Getting a BP

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Originally Posted by Brent152

And they can START and live in a 60gal tank forever?

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If you clutter it up, use plenty of climbing branches, fake plants, and plenty of hides, it SHOULD be just fine. That being said, all snakes are different and the one you buy may want something smaller to start in. Also keep in mind, there aren't many snakes (beginner snakes anyways) that need or want a 60 gallon tank to start off in. What I recommend, if you don't want to get a different sized tank for a younger snake, is to find a nice smaller boa species (like a Hogg for example) but not a baby. You can get an adult or subadult male for around your price limit.

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Originally Posted by Dracoluna

I've had corns and bred them since 2003. There are some that are lazy but most are very active. They do not just hang out generally speaking and like to explore. They do, however, handle constant handling with ease and eat just about anything without fail. I have 2 that will just hang out on me but they are also the exception and are very, very lazy corns...

From what I've seen though, it really depends on the snake no matter the species. Ceti, my pastave girl, is shier and was that way when I got her. She'd ball up and take a bit to come out of her shell. I limit her handling because I don't want to risk stressing her. Aria, my albino girl, I take out, carry around, and she's one that goes to educational programs with me where she's out and handled by lots of people. Not once has she refused food or seemed stressed out but when I got her as a hatchling, she wasn't balling up or seemed to be worried. Just a difference in temperament. The key is knowing your animal and frankly, the only reason I trust my judgement in taking Aria out so much is I've handled snakes for years and have learned to read them. If you don't have experience with them, it's easy to miss signs that they are stressing. Refusing food is just one of many. A stressed snake is also more susceptible to respiratory infections and other issues like regurges which are much more serious in snakes than it is in a human.

Just remember that a bp that is taken out and shown around is the EXCEPTION and not the rule. If you still insist on getting one and want to have it out a lot, take your time in picking them out and see what their personality is like before buying. Also get to know the breeder so that you have a contact that's (hopefully) local and can help you out should your snake have issues. Forums are great but nothing beats an experienced breeder who can physically look at your snake to tell you how things are going.

I'm not saying these things to scare you off of bps but so that you understand what you're going into. I dealt with corns for years before getting into bp's and I'm glad I did. Some species are easier to take care of than others. Read through the husbandry forums and you'll read hundreds of threads where people without snake experience went out, got a bp, and then had issue after issue because they didn't know how to care for and read their animal. I'd rather you have a positive experience and get everything out of your new pet that you want than end up with problems or an animal that doesn't fit your situation.

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I wish I had the gift of reading how a snake is feeling. I am going to have to rely on that, when buying a BP. However, if things go wrong, I have a really smart dad. I'm not too worried, I'm just trying to become more knowledgeable in the subject.

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Originally Posted by Griffith

If you clutter it up, use plenty of climbing branches, fake plants, and plenty of hides, it SHOULD be just fine. That being said, all snakes are different and the one you buy may want something smaller to start in. Also keep in mind, there aren't many snakes (beginner snakes anyways) that need or want a 60 gallon tank to start off in. What I recommend, if you don't want to get a different sized tank for a younger snake, is to find a nice smaller boa species (like a Hogg for example) but not a baby. You can get an adult or subadult male for around your price limit.

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I'll run the topic over with my parents. I will private message you sometime, if that is okay?

That's fine with me...I had a Hogg back before I was in the Army and he was awesome...if anything point out to them that a male Hogg will be smaller than a female BP :) (Adult size)

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Originally Posted by Brent152

I totally agree with you. I'm not looking to take it into public. I'm just looking to sit down on the couch/computer and have it there. What do you consider "moderation", and for how long at a time MAX?
I will consider a Boa, but I have a 6ft limit for a snake, or I will have to get rid of it =(

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A few times a week is moderate to me, but it depends on who you ask. Personally I only bring mine out if their tubs/vivs need to be cleaned and for photo shoots and at most that's 10 minutes per snake if even that.

I'd look into dwarf boa males, but note that snakes have individual personalities. A few of my boas have no issue hanging out but a few are pretty squirrely and don't like to sit still.

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Originally Posted by Griffith

I think you need to look more into a Hogg Island Male. They can be had way under your budget, and you can pick out a real nice one.
Won't get too big...probably max out around 4' long, but girthy like a BP....slow-ish moving, and like to chill...

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Hog Island boas are spelled with only one "g" :)

My Hog girl is actually pretty active out of the tub and doesn't quite like to be held as much as my other boas but it depends on the snake. More handling should calm down *most* snakes.

Lol! Thanks Daybreaker....it's one of those things where I know it's wrong, but when I first got mine I had seen it spelled that way, so I always type out "Hogg" :)

And to the OP. I am definitely not trying to scare you away from a BP and talk you into a HoG :) Island, I'm just going off of what you are saying and trying to think of what would be best for you and your future snake...

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Originally Posted by Brent152

I wish I had the gift of reading how a snake is feeling. I am going to have to rely on that, when buying a BP. However, if things go wrong, I have a really smart dad. I'm not too worried, I'm just trying to become more knowledgeable in the subject.

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You'll learn it once you get one. I didn't know it either until I dealt with my corns for awhile and had people around me showing me what to look for. It's great that you're trying to learn before getting the animal. As long as you're constantly open to learning, you'll be a great owner. :)
In case no one has warned you yet though, snakes are addictive. You can't own just one. ;)

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Originally Posted by Dracoluna

You'll learn it once you get one. I didn't know it either until I dealt with my corns for awhile and had people around me showing me what to look for. It's great that you're trying to learn before getting the animal. As long as you're constantly open to learning, you'll be a great owner. :)
In case no one has warned you yet though, snakes are addictive. You can't own just one. ;)

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As in, I'm addicted to them, or they're addicted to me, or both? :p Just curious, I'm pretty sure you meant I'd be addicted.