Convinced to get a Boa.

I guess I'll throw this out there.. she's my 6' hog island. I don't know how big the hoggie was that you saw, but this gives you an idea.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...8/divahold.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

Lol, maybe that's why he wanted you to hold the Hogg :) I'm not saying the guy isn't passionate about his snakes, but he's also an excellent salesman: you went in wanting a $40-50 snake and walked out wanting a $400 snake. Kinda like at reptile shows... you'll be looking at something, kinda thinking you want it, but not really sure, but, as soon as that vendor gets it out and lets you play with it... you want it NOW! Great sales technique ;)

---

Lol. I understand your point. I re-read my post and realised I made a mistake. My friends sister brought the snake out for me to see, merely because we had bin talking about it and I was interested to see it. As the owner said, there are thousands of snakes to choose from and if I wanted a ball python he would be more than happy to get me one, he just thought I might be interested in boas. And from what I've heard and seen, he must keep more snakes than he sells - his pre sales customer interogation was quite intense lol..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ginevive

But, if you're set on wanting a boa, not really a BP, I would not suggest getting one merely as a stepping stone; maybe a smaller boa would do.

---

Fair point, but I was under the impression that a male Hog Island Boa would grow no larger than a BP? I have owned snakes before by the way, so this isn't really a stepping stone:)

And Shelby - The snake I handled was a 5ft female.

Thanks for your feedback guys.

Ed

A Hoggie male will definatley get bigger than a BP... unless you've got some giant of a ball.

Well I have never owned a BP so you will obviously be more knowledgable, but I thought that a a female BP averaged 4-5 foot, and a male Hog Island would also average 4-5 foot?

I'm not saying they can't get that big... but a five foot female BP is very rare (and much sought after in the breeding world ;) )

Oh ok. Well could someone confirm that a male Hog Island will rarely exceed 5 feet? As the female I handled was easily managble. Or maybe I'm completely wrong with regards to their size.

It's hard to explain without pics, because the body make-up of the two snakes is so different. Nine times out of ten, the boa's going to win out on size... even if it's a Hoggie... the four to five foot female balls are rare and much sought after while the five to six foot Hoggie's are NOT rare.


Here, this is the best comparison I could do. Kinky (RTB) is six feet (she will stay six feet because of her condition) and Mercedes (BP) is a big girl at almost three and a half feet give or take a few inches:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...2/000_0785.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...2/000_0784.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...2/000_0782.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...2/000_0779.jpg

The difference in the girths, the difference in the size of the heads, all that... this is equal to what you will see in an adult female BP versus an adult male Hoggie.

I'm not trying to talk you out of getting a Hoggie, seriously. If you want one, and you've done your research, and you think you can handle it, then go for it, by all means. I LOVE my boa. I'm just trying to get the size thing worked out for you.

And enjoy the pics ;)

Wow, if you just took those pictures, thats really kind of you, if not, thanks very much anyways!



Ok, but a Hog Island does not have the girth of an RTB. Although I understand the point you are trying to make, a Hog Island will grow bigger than a BP, in most cases anyways.


This isn't a decision I'll be making for a while, but I like to do my homework, as I have done on BP's over the past few weeks, but boas have always caught my eye, and I was interested in the Hog Island because they're dont grow as big as RTB's. Perhaps some hands on experience with a BP could help me make my mind. Shame that herp shops aren't as easy to come by in the UK as they are in the US!

Thanks for your help.

I've seen male hog islands over 6'.. they really have a big range in size.

Bearing in mind that my previous snake experience is owning a Hognose and 4ft Corn Snake, I guess most people would strongly recomend A BP over the Hog Island. The only thing putting me off the boa is the potential size, and it would be stupid and irresponsible of me to hope that my male Hog Island wouldn't exceed 5 feet, which by the sound of things is unlikely. Decisions decisions.