My question of the day to the multi snakers.

Well, it's been said here that stopping at 1 snake is hard to do. I've found that after we got our son a B/P and things ended up being easy (thanks to great advice here), I've got a fever for not just more cowbell, but for another snake.

I'm certainly a fan of the B/P's and actually love the normal colored ones. I'd like to go with something a little larger and a little more "busy" and I mean a little. Nothing overly defensive or in constant motion.

Basic care and husbandry similar to the B/P would be nice.


I've looked at the Dumerils Boa and was almost completely sold on that snake. Today at the reptile store one of the workers really liked the Red Tail boas and told me 6-9FT was average and the big 10-13's were somewhat rare.

I also like the Argentine Boa and if I understand correctly they handle cooler temps well??


Out of those 3 what are your favorites, why and which do you think is easiest to care for?

Nothing will happen for at least a year and I'm open to a few other options. I didn't feel the blood python, or any dwarf versions were in the cards.

What besides the B/P is you favorite constrictor?

Red tailed boa. Very good demeanor, eats awesome, curious and awesome. I have 12 ball and a boa and it's awesome. The males tend to stay smaller. Like max at about 6-7 feet. Id recommend that.


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You could also look into some of the smaller boas. Hog Islands stay smaller on average and I think some of the Central American boas stay smaller than the South American sub species. Food for thought. ;)


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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

You could also look into some of the smaller boas. Hog Islands stay smaller on average and I think some of the Central American boas stay smaller than the South American sub species. Food for thought. ;)

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Totally agree, I have a Hog Island boa and love it. The difference in personality is also a good change if you want something a little more active than your BP.

There are tons of dwarf boa localities out there. Just make sure you do your research. Rio Bravo Reptiles and Cutting Edge Herp both have sites with good info on the various localities so they are great places to start looking.

Happy hunting!

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Originally Posted by interloc

Red tailed boa. Very good demeanor, eats awesome, curious and awesome. I have 12 ball and a boa and it's awesome. The males tend to stay smaller. Like max at about 6-7 feet. Id recommend that.


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Would you say they are... Awesome?
:rofl: jk

OP: i would talk to Daybreaker. Shes got alot of different boas and could probably reccomend a good one.

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Originally Posted by notmyfault

Totally agree, I have a Hog Island boa and love it.

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Yeah me too! Hes my favorite of all my snakes and he is a garbage disposal! they are really cool!

I love my red tail boa. Eats amazing, never have to worry about being picky. Always curious to get out and "explore". And who doesn't love a good mustache?


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Ball pythons Boas were always my favorite an were what i always collected. had a few corn\kings but always traded them after a short time for a bp

Dumerils is my favorite! Very curious, friendly and a great eater. Also beautiful pattern and color. The only
My colombian red tails are great also, just slightly lower on my boa list. They to are curious, friendly (usually), and always eat great.
My Colombia x hog islands are all of the above but the male will not tame down. The female is wonderful but both of them are very busy.
Overall I say Dumerils, you won't be disappointed!

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Would you say they are... Awesome?
:rofl: jk

OP: i would talk to Daybreaker. Shes got alot of different boas and could probably reccomend a good one.

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Umm, yes, I would say red tails are AWESOME! I love mine, such a different experience. He likes to be out, isn't shy, is curious and explores. He will hook his tail in my hair or tank top strap and cruise around and chill for as long as I let him. Eats like a champ, doesn't hide, so you can always see him. They aren't, (at least mine) jumpy like some bps when someone moves fast. They just don't seem to stress as easy. Male bci, will stay smaller. My vote is a male bci boa!!

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I got a Colombian BCI (common red tail boa) as my second snake and it was wonderful! She was a perfect choice. 6-7 is average for males with females averaging a foot or two bigger. Dumerils can get big too - they don't necessarily stay smaller than BCIs - but they are wonderful snakes too. Most are quite calm, but enjoy being handled. And they are both intelligent and active.

I would not really recommend an Argentine boa for your first boa. They generally tend to be rather hissy and assertive. Most of it is bluff, but it can be intimidating. And they do also tend to get quite large. My boy is a puppy once I pick him up, but he definitely has an attitude! On the other hand, my two Colombians are the sweetest snakes on the planet!

A Colombian BCI or a Dumerils is your best choice for a second snake - you can't go wrong with either one! :gj:

WOW!
Thank you all for the replies. I've pretty much ruled out the Argentine as they are not any smaller, and I have also researched that what some here have said is true as far as their overall demeanor.

Seeing as how I will probably choose the Red Tail Or the Dumerils I would more than likely go with the one that is a bit more active in the tank. That said the one that is least likely to strike during handling is still a concern. Obviously things differ from snake to snake, but in general laid back but active and very tolerant of handling would be desired traits.

I'll look at care sheets to see which is the easiest for our situation.

Has anybody used a glass tank for any of the bigger snakes. 75 gal type? I'm not sure the design of our Critter Cage is decent for the bigger stronger snakes. The top clips seem fine for the BP but I still use a mini pad lock.

I'd think a Red T or Dums would easily break the screen and top.

Not even sure why I'm remotely excited. My wife said "it's not going to happen". My son and I have other ideas though : )

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Umm, yes, I would say red tails are AWESOME! I love mine, such a different experience. He likes to be out, isn't shy, is curious and explores. He will hook his tail in my hair or tank top strap and cruise around and chill for as long as I let him. Eats like a champ, doesn't hide, so you can always see him. They aren't, (at least mine) jumpy like some bps when someone moves fast. They just don't seem to stress as easy. Male bci, will stay smaller. My vote is a male bci boa!!

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Ya i was teasing him bc he said awesome so many times in his post lol.;)

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Originally Posted by Gio

WOW!
Thank you all for the replies. I've pretty much ruled out the Argentine as they are not any smaller, and I have also researched that what some here have said is true as far as their overall demeanor.

Seeing as how I will probably choose the Red Tail Or the Dumerils I would more than likely go with the one that is a bit more active in the tank. That said the one that is least likely to strike during handling is still a concern. Obviously things differ from snake to snake, but in general laid back but active and very tolerant of handling would be desired traits.

I'll look at care sheets to see which is the easiest for our situation.

Has anybody used a glass tank for any of the bigger snakes. 75 gal type? I'm not sure the design of our Critter Cage is decent for the bigger stronger snakes. The top clips seem fine for the BP but I still use a mini pad lock.

I'd think a Red T or Dums would easily break the screen and top.

Not even sure why I'm remotely excited. My wife said "it's not going to happen". My son and I have other ideas though : )

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Id get a PVC cage for him. And itll happen, she just doesnt know it yet;)

"And itll happen, she just doesnt know it yet"

Ha!! I love it!

I think that cage idea sounds good. I'd still like a nice display look, but I think a 75 gal glass is too heavy to deal with, and the amount of work I did on our 40 to make it right seems to be avoidable with the type you mentioned.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Ya i was teasing him bc he said awesome so many times in his post lol.;)



Id get a PVC cage for him. And itll happen, she just doesnt know it yet;)

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Lol Mike, I know. I was just driving home the awesome part... :D

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Other than bps? I love my boas! :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

WOW!
Thank you all for the replies. I've pretty much ruled out the Argentine as they are not any smaller, and I have also researched that what some here have said is true as far as their overall demeanor.

Seeing as how I will probably choose the Red Tail Or the Dumerils I would more than likely go with the one that is a bit more active in the tank. That said the one that is least likely to strike during handling is still a concern. Obviously things differ from snake to snake, but in general laid back but active and very tolerant of handling would be desired traits.

I'll look at care sheets to see which is the easiest for our situation.

Has anybody used a glass tank for any of the bigger snakes. 75 gal type? I'm not sure the design of our Critter Cage is decent for the bigger stronger snakes. The top clips seem fine for the BP but I still use a mini pad lock.

I'd think a Red T or Dums would easily break the screen and top.

Not even sure why I'm remotely excited. My wife said "it's not going to happen". My son and I have other ideas though : )

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Get your wife to hold a boa. She will probably change her mind. My red tail is so enjoyable to handle. He is very tolerant of handling, and so far in two months hasn't even thought of striking at me. He hangs out on me while I fold and put away laundry and things, and none of the movement spooks him. Mine also is usually out in his tank, except for recently when he went in to shed he hung out in a hide. Then after he shed yesterday, he was back out.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Lol Mike, I know. I was just driving home the awesome part... :D

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Haha ok, idk. I was just making sure you got the joke :D:P

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Get your wife to hold a boa. She will probably change her mind. My red tail is so enjoyable to handle. He is very tolerant of handling, and so far in two months hasn't even thought of striking at me. He hangs out on me while I fold and put away laundry and things, and none of the movement spooks him. Mine also is usually out in his tank, except for recently when he went in to shed he hung out in a hide. Then after he shed yesterday, he was back out.

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Originally Posted by Rob

Other than bps? I love my boas! :)

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AHHHH i hate you guys lol. As soon as i get my own apt. ill have the room for one! Then ill show you both! Muahahahhaa

I would go with a BCC. This girl is 4 years old in the picture where her and my boys are playing in the street by our house and she is a manageable size. We had her from hatching until I left to come over here, as my wife didn't want to have to take care of her by herself. She was a little afraid of her. She was only aggressive at feeding times but was otherwise a perfect angel. As for being active in the tank, good luck finding a snake that is. I think most are at certain times of day (as in at dusk/night) but with the 7 species of snakes that I've owned none were out and about on a regular basis.

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f...k/Pets/CL2.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/f.../Pets/CLAd.jpg

"As for being active in the tank, good luck finding a snake that is. I think most are at certain times of day (as in at dusk/night) but with the 7 species of snakes that I've owned none were out and about on a regular basis."

Understandable, just maybe slightly more than the BP. The girl at the reptile store said the Red Tails will often do their sleeping or lounging out in the open a little more than BP's.

I'm probably just singing the blues cause we have one in shed right now and she's DEEP in her hide. I know it's normal, but we are still so excited to have a snake and all the functions running perfectly that we run up to see what's going on day or night, then look at each other like,, "Hmmm, well there's her tail",,, then the Debby Downer music plays and we walk out LOL!

Once the shed is done we'll get her feeding and socializing again.

But now i know why people have more than one. If you have 1 shedding or digesting, there is another one to play with so to speak.

Cheers,

Gio

I dunno what I'd do without my BCIs. Not only are they beautiful but they are active (when handled), a great size for intermediate keepers, and very docile. I love my BP to pieces, but boas as a species are really something else. Couldn't recommend a BCI more.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Haha ok, idk. I was just making sure you got the joke :D:P





AHHHH i hate you guys lol. As soon as i get my own apt. ill have the room for one! Then ill show you both! Muahahahhaa

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LMAO..... :D.

They start small, and grow slower than bps, you could fit a baby in there somewhere for now........

:eek::eek::eek::):):D:D:D

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i cant believe no one has suggested a woma python yet.....not the ball morph called a woma but an actual woma python.
great snakes. not too much larger than a ball. different in appearance and good demeanor.
adam jeffery

That's an interesting snake, I also checked the Macklots python. I have to say it's really between the Red Tail or the Dums. I'm sure I can find something in the 7-9 FT range. I have a nice book by Vincent Russo on Boas and I think I can narrow things down. Even more exciting news for me is that Monster Cages is located in my state and I believe they produce some decent large snake enclosures.

I really like the colors of the boas that closely resemble the regular BP. The darker browns and blacks. Is that a certain type as I tried sorting by location and there was still a huge amount of variation?

Dumerils Boa and Red Tail boas are great. But remember that their requirements are a lot different then a BP in 5 yrs to 10 yrs. Cages, feeding ect..

I am wanting a Dumeril and it is on my list, Might even have one pick out. I have a friend who has one since a baby and it is the greatest and just the right size fully grown.

But Welcome to the World of Snakes, We love it and moved into other reptiles now also.

:)

Terrance

Not to bump my thread for the sake of bumping it, but I have now considered the Blood python as well. Who has experience with them? If the angry rep still follows them, I would be easily turned off as I don't want to have to work hard to have an enjoyable snake.

Also on the subject of RT boas getting huge. I read on a RTB forum that you can stunt their growth in a way that is not unhealthy for them and keep them in at a size that is manageable. Is that true? If so does that mean short and skinny or shorter with some girth?

I like the Bloods and of course the big Royals because 5.5-6 FT and thick is what I like, However 7' is very cool and I'd love a 7 footer, 8 is doable but after that I think solo handling becomes difficult.

I'll take any advice and listen to all suggestions and opinions. Nothing will happen for a year and I love my son's snake. Experienced our 1st perfect shed and went right into a food size increase. Things are going very well and really nothing is going to happen for at least a year.

I don't have any experience with bloods, but have heard that they aren't the friendliest. They are beautiful though. As far as stunting rtbs's growth, I would never do that. I just don't see how that can be healthy. If you don't want something with potential to get that big, then don't get one. Typically though, males won't have the girth of a female.

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"As far as stunting rtbs's growth, I would never do that"

Yeah, I'm gathering that the poster wasn't implying starving and had argued his way of feeding kept his snakes living longer than what others usually do. I didn't get the specifics, but it sounded like his feeding schedule was just longer in between and he kept his temps a touch lower. I'd also read something similar in Vincent Russo's book THE COMPLETE BOA CONSTRICTOR. I'll see what i can dig up.

But I enjoy the feeding process and consider it one of the most fun and interesting things about keeping snakes.

Thanks for the insights.

I say you can't go wrong with a boa constrictor. If you are unsure of what size you can handle I would look into the Hogs and the CA boas. I've still seen some Hog girls get up to ~7' in length but you can always consider a male. The CAs I read can be hissy pissy when babies but I wouldn't let that deter you from them: with time and handling they should calm into nice passive adults (who stay very manageable at up to ~5'). As for Argentines I love them, I plan to get a T+ down the road.

If size of caging isn't an issue I love the Colombians. The normals can be very clean to very speckled (called peppering) and colors ranging from light brown to dark, to ones with peach tones to grey tones - much like normal balls they vary in color for normals Colombians. They also come in lots of nice morphs, so there's something for everyone. A 4' cage for a male should be fine and a 6' for a female: you can buy cages already made or make your own cheaper (I have a melamine cage for one of my boas and plan to build all my future ones for my retic, other boas, and bloods).

I can't speak for Dums personally, but my bf has a baby and out feeder guy has a big (overweight) female and I really like both. I read babies can be harder to get started eating (my bf's girl will NOT take f/t) but overall I like them and read nothing but good things about them.

Onto bloods, I really enjoy my two and yes I do read some babies can be little turds. My T+ girl is a total sweetheart (still a wee thing at ~300 grams) but my Sumatran short-tail (Black Blood) girl is going through her teenager stage and has struck at me quite a few times. She can be intimidating but I've been working with her more to calm her. They can be, like any snake, unpredictable. I read though that many as adults are very manageable and tame, and also they need actual caging as well IMO: I plan on 4-6' vivs for my girls depending on what size they get too so they're not like my ball pythons where they can stay in a tub forever. They like cooler temps too.

And of course, I love my balls but I hate it when they won't eat: how frustrating lol My boas and bloods never refuse.

Here's some pics of some of my guys:

Jungle morph Colombian boa male:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...June920128.jpg

Pure Hog Island BCI female (pure Hogs will be powdery/orangey/peachy: the hypo Hogs or Hog x Colombian crosses will usually get larger and have more orange tones to them):

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...June420125.jpg

Hypo morph Colombian boa female:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...0127-Copy2.jpg

T+ albino Sumatran blood female:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...May1920121.jpg

Sumatran short-tail (Black Blood) female:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...l2120125-1.jpg

Sharp strain albino morph Colombian boa female:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...y3120125-1.jpg

You might consider a jungle carpet python. Very cool snakes and easy as heck as far as husbandry. They tend to be a bit nippy as babies but quickly get over that with a bit of handling. Here are a few pics of my 16 year old boy, sorry for quality but my camera kinda sucks.

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/DSC03100.jpg

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/DSC03106.jpg

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/DSC03102.jpg

Boas are indeed awesome snakes. :D My favorite is the BRB - Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and second is the BCI.

But do remember, whatever boa you might end up with, to quarantine it well away from your Ball for at least 3 months as boas can all be carriers of IBD. Sorry to bring up something so 'morbid', but it had to be said.

Now, with that out of the way I wish you much luck in finding just the right boa and convincing your beloved that it's a wonderful snake to have around. :D

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Originally Posted by Argentra

But do remember, whatever boa you might end up with, to quarantine it well away from your Ball for at least 3 months as boas can all be carriers of IBD. Sorry to bring up something so 'morbid', but it had to be said.

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IBD isn't as common as some people think, it seems to happen very rarely in people's collections. I would worry more about mites and other common illnesses passing to current snakes as those are much more common problems than IBD. I would always go to a reputable breeder for any snake purchase, and I too practice the 3 months rule as well though I know some QT for up to 6 months or more.
Here's a good thread on some IBD info: http://redtailboa.net/forums/health-...y-disease.html

Blood pythons' temperaments can vary greatly depending on origin, lineage, and how much time/handling you're willing to put into them. Most good, CBB blood pythons are pretty easy to tame, and are no worse than say, young carpet pythons or Brazilian rainbow boas (both of which can also be nippy). If you're intimidated by bloods but like the body type, consider either of the short-tailed pythons (Borneo & Sumatran). Both tend to be relatively calm & easygoing right from the start (again, this can vary by lineage). If temperament is a big deal to you, then it would make sense to talk to breeders with long-term experience working with these snakes, and let them know about your experience level and expectations up front. The majority of blood & STP keepers who are serious about these animals also want to help others enjoy them, and usually can help match you up with just the right snake.

During the past 15 years I've kept every species discussed in this thread, as well as many others that haven't been mentioned...and bloods & STPs rank at the very top of my list for all-time favorites. :) If you can find a keeper local to you who's willing to mentor you or at least help you get some hands-on experience with them, that will give you a lot of perspective. They're wonderful snakes, especially when you understand what they're all about.


$.02...

I would also say go with a BCI or a Dumeril's boa based on what you described.

I love my dumeril's to death but she was a pain in the tail end to get eating until I caved and got her something live. I've been trying to convert her (i.e. 2 hrs ago) but she just flat out isn't interested in f/t, and from what I've read that can be typical of young ones but they tend to be garbage disposals once they grow up. Plus the fat adult female dumeril's the friend I get my live feeders from has that my gf was talking about is about the biggest sweetheart a snake can be, and even my young one isn't the slightest bit nippy even when she's stressed.

I also have a baby BCC female that is totally calm and handleable, but keep in mind that not all snakes are alike. And as a generality young boas can be defensive and nippy but they can also quickly grow out of it. And a big difference between a BCC and a BCI is size, unless you're talking about a male a BCC will typically be larger than an BCI. Males can go either way really.

Bottom line, based on what you said a boa would be the way to go, just make sure you practice proper quarantine procedure to protect your established BP.

WOW! Thanks to each and every one of you. I have A LOT of time. My wife will need major convincing. Really because of all the great advice, it's still a tough decision, but I feel like a BCI or a male BCC might be the way to go. I like the slightly more active and curious aspect of the snake. I love the attitude of the Dumerils and the size and length and thickness of the Bloods. The Carpets were mentioned, and I can see really digging them.

I'm not sure why, really, I have no idea, but for some reason PYTHON seems so interesting to me. Maybe it's because we have a Royal and it's gone so well. It seems natural to go from ball to blood but I feel that the folks here seem to think BCI or BCC might be the perfect snake for me.

I'm glad I have a lot of time LOL!

Thanks to all of you!!!

One more bump for a BCI. We got our guy at just over a month old and he is the sweetest, most curious, active little guy. Never even dreamed of striking. Just get your wife to hold one. They are very docile, our 8 year old handles ours by herself, and at a very young age, he went to show and tell, and did not show any signs of stress. Love, love, love him!!

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