Colombian Boa vs. Hog Island Boa

I thought I had finally decided on what Boa I wanted, but then I discovered a new likely candidate: the Colombian Boa. What piqued my interest about these is the fact that they have a tighter window of length they may reach. Hog Islands can reach anywhere from 3-6 feet, whereas the Colombian stays around 6-7 feet, which is the length I'm aiming for. However, are there any temperament changes between these two? Also, what is the general price for either of these?

I appreciate the help and awesome advice the users on this forum have provided. Thanks a ton!

You could probably find a hybrid of the two if you can't choose. I have a 75% hog girl and she's wonderful. She's still a baby though.

I only have a Hog Island and I must say, mine is such a joy to keep. She is very curious and alert of everything that is going on while being handled, has yet to skip a meal, and is beautifully colored. But I must say, I hear that all boa owners feel the same way about their snake. :-)

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One thing I was considering to compensate for the Hog Island's length would be to get a female, though they're typically more expensive. How long do female Hogs reach?

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Originally Posted by notmyfault

I only have a Hog Island and I must say, mine is such a joy to keep. She is very curious and alert of everything that is going on while being handled, has yet to skip a meal, and is beautifully colored. But I must say, I hear that all boa owners feel the same way about their snake. :-)

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And this is exactly how I feel about my Columbian BCIs, lol! :D

If you want a larger snake, get a Columbian - male or female. If you want a Hog Island, then get that and just be aware it'll be smaller than a BCI and probably average about 5ft.

There is a "larger window" of size with the Hoggies simply because there are more known smaller and larger specimens, but really most of them do average about 5ft whether its male or female.

There's actually more variation with BCIs because the males do stay smaller than the females averaging 6-7 feet and the females average 7-9. And it depends how they are fed as well. BCIs that are fed small rabbits as adults can really tip the scales! Hoggies don't generally get big enough to take rabbits so they remain a bit more consistant.

If you want a larger snake, get a BCI. Hog Islands are great, but they are going to be more expensive. Temperament between the two is about the same. :gj:

Thanks for this insight, guys. Do you guys know any reputable breeders/sites where I might find Boas for sale?

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Originally Posted by Saxguy101

One thing I was considering to compensate for the Hog Island's length would be to get a female, though they're typically more expensive. How long do female Hogs reach?

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I don't know if I agree with Hogs being more expensive than Colombians. My girl was $150 shipped, and you can find a couple nice Colombian morphs for that price as well (my hypo girl was $150 shipped as well). Even for a normal Colombian who's roughly $70-80 you're still gonna add ~$50 for shipping and even that is $120-$130. I'm getting my Hog from Chad Duggin, and he still has female Hogs for sale to my knowledge (find him on Kingsnake Classifieds).

Female Hogs will get 4-6 feet roughly, but I've seen some reach around 7'

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Originally Posted by Saxguy101

Thanks for this insight, guys. Do you guys know any reputable breeders/sites where I might find Boas for sale?

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Check Kingsnake Classifieds and Fauna Classifieds for good breeders, and always do a check on Fauna's Board of Inquiry before purchasing from anyone. Like mentioned, I'm getting my Hog from Chad (she's not in hand yet), have gotten my Hypo from Dan Eby, and got my Jungle male Colombian from BoaMasters (Mark V.) and would recommend them personally.

I'm planning on getting a female hog island boa from this breeder www.riobravoreptiles.com
Heard good stuff about him. I'm a BP guy and after researching and reading, I decided for a hog island for a big snake. Good luck!

Edit: Just looked on Kingsnake for Hogs: Outback Reptiles has some for $125 + shipping (I've never bought from them before) but it's something to look into.

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

I don't know if I agree with Hogs being more expensive than Colombians.

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I meant that females were typically more expensive than males. Thanks for all of that information!

I got my Hog from Vin Russo, spoke to him personally at a show and he told me his Hogs typically stay on the smaller side 4 - 5 feet. Though from reading into growth rates, feeding more may result in a 6 foot Hoggie. I got mine for $150 at the show, she was so flighty at first and very defensive, however with time she is now so docile, its hard to imagine her the way she used to be. Shes got some nice hues of pink and orange, its so awesome. Since I've gotten her, her speckling has come out a bit more than as a baby still beautiful none the less.
I would say though that if price wasn't an issue for you, I would just go directly for a reputable breeder. I was stuck between Vin Russo or Gus from Riobravo, as they specialize in many different localities and stick true to the different boa bloodlines.

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Originally Posted by Saxguy101

I meant that females were typically more expensive than males. Thanks for all of that information!

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When I inquired about Hogs they were typically the same price from most breeders. Atleast from the people I asked.

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150 is a typical price for a Hog. You can't go wrong with Vin, Gus, or Paul Mitchell Jr.

Hmm, I was considering all of this information, and I decided that a crossbreed between the two would be nice. Where might I find a Colombian/Hog Island Boa mix?

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Originally Posted by Saxguy101

Hmm, I was considering all of this information, and I decided that a crossbreed between the two would be nice. Where might I find a Colombian/Hog Island Boa mix?

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I beleive that locality boas should not be cross-bred. It dilutes the bloodlines and many people end up with animals that are passed off as pure. I wpersonally would just make a choice one way or the other. trust me, with boas you'll be happy either way, and a foot or two won't make a huge difference.

If someone wants to buy a crossbreed, then I think that's fine, because obviously they'll know that it's mixed if they ever breed or sell the animal (or offspring) they can state that it's crossed as well. Just makes sure you go to a good breeder that states if the snake is pure or not. I got my girl at Repticon.

Some people don't like crossbreeding, other's don't mind it. So it's really up to the buyer on what they want.

In choosing between the two, size is the biggest consideration. After that, it's basically a matter of personal preference. They're both fantastic snakes.

Paul Mitchell, Jr. Has Hypo/ Hogs and purebred Hogs.

I cant really give u any info on hogs but I do have a red tail and she is an amazing snake and very friendly as well as very active, however another option u might want to look into a Nicaraguan boa. I have one of them as well and I heard they r a bit nippy as babies however, I have had no issues with that. He is extremely docile and friendly even. Nice stay on the smaller side as well averaging 4 to 5 feet, but no matter what u pic u will be happy with one of these choices.


1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

The Boaphile, Jeff Ronne, produces some seriously beautiful Colombians. If you decide to go that route, definitely check him out. I got my girl from him and she is one of the most beautiful snakes I've ever seen if I do say so myself. ;)

I have 1.1 hogg island x Columbian. I don't know what the percentage is (for sure) but i was lead to believe that it was literally a hogg island bred to a Columbian. I got them from a USARK charity auction at the 2011 Sacramento reptile show. I couldn't let them sell at $20 each, so I bid $25 and got them. Absolutely awesome temperament, beautiful color/pattern and great eaters. Not sure how big they will get, but around my house it doesn't matter.