Boa or Ball Python?

I'm considering getting a Central American Hypo, before my Ball Python. Which do you prefer, and why?

It really depends on what you are looking for as a pet.

Personally I would lean towards the Ball Python first due to their docile temperment and smaller more manageable size, also it is what I am famliar with. There is definitely a difference in appetite between the two, but I can deal with the picky eating.

Do not have any sort of Boa in the collection... yet. Once I can dedicate space for some larger enclosures will make it happen.

I have owned quite a few of both, and I personally like boas a lot better. CA boas are great, because of their small size. Most have great temperaments too. You can't go wrong with a hypo. I have a possible super hypo that is crazy red. I'm betting he is super.

One of each, honestly. They are so different in personality yet similar in care. Both are incredibly fun and to own and I couldn't live without either or give up one species for the other.

(Sent from my Android via Tapatalk)

Get both! They both have their own way of being awesome :) but if you want something to handle all the time and eats like its going out of style grab a boa first. But then pick up a few bps too, you can't have enough!

Both of them!! Bps are great. Tubs set up in a rack, easy to maintain, doesn't take up much room. For the most part their temperments are sweet and docile, they are like the lap dog of snakes. They come in many pretty morphs to choose from. Boas, are great too. We recently got one, and he is the coolest snake. He is in my top 3, him and two of my balls tied for favorite snake. He is also very sweet. However totally different experience. He is inquisitive and very curious about everything. He cruises around and checks EVERYTHING out. He doesn't sit still much, but not crazy like a corn snake. Reason we only have one boa, space. I couldn't pick just one either.

I would almost argue that boas are a better beginner snake than ball pythons. In my experience, they are much better feeders and love to be taken out of their cages and cruise around. The only problem is the size that they eventually get to, which requires more expensive caging and food.

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Originally Posted by JasonGranger

I would almost argue that boas are a better beginner snake than ball pythons. In my experience, they are much better feeders and love to be taken out of their cages and cruise around. The only problem is the size that they eventually get to, which requires more expensive caging and food.

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X2, I Boas are a better beginner snake. They feed like monsters, they enjoy being out and about and have a great personality. The only argument against it is they get big, but my response to that is they don't get huge over night. Once it reaches it's adult size you are no longer a beginner and are more then ready to continue taking care of it.

Ok, I'll be that guy...

Ball Pythons are by far the best first snake you could ever get, no matter what the circumstance, no matter who you are, no matter where you live, period, dot.

Please feel free to discuss...;)

Also, this thread needs more Cow Bell!

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Originally Posted by Slim

.Please feel free to discuss...;)Also, this thread needs more Cow Bell!

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Ok I'll be that guy as well.......
Bps can be very temperamental when it comes to feeding which can be very discouraging to a beginner, ie not eating for months, only eating live. A lot of people especially someone new can be turned off to the idea of having to feed live. Most beginners will also throw a BP into a giant open tank as we all know this is not the ideal arrangement.
In case you haven't noticed I'm just debating for the sake of debating. Let's hear your rebuttal ;)

If you are new to snakes (?), I would say definitely don't get both right away. Dip your toes in the water first; it takes a while to get used to any new pet and figure out husbandry, feedings, etc (no matter how much you've read, it takes some time and experimenting to get the hang of it). And with two snakes, especially two drastically different snakes, it would be twice as difficult, and if you make a mistake (not saying that you will, but it happens to the best of us), both snakes are affected.

I would recommend finding a local expo or shop that has both and handling both of them, to get a feel for what you want. They both make excellent pets but are very different.

It really depends on what you're looking for. I personally prefer boas because they have big personalities, whereas ball pythons are mostly passive. With a boa there is a good chance you're going to get bit every now and again. Which is not a big deal because baby bites don't hurt at all and they grow out of the 'bitey phase' pretty quickly. However, if that makes you uncomfortable I would recommend a ball python. I've been bit dozens of times and at this point I don't think twice about it, but I know when I started out in the hobby I was a bit nervous, and I think if I had gotten bitten early on it probably would have affected my initial confidence with snakes. But maybe that's just me. Boas are wonderful, sweet, loving snakes that really bond with you (okay, that's debatable, but I know my two girls love me :D), but it's common for them to go through a nippy phase when they're young.

Then of course, with their larger size (even though CA's aren't so big), boas do cost more to house and feed and mine are higher maintenance than any ball python I've had (they're attention hogs and they like to make a mess), so that's something to consider as well.

But anyways. They both make excellent pets, and I'm sure whichever you decide on you will love very much. :)

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Originally Posted by Rob

Let's hear your rebuttal ;)

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:D
Ball pythons are the divas of the Herp Community and are therefore entitled to be temperamental. They aren't fasting, they're watching their weight. While I agree that most first time BP keepers get it almost all wrong, almost all of the time, but if it weren't for that, then BP.net would just get boring...

Who can forget the 200 gallon petri dish with 14 species of herp all in one tank...you just can't make that stuff up!
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Originally Posted by Slim

:D
Ball pythons are the divas of the Herp Community and are therefore entitled to be temperamental. They aren't fasting, they're watching their weight

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Lmao! How can I argue with that.

Thank you all for giving your opinion on which is better. I still don't know which one to pick :P
I might be leaning more towards the boa, but I just don't know. :D I have a big choice ahead of me.

Would a Carpet Python be good as well? Or is that for later?

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Originally Posted by Slim

Who can forget the 200 gallon petri dish with 14 species of herp all in one tank...you just can't make that stuff up!
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Link? I haven't seen that before.

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Originally Posted by JasonGranger

Link? I haven't seen that before.

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http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ght=petri+dish

I suppose I'll throw in my two cents.
I own both and like others have said, their personalities are so different! I only have one smaller female boa now (about 3') and she LOVES exploring, is curious about everything, is always trying to go on my head, and never refuses food...EVER. She does strike at me while she's deep in shed though, so I've learned to just leave her alone at that time. Otherwise she is awesome!
I have right around 40 ball pythons now (and 20 more in the incubator). They're much more relaxed, I suppose you could say. Most of mine will just kinda sit there. Others like to "explore". And then there's the whole eating issue...being that they don't sometimes. Other than that, the bps are awesome and I can't get enough of them.
I definitely want more of both boas and ball pythons. So which ever you decide to get, they're both a great choice!

Pp


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?qx:cens0...ens0r::cens0r:

Boas will only get really big if you feed them big. You can keep even a female at 5 feet if you really want to. That wouldnt be any fun though, would it? Balls are cool too. Instead of a CA Boa try a Sonoran they stay even smaller and are fantastic.:confused:

Everyone has given excellent advice and accurate depictions of personality. The biggest thing to consider, and I do mean you need to seriously consider it, is the size and housing requirements of adult boas. While they vary in size, proper housing is quite expensive. I've got two boas and am looking at ordering them custom 6x2's in the next few months. While there are a few very specific things I want in those cages that make them more expensive, I'm looking at roughly $700 per cage. You can get a little cheaper, but I'm just saying, it's expensive. In the housing department, BPs are much cheaper.

If that is not an issue for you though, by all means go with the boa. Can't beat the inquisitive nature and awesome personalities of boas. ;)

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Originally Posted by Slim

Ok, I'll be that guy...

Ball Pythons are by far the best first snake you could ever get, no matter what the circumstance, no matter who you are, no matter where you live, period, dot.

Please feel free to discuss...;)

Also, this thread needs more Cow Bell!

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Ball pythons are finicky eaters, are prone to bad sheds, and stress out extremely easy. Boas are the complete opposite.

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Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90

Everyone has given excellent advice and accurate depictions of personality. The biggest thing to consider, and I do mean you need to seriously consider it, is the size and housing requirements of adult boas. While they vary in size, proper housing is quite expensive. I've got two boas and am looking at ordering them custom 6x2's in the next few months. While there are a few very specific things I want in those cages that make them more expensive, I'm looking at roughly $700 per cage. You can get a little cheaper, but I'm just saying, it's expensive. In the housing department, BPs are much cheaper.

If that is not an issue for you though, by all means go with the boa. Can't beat the inquisitive nature and awesome personalities of boas. ;)

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Everyone says size is an issue, but the OP was talking about getting a CA boa, which are dwarfs. I keep my CA boas in the same type of enclosures as my ball pythons, tubs.

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Originally Posted by gofrwrd

Boas will only get really big if you feed them big. You can keep even a female at 5 feet if you really want to.

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That would most likely be considered underfeeding, which is just as bad as overfeeding. It's a selfish thing to do, IMO. You get a snake, you feed it properly.

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Originally Posted by Wh00h0069

Ball pythons are finicky eaters, are prone to bad sheds, and stress out extremely easy. Boas are the complete opposite.

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My boys don't miss many meals, shed like they were born to do it, and any snake can be stressed if not cared for properly.

With BPs, proper husbandry will take care of 99% of sheding and stress issues.

As for them going on fasts, some do, and some don't. I've found it to be much less of an issue if you don't breed, and even less common if you only keep males or females, not both.

That tread is out of control and I didn't even read past the OP...

"and then there is siss that is finally starting to perk up more and move around more."

Place a huge string of terribly derogatory terms here.





As for the BPs fasting... I read a LOT about this being some kind of huge issue here. It's a problem for people who breed, not who own as pets. I haven't read a single piece of information about a ball python being properly cared for that DIED or suffered some kind of ill health effect from a feeding strike. Keepers just get mad because their egg machines aren't rocking child-bearing hips. The snake is probably perfectly happy, assuming the rest of the husbandry is right.

I own both including CA's I purchased from Eddie and I agree with him. My CA's don't take no more space than my bp's, tolerate handling very well and never miss a meal. Right now my Colombian is on a 61 quart tub and he's a happy camper. If i had to pick only one it would definitely be a boa.

Sent from my EVO Design using Tapatalk 2.

Though I'm enjoying this discussion, I'm somewhat disappointed that we can't drum up a little more ball python love on Ball-Pythons.net :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Slim

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ght=petri+dish

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Not sure how i missed that thread but WOW people are dum.

To the OP. I have both balls (pun intended) and one boa. While most of the balls eat fine, there are some "drama queens" (as slim said). The boa pounds food and sometimes even gets an extra treat when one of the balls chooses not to eat. In terms of handling, my fiances sister (who is not a snake person) LOVES to hold the boa. More inquisitive, curious, and energetic make for a much more entertaining handling experience. Also to me, boas seem smarter. Im not sure if that is a fact or not, but when she looks into your eyes, she seems to know you. A few months ago I had a mite fite. (lol spelling) The boa was the one who i noticed the most on and she looked miserable. After I soaked her one day, she looked at me and i swear she said "thank you". With a ball, all you get is a blank stare. Jus my .02

I had 2 boas for a few days(got them on a trade and they just get too big, although I did really enjoy them!) and I now have 2 balls. I think I like them both equally but gonna lean towards balls a bit more just because of there smaller size :). But if your a big snake kinda person, then I think its a win win on both lol

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Originally Posted by Slim

Though I'm enjoying this discussion, I'm somewhat disappointed that we can't drum up a little more ball python love on Ball-Pythons.net :rolleyes:

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OK, ok, I'm sorry my friend:) I do love my balls:D

Alright Slim. ;) Some Balls have a ton of personality and can be very inquisitive. My first snake, Nexus, was a prime example. I suppose maybe that's why I've become bias towards boas...my two current Balls put together don't have as much personality as she did all on her own. The boas are the closest I've come to finding that again. Lol.

I guess that still turned into an "I love Boas" moment. Well, I think whatever the OP chooses he or she will be happy. Both make fantastic pets. :)

Thank you all for your thoughts! I still don't know which one to get, but I like the idea of a boa with personality, not that the ball doesn't. I should go with both to make up my mind :rolleyes::sigh2::relax::spork:

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Originally Posted by BallPythonLove

Thank you all for your thoughts! I still don't know which one to get, but I like the idea of a boa with personality, not that the ball doesn't. I should go with both to make up my mind :rolleyes::sigh2::relax::spork:

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My opinion is to get the BP first. Master it's care and husbandry, and then consider a boa. The reason that I say this is because, when choosing a Ball Python, your biggest decisions are male or female, and what paint job you want on it. The world of boa keeping is alot more complex, as far as deciding on which type you want. There are the "true red tails" (BCC), the Central American localities, the Mexican boas, the insular island boas, the Madagascar boas, the Pacific and Caribbean Island boas, as well as, the Sand boas, Rosy Boas, and Rubber boas.
Even referring to a boa as Central American is vague, as this title could mean anything from Colombia to Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Colombians will get considerably larger than the other three. The first thing to consider when choosing a boa is how much space are you going to have available for housing. Many of the boas will stay in the 5-7 foot range, and can be housed in a 4' X 2' enclosure. For boas in the 7-9 foot range, you will need a 6' X 2' or 6' X 3' enclosure. I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a boa, I have six of them, and they are all different. I'm just saying look at all the options before settling on one. Here are a few good places to start:


http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index.htm

http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/contactinformation/

http://www.theboaphile.com/available.php

Good luck with your decision... :gj:

PS. The reason I suggest alot of research is because boas are just as, or more, addicting as Ball Pythons are, so you want to make sure that you get what you really want... :D

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

My opinion is to get the BP first. Master it's care and husbandry, and then consider a boa. The reason that I say this is because, when choosing a Ball Python, your biggest decisions are male or female, and what paint job you want on it. The world of boa keeping is alot more complex, as far as deciding on which type you want. There are the "true red tails" (BCC), the Central American localities, the Mexican boas, the insular island boas, the Madagascar boas, the Pacific and Caribbean Island boas, as well as, the Sand boas, Rosy Boas, and Rubber boas.
Even referring to a boa as Central American is vague, as this title could mean anything from Colombia to Panama, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Colombians will get considerably larger than the other three. The first thing to consider when choosing a boa is how much space are you going to have available for housing. Many of the boas will stay in the 5-7 foot range, and can be housed in a 4' X 2' enclosure. For boas in the 7-9 foot range, you will need a 6' X 2' or 6' X 3' enclosure. I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a boa, I have six of them, and they are all different. I'm just saying look at all the options before settling on one. Here are a few good places to start:


http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index.htm

http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/contactinformation/

http://www.theboaphile.com/available.php

Good luck with your decision... :gj:

PS. The reason I suggest alot of research is because boas are just as, or more, addicting as Ball Pythons are, so you want to make sure that you get what you really want... :D

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Well on that note, I think I'll go with the ball python first. :banana::snake:

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Originally Posted by BallPythonLove

Well on that note, I think I'll go with the ball python first. :banana::snake:

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I may be just a little biased, but I think that is an excellent choice :D

To all the Boa fans out there, I say in all seriousness, I've never owned a Boa, so I have yet to be seduced by their charms. Maybe that's just a case of me staying away from the chocolate cake because I know if I try a bite, I'll eat the whole thing ;)

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Originally Posted by Slim

Maybe that's just a case of me staying away from the chocolate cake because I know if I try a bite, I'll eat the whole thing ;)

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Here is the chocolate cake...:rofl:

http://i1019.photobucket.com/albums/...t/HPIM0939.jpg

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Originally Posted by Slim

I may be just a little biased, but I think that is an excellent choice :D

To all the Boa fans out there, I say in all seriousness, I've never owned a Boa, so I have yet to be seduced by their charms. Maybe that's just a case of me staying away from the chocolate cake because I know if I try a bite, I'll eat the whole thing ;)

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Well, I'm hoping I can find a pair, but if not I'll still be happy. Thanks for your thoughts! Without everyone's thoughts here I wouldn't be able to choose. :( :D:D:D

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Originally Posted by Slim

I may be just a little biased, but I think that is an excellent choice :D

To all the Boa fans out there, I say in all seriousness, I've never owned a Boa, so I have yet to be seduced by their charms. Maybe that's just a case of me staying away from the chocolate cake because I know if I try a bite, I'll eat the whole thing ;)

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The cake is sooooo good though! lol.

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Originally Posted by interloc

The cake is sooooo good though! lol.

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Maybe I should take the cake instead of the ball.... Inflatable versus Cake..... The cake is mine :colbert::colbert::colbert::colbert::colbert:

Correct me if I'm wrong but it's sounding like you'd rather have the boa. And when it comes down to it, the "best" beginner snake is the one you will enjoy most (within reason of course). As Vyprz said, it's definitely worth doing some research on the various subspecies and locales to see what's out there. But if you want a boa... get a boa.

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Originally Posted by Crazy4Herps

Correct me if I'm wrong but it's sounding like you'd rather have the boa. And when it comes down to it, the "best" beginner snake is the one you will enjoy most (within reason of course). As Vyprz said, it's definitely worth doing some research on the various subspecies and locales to see what's out there. But if you want a boa... get a boa.

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I don't know what I want personally lol :rofl: But I think I'm gonna go with the BP to start off, and later on I'll get he boa, to make this whole thread complete. :snake: :bow: :P ;)

That is probably a very good choice. My balls taught me a lot about husbandry and handling that made the transition to boas easier. My boas are babies, but there is a definite difference in power and how they grow. :P Starting with a BP will be good for you. :gj: Just make sure you take the time to choose the paint job you want, and not just what's cheapest so you can have it sooner. Because let me just say, if you don't get your first choice the first time, you'll just end up acquiring more than you initially intended within a few years. ;) I'm sure others can vouch for that. Haha. I have a list of different morphs I want...and somehow it just keeps growing...weird...:P

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Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90

That is probably a very good choice. My balls taught me a lot about husbandry and handling that made the transition to boas easier. My boas are babies, but there is a definite difference in power and how they grow. :P Starting with a BP will be good for you. :gj: Just make sure you take the time to choose the paint job you want, and not just what's cheapest so you can have it sooner. Because let me just say, if you don't get your first choice the first time, you'll just end up acquiring more than you initially intended within a few years. ;) I'm sure others can vouch for that. Haha. I have a list of different morphs I want...and somehow it just keeps growing...weird...:P

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If by paint job you mean morph, then indeed I do have a selection for my first BP. :rofl: Prepare to call me lame, but I want a Normal. (Your Reaction: :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:) Not the price, just....I like the original, Normal. (Keep on :rofl:, I agree with you ;)) If not a Normal, I want a Pewter. :taz: Ahh I'm lame :)

There are many people who think that normals are the best looking, certainly the best looking snake for your dollar

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

There are many people who think that normals are the best looking, certainly the best looking snake for your dollar

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Hahaha, yeah. Normals are the basis of every designer morph, with pastel. But I love the classic Normal :snake: :bow: :snake: :bow: :snake:

BP's taught me all that i know and certainly did make my transition to boas a lot easier (along with the ball-pythons.net community). bp's are re generally more docile and reach a girthy but managable size. ive been struck by both pythons and boas and their temperaments come down to the individual. boas do grow larger as many have stated and that to me is the primary concern. cant wait till i have to buy a 500$ enclosure... but both snakes are awesome in their own ways. i do favor my dumerils out of all my snakes though. check the dumerils out

Many people prefer normals over morphs... Nothing lame about it. ;) All the bp's I've had have been normals. And it's not a matter of money for me either; I think they're more interesting and wild-looking.

I agree that starting out with a bp is a really good choice. They're great snakes and you will learn lots. :gj: