Hog Island Boa

Hey guys I am looking at buying a 1 year old male hog island boa off of someone and they want 200 for it with the enclosure (glass terrarium) is that a good deal or should i offer lower?

Thanks,
Alex

If it truly is a Hog Island and not a cross, then it's a really good deal! And it's not really a bad deal if it turns out to be a cross since it'd come with the enclosure. Some will say a glass terrarium is worthless, but you can take some steps to make it work well. And you do need a place to keep him until you find something better anyhow.

It'd be almost impossible to tell if it's a pure hoggie or not unless this is coming from a reputable breeder. But if the snake is healthy and has a nice temperament, then it could be worth it. :gj:

However, I wouldn't let that stop you from offering a bit lower. You never know, if you offer cash, they might be willing to go 150-175. If you really like the snake though and it's healthy (at least as far as you can tell), be prepared to pay the asking price.

Just my thoughts!! ;)

I see ones on KS for like $150. I personally would never use a glass tank for a snake anymore so basically $200 for just the snake seems kinda hi to me.

The person said it was a pure male hog. I am really excited about it. What size cage will it need when it's full grown?

Thanks,
Alex

4x2 would be more than enough. You could probably get away with a 3x2 for a male tho

No boa should have less than a 4x2 in my opinion - even the smaller species such as hog islands. I have a 3x2 for my GTP and it just would not be long enough for the heavier-bodied boas. PVC enclosures are super great for boas. While I don't think a glass tank is a total write-off, pvc is nicer. If you're interested in a pvc cage, why not offer the guy around $150 for the boa alone without the glass tank?

Do you know this individual personally? Is this a well-known reputable breeder? If so, then you can trust his word that its a pure hog. If not, than you can not know for sure unless he provides you with legitimate documentation. And you can't tell just by looking at the snake. I'm not saying the guy will lie to you, but it is common for people to pass off a hog cross as a pure hog.

If you get him, we'll want to see pics!! :gj:

He is sending me pictures tonight. It's a guy off of craigslist. I really wanted a red tail but decided against it so I am really excited for a dwarf boa. I will post pictures of it when he sends them and I will let you know. The guy is moving and said his friend gave him the snake and he doesn't know much about them so he is trying to get rid of it but his friend specifically said its a pure hog. He also said he would take 150 for snake and enclosure.

Also, I am not sure on prices but he said his friend bought it for 500. Is that accurate?

Thanks,
Alex

I'd be careful if this Guy is telling the truth...his husbandry is probably way off if he does in fact know very little about caring for snakes. I would take his claims of genetics with a grain of salt as he probably Googled market prices after his friend gave it to him and found out he could get a little extra $ or sell it faster by claiming its genetics...just my 2 cents...

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Yeah that's kinda what I was thinking. I told him I want to see it, and I kinda low balled him because he told me he got it for free.

(by low ball I offered him 100). I'm not "one of those people"

If his friend paid 500 for it, he got robbed. Unless it's a one of a kind. Highly unlikely though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AJs Snake House

I'd be careful if this Guy is telling the truth...his husbandry is probably way off if he does in fact know very little about caring for snakes. I would take his claims of genetics with a grain of salt as he probably Googled market prices after his friend gave it to him and found out he could get a little extra $ or sell it faster by claiming its genetics...just my 2 cents...

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x2. That was my concern. Personally, I would not buy a Hog Island or any other type of "dwarf" boa from someone off craigslist. I would go with a well-known and reputable breeder only. That way the genetics are assured. And just so you know, Hogs will stay around 5ft or so, but have been known to get larger. Hog crosses are not going to be much smaller than any other type of common red-tail boa. I would not trust that this particular snake is 100% Hog. I would assume that it's a cross.

If he does send you a pic, post it here and we can offer an opinion...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TheWinWizard

If his friend paid 500 for it, he got robbed. Unless it's a one of a kind. Highly unlikely though.

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Yup. Even a pure Hog is not going to cost $500. :O

There are some red flags cropping up here. I think I'd stear clear of this one. I know you're excited, and I don't blame you, but if you're patient, you can find a nice true Hog for a much better price from a good breeder with a solid reputation. You'd know the genetics and chances are you'd get a healthier animal. Try Cutting Edge Herps. Vin Russo is a forerunner of captive bred boas and specializes in the "dwarf" localities. :gj:

http://img.tapatalk.com/81ffe01b-fd02-36a4.jpg this is all I have gotten from him. I am sorry for the small picture I asked him to send better ones. As you can see from the picture he probably shouldn't even have this snake because he is wearing a glove so he is probably afraid of it...

-Alex

Well, it is hard to tell from the pic. I hope he does send you a better one. But from the limited view I can see, he does have the right coloring for a Hog Island. I still frankly doubt this animal is pure Hog, but he does look like a cross.

The thing to do is go and see the animal in person. If he handles well, appears healthy, and you like him a lot, then he'll be worth the price. 150 is not too unreasonable if you really like the animal and it seems healthy. Just be aware that health can't be garaunteed until he's seen a vet so MAKE SURE to quarantine!! It is a little high, but I am the sort of person who's willing to pay more for an animal I really like even if it is a bit over market value.

Let us know what you decide and we'll want more pics if you do get him!!

I agree with all been said. He's lying or stupid if he bought it for 500.00. Hoggs have a peachy undertone with light tan saddles and speckled all over. I can't tell from that
Picture. I paid 120.00 for mine at 4 ft. That's the going rate at a show here, I wouldn't pay 200.00. Just my opinion.

Check carefully, something I've noticed is the speckles, some can be as small as mites so check that you don't miss anything.


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