Questions before getting a boa

Be sure to check the Boa FAQs listed right here in Rivercity!

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=30882

All depends on the species you get.

Research the species you are interested in. as some boas can get larger than others, and some stay MUCH smaller.

There are quite a few locality Boas that stay quite small, even compared to ball pythons.

Some species to look at if you want small stuff * my main interests* and while i know youre interested in purely redtails from your post, some of these guys can be good additions too. :)

Caulker Cay Island Boas - BCI, Hog Island Boas - BCI, Sabogae Boa Constrictors - BCS, Crawl Cay Island Boas - BCI, Maize Island Boas - BCI, Tarahumara Boas ( Mexican Dwarf) - BCI.

And also, because i like these guys every time i see them, Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Viper Boas ( Candoia )

It also depends on what you want for ease of care. Some are harder than others. but the requirements can be met fairly easy even by the novice keeper IF they research first. If you want a boa that you can keep like a ball python, in my experience, Caulker Cay boas fit the bill quite well, i keep mine exactly like all the rest of my snakes, and they are thriving, and dont get large by any means.

When it comes to boas I'd always encourage you to buy from a reputable breeder. It's very sad to see some of the poor quality, unhealthy boas in a lot of pet stores. That last thing you need with your first boa is problems so consider the source you are buying from very carefully.

As well, with some boas the females tend to get considerably larger than the males. Depending on what you feel you can personally keep and handle at maturity, that may be a consideration for you.

The point made that these are very strong snakes is a good one. Whatever you choose for housing you need to make sure it's as escape proof as possible. These snakes are all muscle and being naturally inquisitive and active will test their enclosure a lot. You want to make sure that testing doesn't allow them to escape and also that your housing is smooth inside as they have a tendency to nose rub while checking out their enclosure.

As for the source that I'm buying, is someone looking to sell their boa, from the pictures it looks like BCI.

As for an escape proof enclosure, I was doing some looking and found a DIY for how to do an acrylic and screen lid combo. I plan on having it able to be locked as well... I just don't really trust people that much if it means I might lose my pet.

I think it's going to be good to give a new home to a snake, but I hope I'm not going to find it in horrible condition.

I feel like I should be keeping an eye out especially for:

1. Loose skin from under feeding
2. mites
3. shed pieces stuck especially around the tail and eyes
4. scratches from live prey

Anything else I'm missing?

You want to get as much info from this person as you can as far as how long they've had this boa, where they got it from, what it eats, how it eats, how often it eats, any medical issues it's ever had, it's gender and age (if known), general temperment, if it's used to being handled and so forth. Ask why they are rehoming it. Ask if it's ever been seen by a vet and if it has, why and the vet's name and phone number/address.

As far as overall health, have a good look at it's enclosure. That will tell you a lot about how healthy it's likely to be. Clean well tended enclosures tends to show a previous owner that cared. Filthy enclosures with old feces, sheds and urates laying around, a heat rock, that sort of thing tells a far different story.

Look the snake over from nose to tail tip. Most boas, at least the common boa aka Colombian boa are fairly square in shape compared to a ball python. You should expect the snake to be fit, strong and muscular, not skinny nor sloppy fat. It's skin should have no scars or the owner should be able to explain healed wounds to your satisfaction. The scales should be flat, not raised with no breaks, open wounds, discoloration or weeping. Check the belly and the vent area closely for any signs of wet or dry discharge.

The eyes should be clear without dents or retained caps. The mouth (yes open the mouth using a rubber spatula or the like) should be clean, no discharge, bubbling, wounds etc. with a clean glottis (the breathing tube). The nose should be clean of any discharge. Taken a moment and listen quietly to the snake breath. There should be no indication of popping, whistling, etc.

The snake should not have any external parasites like mites. Internal parasites may be present but you'd only find that out by having a vet do a fecal float for you. This is well worth the less than $30 it usually costs if there's any concern this snake wasn't well kept by the current owner.

If you keep other snakes you'll want to fully quarantine this incoming boa until you make sure it's absolutely healthy.