First Snake

Hey guys, I found this site a few days ago while looking up info on snakes since i'll be getting my first one tomorrow. I'll be getting a Columbian Red Tail Boa and I'm really excited. I've wanted to own a snake since i was a little kid and i've finally decided it's time :D

Welcome to BP.net :colbert2:
Check out forums for RTB's tons of info there, congrats on your new snake! :)

Cool, boas are awesome!

You'll love a boa. They're big, curious slugs. :love:

Boa's are truly beatufil snakes! Bigger than BP's, but very curious, active, and relatively secure snakes! Be prepared for a large snake, and enjoy when it gets to that size. Part of what makes a Boa so awesome is that they have a truly big size, but are still manageable. Be prepared, do your research, and enjoy a fantastic companion!

BIG congrats! :D If you ever have any questions, we have a bunch of great people on here for info, so feel free to ask them! Great choice you've made, not many people see boas as beginners because of their size, but they'll really make a great introduction to the hobby for ya, they're big, beautiful, gentle and curious!

Congrats and welcome to the site :welcome:

Boas are really cool, beautiful snakes you'll really like it. As long as you have the husbandry correct and socialize him/her I'm sure it'll turn out to be an awesome pet :D Be prepared for the addiction!! ;)

Addiction is true...I'm still waiting for my BP to hatch at the breeder and I've already ordered 2 others and a Leopard gecko.... :colbert:

Herps are like Pringles, once you pop, you just can't stop!

Welcome!

Getting your first snake is always a cool experience. These are really cool creatures and sure are rewarding to raise up.

Don't forget that they aren't your typical hamster or cat. Living rooms are not their natural habitat, and they require specialized (though usually quite easy to provide) homes for optimum health and security.

Luckily these days, people have been keeping most species for long enough that many good care tips have been accumulated and are easily found all over the internet. Most common pet snakes are usually pretty hardy, but even still it's a good idea to read up on what people who have kept a particular species have to say about their experiences.

Here's a link to BP.net's Boa Constrictor care sheet: *CLICK HERE*

Also, if you're interested in any physical literature to pick up, there's a book by a guy named Vin Russo called "The Complete Boa Constrictor".

I don't own it, but Vin Russo is an awesome guy and if I was to ever get into boa constrictors, I wouldn't do it without also buying his book.

Congrats on getting your first snake! Mine was also a boa :D They are amazing snakes, i have other snakes but my boas are my favorite. Hope you really enjoy him/her and welcome to the site

Wow, everyone here is so kind! Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Brought her home today and i love her so much :D She's so active. Been in the cage for a couple of hours and hasnt stopped moving once yet. I should have a picture up by Sunday!

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Originally Posted by mbrandner27

Wow, everyone here is so kind! Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. Brought her home today and i love her so much :D She's so active. Been in the cage for a couple of hours and hasnt stopped moving once yet. I should have a picture up by Sunday!

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Wait until you see your boa's feeding response, they are lightning fast.


And almost forgot, welcome to BP.net.

:welcome: to BP.net. :colbert2: and congrats on your new Boa.

:welcome to BP.net and Congratulations on your first snake.
Here are a few links to some good info on boa care. Hope they help.

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For those who are doing research or looking for care info, the following links are to the different sections of "The Ultimate Boa Constrictor Care Guide" by Clay English:

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...ew-line-40589/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...-online-40590/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/part...-online-40591/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/emer...-online-40594/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/feed...ew-line-40593/
http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/inst...-online-40592/

You can also download the entire guide in PDF format free by going to this link and registering:

http://www.redtailboas.com/f110/down...ion-3-a-31312/

Also, here is a fairly in-depth article by Gus Rentfro, Rio Bravo Reptiles, on Boa Constrictor care:

http://www.redtailboa.net/forums/sna...tail-boas.html

Hopefully, all of these links and info will help those doing research, or the keeper who is just looking for some additional resources and info...

-Vypyrz-

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Boas are magnificent snakes, in my experience they are one of the best snakes available. Im confident that you wouldnt regret you decision :D Best of luck

My Boa has a very curious and laid back attitude ,but is very snappy when I put my hands in his cage he's hissing or trying to bite me ,but I have a plastic coat hanger I use as a poor man's snake hook to get him out with. He calms right down after he's out. And feeding is a stark difference between ball pythons my Boa always eats my thawed out frozen mice . I have to say in my opinion boas are amazing to own,they look awesome,they have those cool eyes that adjust to the light,there scales are small and softer textured then say a ball pythons.M

Quick question, is there a maximum amount of time I can handle my boa per day? How long before she starts to get stressed?

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Originally Posted by mbrandner27

Quick question, is there a maximum amount of time I can handle my boa per day? How long before she starts to get stressed?

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I would start with short handling sessions, maybe 10-15 minutes. The best way to do it, and it is hard to resist the temptation, is to leave her alone for the first week so that she can adjust to her new home. After the first week, offer a meal, then wait 2-3 days for digestion, and then you can start the handling sessions. You just want to make sure that she is going to eat for you first. Boas normally have no problem eating, but there are the occassional picky ones. Good Luck.

My friends boa eats like a garbage disposal, a very very fast moving garbage disposal! I have to say watching her eat is very cool!

Welcome to the family. My boa is as psychotic as they come. Sometimes extremelt mellow, sometimes pure evil. Handle them to keep them tame.

So she ate for me today! First time, it was such an awesome feeling, just thought I'd share with everybody! Pics coming tomorrow hopefully.

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Originally Posted by mbrandner27

Hey guys, I found this site a few days ago while looking up info on snakes since i'll be getting my first one tomorrow. I'll be getting a Columbian Red Tail Boa and I'm really excited. I've wanted to own a snake since i was a little kid and i've finally decided it's time :D

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CRTB's are wonderful snakes. I have a 6.5 foot one named Rosey and she is an absolute sweet heart, always calm and docile!