looking for a trashcan python/boa

I am looking for info on a python or boa that will stay smallish. I mostly want to find one to be my trashcan for the rats I have frozen that are too big for ball pythons to eat and such. I had a 7-9 ft long boa but I got rid of her ( like a fool) cause i had trouble getting out of the floor while holding her. I want somthing that will maybe max out with a jumbo rat meal a week or so. I don't want to get 2-3lb rabbit every week to keep a snake happy. I realized today that i have about 5-7 lbs worth of rats in the freezer that on the possible too large for my snakes size. I know a couple of them were going into the 500+ grams each area. that not counting the feeder size rodents i got. ( I can fill up a 13 gallon trash bag with frozen rats). PLus I miss handling my boa and wonder what I can get to serve all my needs and still be able to pick it up and handle without being stuck in the floor.

If you want something bigger but not too big that is also able to take care of large rats for you have you considered Blood Python?

Sounds like a good job for a Hogg Island Boa.

Don't forget about carpet pythons!

^^^^

All great suggestions. Carpet's get big but just dont feel as heavy bodied as a big old boa(though they can be, haha). Blood is a definite lap snake but will pound down your rats free of charge. Hoggs are gorgeous too! Any island boa will be a little smaller. Definitley good suggestions!

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Originally Posted by bsavage

Carpet's get big but just dont feel as heavy bodied as a big old boa(though they can be, haha).

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One of the many reasons I love my carpets. I've got a 7ft redtail and he is beast to handle. He is just downright heavy (over 20lbs) and has retard strength! I've also got a female coastal carpet that is pretty close to 7ft as well and she is as easy to handle as a 3ft ball python.

Oh yeah, every carpet I've ever had were eating machines! Never had one that was picky and never had one refuse a meal. If its warm and rodent shaped, its history!

that why I posted this no experience with carperts, bloods, or hoggs. I want something onthe lighter sidethen a redtail , stays semi smaller ( no need of 8+ ft snake )and would love somthing that will pretty tame for my niece and newpher to handle at times too. ( my niece loved the boa but when it could out lift her legg and make her bend over to keep from falling ( not that I had any trouble pulling her off ) and I can easly say pick it up fro mthe lowest cage and still get up with out feelng like i got 2 bundles of shingles on my shoulders and maintain my balance. I figure ask those that has such snakes. If I knew i could keep up with the food demand I get a brumese and help reduce local cat issues were I live.

I would say no to the island boas as in my experience they’ve been mean. I would say blood. Theyre just as friendly and have the same feel as boa but not as big.

I just picked up a hypo/hog island cross last weekend. From what I was told by the breeder, he should max out somewhere around 6 feet or so.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...462-New-boa!-D

If you're worried about weight, don't get a blood python! :D

[IMG]http://api.ning.com/files/uK3HaZDXNh885C7qQXJiCraKkbMN-LOAukaOOU3K2cuYE7JsDPr2VOAxfqoQeTunfLVDGNPTote*JhWlcKmTSqabBZLNlgZp/hugeblood.jpg[/IMG]
Thats a massive blood, but you get the idea...

Grr... Pic isn't showing up...

I have a Dumeril Boa and she's my garbage disposal. She's about six feet and 13.8 lbs. She sits in my lap and watches TV with me every evening. They aren't as flashy as other snakes but personality wise I adore them. :)

Out of the dozens of Hog Islands I've cared for, none were "mean" or aggressive. Actually, I find they have better personalities than most other Boas.

Imo, I'd go with a Blood or Carpet. They can pack away a lot more rodents than a Hog Island.