Snake Purchase Advice

Hey guys,

I currently own a corn snake, and I really enjoy him, though as soon as I got my first snake, I've wanted more. What I'm wondering now is whether to get a Ball Python or a Red Tail Boa. I personally would rather have a Boa, but would it be practical since I'm not too experienced? I know that Boas are obviously bigger than Balls, but are they harder to care for aside from that? Are they not as docile? All in all, even though I would prefer a Boa, do I need more experience to own one?

Thanks guys!

~Saxguy101

Boas get really big, they are docile but if one gets pissed off, it's a lot more difficult to deal with than a ball python.

If I were you I would get a ball python or carpet python if you want something bigger than a ball, but not as big as a boa

I think it depends on how comfortable you are with having a 6' snake on your shoulders. I have a baby red tail and so far he isn't any more difficult to keep than my balls, but eventually I will have to have a bigger cage (more money) and he will take larger rats than balls when grown(which means more money). Red Tails are pretty docile, mine is more tame than most of my ball pythons. If you know you can handle it, then red tails are a pretty good "starter" snake. But if you have any doubt on being able to handle a grown boa, have a large cage and larger food expense, I would get a ball python, and then maybe move up from there.
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/...7/photo4-1.jpg

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Originally Posted by pigfat

I think it depends on how comfortable you are with having a 6' snake on your shoulders. I have a baby red tail and so far he isn't any more difficult to keep than my balls, but eventually I will have to have a bigger cage (more money) and he will take larger rats than balls when grown(which means more money). Red Tails are pretty docile, mine is more tame than most of my ball pythons. If you know you can handle it, then red tails are a pretty good "starter" snake. But if you have any doubt on being able to handle a grown boa, have a large cage and larger food expense, I would get a ball python, and then maybe move up from there.
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/...7/photo4-1.jpg

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6' is on the small end, they can hit 12 feet

I'm not worried about the size and money, and I'm planning on getting a baby if I do get a Boa. All I'm worried about is if they're as sweet-natured as Balls. I figure, even if it is harder to care for than a Ball, I grow as an owner as he grows, right?

yes and no, you will get better, but a 12 foot, 50 lb snake is more than some people will ever be able to handle, This is why I suggested the Carpet python, the Coastal carpet pythons can get up to around the same length as a boa, but do not have the girth, so they re much lighter and more manageable.

I think boas make great additions. I think if you're worried about the size, get a male. They stay smaller than females. I actually think my boas are easier to care for than my balls because they NEVER refuse a meal. Like..never. But, my largest one is only about 4 1/2 feet, so I'll let you know in a year as he matures more how difficult it is :D

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

yes and no, you will get better, but a 12 foot, 50 lb snake is more than some people will ever be able to handle, This is why I suggested the Carpet python, the Coastal carpet pythons can get up to around the same length as a boa, but do not have the girth, so they re much lighter and more manageable.

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I'm planning on getting a male, and they average 6-8 feet. While I know that's only an average, and they can get bigger, males are typically smaller than females, right?

yes that is correct, but there will always be rogue snakes that don't seem to stay within normal parameters

OP: I think a boa would be fine for you as long as you know that full grown they'll need a sturdy and large enclosure (I plan on getting 6' cages for mine when they're adults: melamine cages with radient heat panels) that will take up room as well as larger (more expensive) feeders. My boas temperament wise are all wonderful, totally docile and are just as nice as my balls. One of my bf's normal BPs is more aggressive than all of my boas combined!

As you mentioned I'd get a baby and grow with it, if you're unsure about size I'd get a nice male BCI. I doubt you'll end up with a 12ft monster male, unless you get a BCC as they do tend to be larger than BCIs.

Husbandry wise I care for my boas the same as my balls: my boas do tend to enjoy cooler temps over the balls who like to be warmer.

Here's a couple pics of my wee ones (all still smaller, my largest is my male in the first pic):

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...erichobody.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...idaholding.jpg
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...201DiOra14.jpg

I have both ball python and pure Hog Island boa. I love both of them and they have different personalities. Pure Hog island will not be big as other boa. They max out at 6' for female and 4.5' for male. I suggest one ball and one pure hog island boa.

I think they almost need same temp and humidity requirement. Boa may need 10% more humitidy. Generally boa may have better feeding response(take live or f/t) but my ball python eat better than my boa. May be my bp is freak of nature!!!! lol

Ball python have generally better colors and boas are more responsive when it come to handling.

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

OP: I think a boa would be fine for you as long as you know that full grown they'll need a sturdy and large enclosure (I plan on getting 6' cages for mine when they're adults: melamine cages with radient heat panels) that will take up room as well as larger (more expensive) feeders. My boas temperament wise are all wonderful, totally docile and are just as nice as my balls. One of my bf's normal BPs is more aggressive than all of my boas combined!

As you mentioned I'd get a baby and grow with it, if you're unsure about size I'd get a nice male BCI. I doubt you'll end up with a 12ft monster male, unless you get a BCC as they do tend to be larger than BCIs.

Husbandry wise I care for my boas the same as my balls: my boas do tend to enjoy cooler temps over the balls who like to be warmer.

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This!!

Boas do not get as large as you might think. BCCs can get big, but only a female BCC would chance hitting 12'. BCIs stay much smaller. They are still large and can be something to reckon with - they are strong and determined! But a female BCI is going to average 7-9 feet and a male should average out at 6-8 feet. BCIs are the more common species and this is most likely what you'll wind up with. I also recommend a male, not just due to their size, but because they tend to not get too pissy. Females can tend to be slightly more tempermental - although my female, Peaches, is the sweetest animal on the planet...

Care for a boa is really no different than a ball python. They require about the same temps and humidity - although I, too, have found they like slightly cooler temps - 88 for a hotspot and about 76-78 for ambient seems to be good for my guys. They'll need a larger cage, as has been mentioned, but the type of cage is up to you - I personally recommend a 4x2' for an adult male or a 6x2' for a female and the pvc cages on the market are excellent. They are more expensive, but should last your boa's entire life.

Now, BCCs can be slightly trickier with husbandry so I would definitely stick with a BCI for your first boa. And get a baby - you'll love watching it grow! And it'll be easier for you to get used to the snake and know its temperament while its small and you can grow with him.

In fact, there are some aspects of a boa's care that make them better than a BP for a beginner. They are not picky eaters, they aren't generally shy, and they don't stress easily. If you feel you can handle a large adult snake, a BCI is an excellent choice!

I really love carpet pythons if you deside on a carpet get a Irian Jaya or a Jungle. Coastal carpet pythons can get the size of an boa.

they all covered most of the info for you but what i will tell you is that if u get a male redtail you more than likely will not have him get bigger than 7ft or so. The redtail i have and all of my friends have are all the most tame snakes i have ever had or been around. I have personally not met an agressive redtail yet but any snake could be aggressive and just need to be handled a lot. If u want something a little smaller u could always get a nicaraguan boa they tend to stay in the 5 foot range. And my nic is sweet as hell as well. I have young kids that tend to be a little rough on animals and even they dont have any problems. So as for my advice as long as u can afford the bigger cages and dont mind the size of the snake then i would say go for it bro. Both my boas are very interactive, more so than my ball. Either way you cant go wrong they are both excellent breeds.

Get what you like. Boas are fun, very tolerant of handling, and eat just about anything all the time. You will want to be very cautious to not overfeed a boa. They also tend to have amazingly strong feeding responses, so you may want to feed in a separate enclosure, especially if you want just a single pet boa that you're going to be handling often. I feed my big girl in her cage, but there are days that she's come close to taking my arm off, lol. Talk to some boa people/breeders, they'll steer you in the right direction. I can't say 100%, but I'm pretty sure there are some locality types that max out at around 6-7 feet, and remain very manageable with proper handling.