Getting a new rtb

Need some advice - I currently have 2 BP's but am in the process of picking out a new RTB.

The problem is, due to the fact that an adult RTB will need an enclosure that is at least 4x2 - I didn't want to have to keep buying new cages so I thought I would buy an '08 Male RTB for the initial size of it but my concern is that would I have problems with aggression since I have not raised it from the beginning??

Any help/opinions would be appreciated. If I am willing to put in foilage and logs to fill in the extra space - what is the smallest snake (in length) that you guys would think would be okay in this 4x2 cage??

Thanks.

Boas are a lot different than ball pythons. They do not get as stressed out as balls because of cage size. As long as you have a hide for him, I'm sure he will be fine in a four foot cage. There are many species of boas. Some are more aggressive than others. You should talk to the owner about the boa, and pick one that is docile. I suggest a BCI.

Good luck.

The breeder I am dealing with initially offered me an '09 Male that was about 18" long right now - would this size snake be okay?? I like to start off with them in my care from a young age so they grow up knowing me. Since most breeders don't spend much time holding their snakes I felt the older the snake was - the more it would not want to be held - since it wouldn't be used to it.

Your thoughts.

Typically boas are nippy as babies then grow out of it as they get older. It completely depends on the snake though, my guys been fine since day one.
I wouldn't worry about age in relation to the cage, provide him lots of hides and the correct heat and the cage size doesn't matter. Just make sure you get you're perfect snake!

Thanks for the help guys. I am waiting on the breeder to supply me with what my options are and then I will decide on a snake.

I knew I could count on you guys to guide me in the right direction.

Thanks

just keep him in tubs till he gets large enough for a cage. its the cheap alternative

Unfortunately, I don't have any tubs or racks for the tubs - I was hoping to just put him directly into his new RBI Cage. But I will certainly keep that in mind - thanks for the suggestion.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Unfortunately, I don't have any tubs or racks for the tubs - I was hoping to just put him directly into his new RBI Cage. But I will certainly keep that in mind - thanks for the suggestion.

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Another alternative is buying a cheap plastic cage. I have a few 2x1x1 cages from dragons4you.net that I keep some of my smaller boas in. They were $80 shipped each.

I haven't decided on the snake yet - I may get one that is a good size to avoid all these issues with cage size - we'll see.
Thanks again for your help.

An 18 inch Boa is a baby and has no business in a 4x2ft cage! It will get defensive because of all the extra space and you could also have problems with regurging! I keep all my smaller Boas in 6-32qt Boaphile racks! When they reach about 4ft I put them into the 4x2 Boaphile cages.

I am leaning towards taking on a 3 footer so I can avoid the problems on the cage being too large - just wanted to post this to see what you all thought about it.

Thank you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

I am leaning towards taking on a 3 footer so I can avoid the problems on the cage being too large - just wanted to post this to see what you all thought about it.

Thank you.

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An 18" boa will be fine in the 4ft RBI.A couple hides,water bowl,a silk plant/vine from Hobby Lobby and your good to go.No regurge,No stress!Keep the temps/humidty right,handle it,feed it,it will be happy!

Thanks "wickedballs" for your input - I assume from your post that you have done this exact same thing with a boa and had good success.

I have bought silk greenery, vines and wooden logs to fill up the space for him - hopefully he will be fine.

Do you think I will need a snake hook to get him out of his cage - I've never needed that sort of thing with my BP's but am totally new to the boa's.

Thanks for your help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

Thanks "wickedballs" for your input - I assume from your post that you have done this exact same thing with a boa and had good success.

I have bought silk greenery, vines and wooden logs to fill up the space for him - hopefully he will be fine.

Do you think I will need a snake hook to get him out of his cage - I've never needed that sort of thing with my BP's but am totally new to the boa's.

Thanks for your help.

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Yes,its axactly what I did with my boa the day I brought him home and it has worked.I've never been hit by him and do not use a hook.Just like any snake,don't go in his home smelling like a rodent and you might be alright.;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by L.West

Thanks "wickedballs" for your input - I assume from your post that you have done this exact same thing with a boa and had good success.

I have bought silk greenery, vines and wooden logs to fill up the space for him - hopefully he will be fine.

Do you think I will need a snake hook to get him out of his cage - I've never needed that sort of thing with my BP's but am totally new to the boa's.

Thanks for your help.

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Well take it from someone else just getting into red tails, get a a baby!! Just picked up my girl and shes a sweety, hope you find one like this. I feel like with her being as nice as she is right now, and me handling her regularly and creating a tight relationship with her she should be the sweetest snake I own in no time. I honestly do no believe it has anything to do with the fact that boas are just temperamental, you run the luck of getting a mean snake with any species.

I see the big enclosure is the problem...If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg why not use a tub, thats what I am using until I get Boaphile enclosure.

Just wanted to update everyone on what I ended up getting. I bought an '08 Male RTB - he will be 2 in May and a good size to utilize the existing cage that I have.

He seemed really docile at the show when I picked him out.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help.