose loved ones. I will just share my pictures and you be sure to watch I am really liking these Boa Babies they are so young and a little unsure of things but we are working on that these snakes remind me of packing my Baby Daughter around and now my Grandson. So you had a Burmese ? That is a snake I can't have it's just me who is the Snake person Hubby has his hobbies Fishing and he's good at it to..

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I hate it when the play money budget disappears but it happens😂

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Sup kam just thought i'd share some pics for you. Also i've been lurking this site for some time and i'm aware of how you lost your previous collection in a fire sorry to hear that. It seems your interested in something smaller which is fine but you don't see a lot of Columbian red tails so i'd like to share some pics of my 17 year old red tail and his little brother. And nice pics lady he looks like a real cutie. (PLEASE NOTE THIS PIC MAKES HIM SEEM HUGE)http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file.../fotb25a_1.jpg
After seeing the above pic i felt maybe i should stretch his feeding schedule a bit. This is him Christmas '14. With complete respect to one of josh's comments i don't power feed him. But i think you were saying that regarding centrals right?http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file..._58_19_pro.jpg
This is him Christmas '15 with the stretched schedule. This pic gives a better idea of his true size and not the super huge feel of the first one. And below is his little bro a albino bcc i think bcc not sure got him at a small pet shop any ideas welcomehttp://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file..._04_51_pro.jpg

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Originally Posted by Lady mkrj58

Oh I did not see that My condolences on your Grandmother may she RIP It's hard when we loose loved ones. I will just share my pictures and you be sure to watch I am really liking these Boa Babies they are so young and a little unsure of things but we are working on that these snakes remind me of packing my Baby Daughter around and now my Grandson. So you had a Burmese ? That is a snake I can't have it's just me who is the Snake person Hubby has his hobbies Fishing and he's good at it to..

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I truly appreciate it. I will get back right. It will just take some time.


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Originally Posted by EDR

Sup kam just thought i'd share some pics for you. Also i've been lurking this site for some time and i'm aware of how you lost your previous collection in a fire sorry to hear that. It seems your interested in something smaller which is fine but you don't see a lot of Columbian red tails so i'd like to share some pics of my 17 year old red tail and his little brother. And nice pics lady he looks like a real cutie. (PLEASE NOTE THIS PIC MAKES HIM SEEM HUGE)http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file.../fotb25a_1.jpg
After seeing the above pic i felt maybe i should stretch his feeding schedule a bit. This is him Christmas '14. With complete respect to one of josh's comments i don't power feed him. But i think you were saying that regarding centrals right?http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file..._58_19_pro.jpg
This is him Christmas '15 with the stretched schedule. This pic gives a better idea of his true size and not the super huge feel of the first one. And below is his little bro a albino bcc i think bcc not sure got him at a small pet shop any ideas welcomehttp://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file..._04_51_pro.jpg

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Wow! You brought memories. That's when I have my scaly babies. All seven of them. My grandmother started that collection.


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My He is a She lol, love your Boas

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Glad you like the pics kam and lady. Their my baby's i hope my red tail lives into his 30's heck beyond that. Good luck on your future boa kam i'm sure you'll be happy and it'll be in good hands. I lol'd at your comment lady yes he is big image if he was a female. :weirdface And you got some real cutie's lady mkrj it's good to know their loved.

Today the 100 mile trip to secure live hoppers and a few live small mice all for Quincy , we will work on F/T mice or Rats in the near future. It's interesting that we feed our Boas differently than the Ball Pythons, Kings etc the Boas need to grow slow like in the jungle I read we're Breeders will power feed so they can get producing pairs at 2 -3 years of Age ,I'm going to follow the first feeding method Slow and easy . I want to enjoy the baby time with my Boas and we all grow up together they are a little shy right now .





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Good for you lady enjoy his younger years cause you got a good point that their adults longer then juveniles. I'm sure you'll have plenty of good memories with them while their young. That's awful about people power feeding. My guy's big but old no power feeding here.:gj:

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Originally Posted by EDR

Good for you lady enjoy his younger years cause you got a good point that their adults longer then juveniles. I'm sure you'll have plenty of good memories with them while their young. That's awful about people power feeding. My guy's big but old no power feeding here.:gj:

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I like mother nature's path A slow growing Boa in the long run its way better for a snakes health. And Your Boa looks great.[emoji106]

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