RTB questions

The boyfriend and I have been thinking about buying a RTB. We have 9 ball pythons now and want to grow our collection with them, but we have been really wanting to get a rtb because they have always been a favorite of both of ours.
Some questions...
- Care sheets I've read said they can be 6-12 feet. What's the average for a male, and average for a female? Is a 10-12 foot common or no?
- How much do they usually weigh as adults? (male and female)
- Also read that amount of feeding determines size. Is this true, or will they keep growing really big no matter how little you feed?
- Can they stay on rats their entire lives, or will they need to be fed rabbits eventually?
- Ambient temp of 80, hot spot of 90. Humidity between 60-80. Is that right?
- Average cost of feeding per month?
- Anything else I should know before taking the dive into boas?

10 to 12 feet is on the large size, especially for a BCI but I wouldn't exactly call it uncommon. Basically any adult boa will need to be in a minimum 4ft vivarium style enclosure and not just a tub like a BP.

Care wise they're very similar to a BP. A slightly lower ambient seems to be better for them, but they tolerate a variation pretty well.

They can definitely stay on rats their whole lives, but one common mistake made is over feeding them cause they typically will eat anything you dangle in front of them. Because of this they can be a lot more prone to obesity due to overfeeding than a BP. Even my neonate boa I only feed every 7 days, and once she gets some size she'll be only every 10 days (she's a BCC though, and its generally thought that they can be more prone to regurges).

Another thing I hear a lot (not from people here but others I know in person) is that it seems like a lot of people mistake a boa just being a boa for either aggressiveness or stress. As always there are exceptions but typically boas are a lot more "in your face" than a BP. Ask some of the other boa owners here and they'd probably agree, it's a lot of fun trying to get a typical boa back in to their enclosure lol...

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Originally Posted by devildog_dk

10 to 12 feet is on the large size, especially for a BCI but I wouldn't exactly call it uncommon. Basically any adult boa will need to be in a minimum 4ft vivarium style enclosure and not just a tub like a BP.

Care wise they're very similar to a BP. A slightly lower ambient seems to be better for them, but they tolerate a variation pretty well.

They can definitely stay on rats their whole lives, but one common mistake made is over feeding them cause they typically will eat anything you dangle in front of them. Because of this they can be a lot more prone to obesity due to overfeeding than a BP. Even my neonate boa I only feed every 7 days, and once she gets some size she'll be only every 10 days (she's a BCC though, and its generally thought that they can be more prone to regurges).

Another thing I hear a lot (not from people here but others I know in person) is that it seems like a lot of people mistake a boa just being a boa for either aggressiveness or stress. As always there are exceptions but typically boas are a lot more "in your face" than a BP. Ask some of the other boa owners here and they'd probably agree, it's a lot of fun trying to get a typical boa back in to their enclosure lol...

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I love my Boas!

They're so much fun it's not even funny...even the WWE wrestling matches that occur when it's time for them to 'go to bed' get me giggling.
[they are so 'creative' when they really don't want to go back in their condos] :rofl:

Brom [aka Bob] is going on a diet.
He's getting too chunky for his own good.

No more jumbo rats for a while.

Belle Boid [the orange tail hypo] is much slimmer and sleeker than Bob and I was told it had something to do with Panamanian 'body type'.

I dunno.

They're both about 7 feet but Bob weighs at least 15 pounds and Bella is only about 8 pounds.

She also recently had babies and is being fed to regain weight so I'm not sure what 'shape' she'll be when she's back to "normal".

Again, I was told she'd not be as heavy and 'loaf shaped' as Bob is.

Bille Jean is only a 2 year old and seems "tiny" compared to the other two.

I agree about the ambient.

When it's 81 degrees like the Beeps like, the Boas either go to their top decks and look positively annoyed or flop into their water bowls, making a huge mess.

They seem to be happier in the mid/upper 70s.

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

Some questions...
- Care sheets I've read said they can be 6-12 feet. What's the average for a male, and average for a female? Is a 10-12 foot common or no?
They do have to potential to get larger, but those that reach 10ft even are not terribly common. Females usually fall more in the range of 7-9ft, with the average being around 7ft. Males are smaller and usually stay at 6ft or under. It really depends on the animal though...and the bloodlines. If it's a BCIxBCC cross or something, they will almost definitely be larger than 9ft. It really depends on the animal though. Some can be on the larger side, so you should just be prepared in case that happens.

I actually saw a video about a guy who adopted this snake when the owner took off and "couldn't keep it". That gorgeous female BCI ended up being 13ft and like 100lbs. The guys may have been exaggerating on the weight, but definitely not on the length. He couldn't handle her without someone else to help him. Which is advisable at 6ft+ anyway. I handled a 6ft female a couple of times and while I had zero problems just holding, petting and cuddling with her...having the help of another person just to hold the lid of her enclosure made putting her back somewhat less difficult. Trying to unwind a boa while they're slipping their tails into your belt loops and the like can get tricky. :P

- How much do they usually weigh as adults?
Not entirely sure. I've heard a lot of adult females usually hit the 20-30 lb range. Males are usually much lighter. I'd guess 10-20 on average.

- Also read that amount of feeding determines size. Is this true, or will they keep growing really big no matter how little you feed?
Feeding is definitely a factor in size. Snakes continue to grow all their lives, but to what extent will be determined largely by feeding. On rats a female will average 7ft. But if you feed her rabbits once she gets to size, she will continue to grow larger. An adult on jumbos can be fed once every 3 weeks easily. I feed my juvenile only every 10 days right now. Once she hits Large rats she's going to be bumped back to every 2 weeks.

- Can they stay on rats their entire lives, or will they need to be fed rabbits eventually?
They can stay on rats their entire lives, and will usually stay smaller if you don't switch them to rabbits. But that is up to you.

- Ambient temp of 80, hot spot of 90. Humidity between 60-80. Is that right?
My humidity is usually in the 50%s, but bumped to 70% during a shed. Much like BPs. My snake room is 78, and while my BPs tend to favor their warm sides, my BCI will hang out on her cool side unless she just ate.

- Average cost of feeding per month?
That depends on WHAT you're feeding. An adult on jumbos would be the cost of one, maybe two jumbos a month. If you feed rabbits it will be considerably more expensive.

- Anything else I should know before taking the dive into boas?
Make sure you have the space and money for a custom Viv. Adult females need something more in the 6x2 range. Males can be kept in a 4x2 though. Boas are very much in your face, as has been said. Before my female's mood swings started I used to let her climb up on my head. It was her favorite place to be. They have a very strong feeding response, so you'll probably want to come up with a routine for feeding and a routine for handling. I'm hook training my girl so she doesn't try to eat my face accidentally one day. :P They are very intelligent and inquisitive. They will hang out and watch you while you're in the room. Definitely cool snakes to own...just VERY different from BPs.

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An adult on jumbos can be fed once every 3 weeks easily.

OMG....I've been stuffing Bob.

:(

Thanks guys! So helpful :)

Another question... I'm a girl and I'm 5'3", will I have problems handling an adult rtb?
& when you guys say "in your face" do you mean they just want to get close to your face, but not aggressive? "Cuddly"? :P
& hook training... tell me about it. Do you just get him out with the hook every time you want to hold him? and keep the hook out of sight during feeding time? Or is there more to it?

So, in a nutshell, is this right?
- Once they're adults, a jumbo every other week to once a month?
- Ambient of mid to high 70's, hot spot of 90, and humidity at 50-60, and 70 in shed
- Usually stay under 10 feet, and up to 30 pounds

I have a 20 gallon terrarium with sliding glass doors and a screen top that I have completely decorated with a backdrop, fake plants glued to the wood background, driftwood, etc... I had originally made it for my 1st ball, but he's in a tub so I don't need it anymore, and he's never even been in the tank. Will that 20g be okay for the first year we have the rtb? We plan on building a full sized cage once she needs it.

The biggest thing we were worried about was feeding costs and adult size, but seeing as they eat much less than balls, that makes me feel better.

I have seen pictures on google that they look really big, both long and thick (that's what she said :P ). Are all adult rtb's like this, or is this just due to feeding bigger meals like rabbits, or jumbo rats every week?
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/Xena_Tom12.JPG
http://www.boa-constrictors.com/site...les/BigBoa.jpg

There are MANY localities of RTBs. There are even mixes of localities. I am not an expert or even well educated on them, but I do know there is a huge variation in size and temperament! I have a pair of hog island x colombians that don't seem to be growing nearly as fast as my hypo colombian. There are some localities that have been dubbed "dwarf". Not entirely accurate, but they do stay much smaller than the potential monster colombians that people associate with the term "boa constrictor". In my opinion, with a little education and experience in handling, they are easier and more fun than a bp. They can have a very strong feeding response that you must learn how to deal with, hopefully when they are small! They will be "in your face" as soon as you open the enclosure looking for food! They also seem to enjoy being out and being handled, which is why it can get interesting trying to put them away!

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

Thanks guys! So helpful :)

Another question... I'm a girl and I'm 5'3", will I have problems handling an adult rtb?
& when you guys say "in your face" do you mean they just want to get close to your face, but not aggressive? "Cuddly"? :P
& hook training... tell me about it. Do you just get him out with the hook every time you want to hold him? and keep the hook out of sight during feeding time? Or is there more to it?

So, in a nutshell, is this right?
- Once they're adults, a jumbo every other week to once a month?
- Ambient of mid to high 70's, hot spot of 90, and humidity at 50-60, and 70 in shed
- Usually stay under 10 feet, and up to 30 pounds

I have a 20 gallon terrarium with sliding glass doors and a screen top that I have completely decorated with a backdrop, fake plants glued to the wood background, driftwood, etc... I had originally made it for my 1st ball, but he's in a tub so I don't need it anymore, and he's never even been in the tank. Will that 20g be okay for the first year we have the rtb? We plan on building a full sized cage once she needs it.

The biggest thing we were worried about was feeding costs and adult size, but seeing as they eat much less than balls, that makes me feel better.

I have seen pictures on google that they look really big, both long and thick (that's what she said :P ). Are all adult rtb's like this, or is this just due to feeding bigger meals like rabbits, or jumbo rats every week?
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/Xena_Tom12.JPG
http://www.boa-constrictors.com/site...les/BigBoa.jpg

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Those look way over fed to me.

They can be on rats for their entire lives.

My biggest male is about 6 feet and my biggest female is about 7 1/2 feet. (5 year olds)

I say, get one! I think they're one of the best pet snakes to be had.

- - - Updated - - -

Hey, I'm only 5'5". Boas, no problem!

To answer a couple of your other questions, a 20 gallon would be "OK" for a while but you may want to steer away from that option for the same reasons as a ball python (hard to hold temps and humidity etc.). If your bps are already in tubs, an rtb would be a nearly identical setup!
Hook training is really just teaching the snake to associate the hook with handling. For example, my burm, Retic and RTBs all want food when you open the cage. I use the hook to tap them on the head. Sometimes a tap will get them out of "feed me" mode. Then you can reach in and get them. Other times it requires a tap and some "shoving" and "pulling" to get them to understand. Occasionally I'm still not comfortable with how they are acting and I will pull them all of the way out with the hook and that always seem to shut them down. It is also not just about "teaching" the snake but also you learning your snake. If you get a young one, you will have plenty of time to learn each other!

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Originally Posted by Jason Bowden

Those look way over fed to me.

They can be on rats for their entire lives.

My biggest male is about 6 feet and my biggest female is about 7 1/2 feet. (5 year olds)

I say, get one! I think they're one of the best pet snakes to be had.

- - - Updated - - -

Hey, I'm only 5'5". Boas, no problem!

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Those pics of those giant boas are very rare...

My adult males are only 4.5'ft long and maintenence fed, my females are only 6-7'ft. long.

8-9'ft are there but that is actually a more rare occurance. Boas arent that big get one and enjoy a curious fun snake.

I keep and have over 100 boas.

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

Thanks guys! So helpful :)

Another question... I'm a girl and I'm 5'3", will I have problems handling an adult rtb?
& when you guys say "in your face" do you mean they just want to get close to your face, but not aggressive? "Cuddly"? :P
& hook training... tell me about it. Do you just get him out with the hook every time you want to hold him? and keep the hook out of sight during feeding time? Or is there more to it?

So, in a nutshell, is this right?
- Once they're adults, a jumbo every other week to once a month?
- Ambient of mid to high 70's, hot spot of 90, and humidity at 50-60, and 70 in shed
- Usually stay under 10 feet, and up to 30 pounds

I have a 20 gallon terrarium with sliding glass doors and a screen top that I have completely decorated with a backdrop, fake plants glued to the wood background, driftwood, etc... I had originally made it for my 1st ball, but he's in a tub so I don't need it anymore, and he's never even been in the tank. Will that 20g be okay for the first year we have the rtb? We plan on building a full sized cage once she needs it.

The biggest thing we were worried about was feeding costs and adult size, but seeing as they eat much less than balls, that makes me feel better.

I have seen pictures on google that they look really big, both long and thick (that's what she said :P ). Are all adult rtb's like this, or is this just due to feeding bigger meals like rabbits, or jumbo rats every week?

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I'm 5'3", 100 pounds dripping wet.

I've had no problems at all.

"In your face" means they want to crawl over you, on you, perch on your head, wrestle you to stay out when you want to put them in, use you for a basking tree, watch TV with you and generally just be all up in your business every chance they get.

Don't do what I've apparently done and stuff your snake with a jumbo rat every week and you won't have any problems with a 7 footer giving you a shoulder spasm because, for whatever snakey reason, that's the side he likes to plop his heaviest part on and just hang out, interminably.

You are so gonna love having a Boa.

:D

FWIW, I had to put my Pookie to sleep 3 weeks ago and hubby is very busy in the shop with a trike kit so I had no one to console me when I broke down.

One night, I took the ever-mischievous Bob out and just sat with him on a kitchen bar stool and he hugged me.

He wasn't his usual all-over-the-place squiggly self...he almost seemed to sense something was wrong and just gently wrapped himself around me and 'held me', laying his neck on my shoulder, nuzzling my tear stained cheeks and occasionally "kissing" my nose.

I have no idea how much he "understood" but I cannot overstate how much it helped me get through that bout of crushing grief.

Bob might be just a 'common BCI', even though the local herp guy suspects he's a hypo or pastel but regardless, that snake is not for sale for any amount of money.


He's my buddy Bob.

:oops:

You guys are awesome, thank you!
Should I feed inside the cage or in a separate feeding tub?

Now your opening a whole other can of worms! Honestly its up to you! What do you do with your Bps?
At one time I fed in separate tubs. I began having problems with still in "feed me" mode when I would try to put them away. Just seems like an extra, unnecessary step to me. That was the only time my burm has bit me. She thought she was getting another rabbit! I haven't had a problem since I have been feeding in cage. But that is where proper handling and hook training comes in handy.

First off, feed in their enclosure... you just run the risk with strong feeding response of getting bitten by an animal that knows its chow time, or stressing an animal out so it doesnt feed as well, and then if it does eat you are moving an animal that is in feed mode back into a cage.....

- Care sheets I've read said they can be 6-12 feet. What's the average for a male, and average for a female? Is a 10-12 foot common or no?
There are several localities of boas you can work with stuff like sonorans that average 4.5ft as adults or peruvians that run 12ft+..... That being said the most common is columbian, and 8ft seems about average on columbian females around 20-25lbs.... that being said a good friend recently purchased a 2006 female snow boa that is over 60lbs and 11 ft long, and yup she is pure columbian.... so the big snakes are more rare but it does happen...

- How much do they usually weigh as adults? (male and female)
my bigger males weigh 12-15 lbs, adult females 20lbs+

- Also read that amount of feeding determines size. Is this true, or will they keep growing really big no matter how little you feed?
Well there is a plethora of boa localities that range from just above bp size to some that push the size of smaller burms so the size range is quite vast why not pick an animal that size wise fits into your desires rather than trying to overfeed an animal to make it larger or starve one to keep it smaller...... bottom line I do not agree with controlling the size of an animal by its feed

- Can they stay on rats their entire lives, or will they need to be fed rabbits eventually?
Even my big females eat Jumbo and xxl rats.... I wouldnt see any sense feeding rabbits unless you could find some very small bunnies cheaper than huge rats

- Ambient temp of 80, hot spot of 90. Humidity between 60-80. Is that right?
hot spot of 87-90 mine prefer the lower end, cool end is close to room temp of 75... humidity range is right

- Average cost of feeding per month?
well depends on what you are feeding... a baby boa 4 rat pups a month (frozen as little as $4 a month live may cost you as much as 12 depending on your local supplier) I think my boas cost the most when they are eating medium - large rats frozen that cost about 8 bucks a month frozen per animal.... once they are no longer satisfied and go to jumbos the feeders cost more but they eat half as often....

- Anything else I should know before taking the dive into boas? I know you like you ball pythons now.... and you will still like them after, but you will begin to understand how fun a snake can be to handle. Something that is active and curious, not something that is going to lay there and go to sleep (like a bp)

the only other big thing to think about.... I keep alot of boas and a good number of pythons... I quarantine boas for several months because they can harbor disease longer than pythons with out showing signs of illness......

Got it! :) Okay, other questions. Is a Columbian red tail and a red tail the same thing? I've read a few things on the differences between BCC and BCI and I'm still confused... Where does a red tail fall in those groups? And how do I tell the difference between a regular red tail boa and one crossed with different localities or whatever? And then I keep seeing hog island boas that look a lot like red tails to me. How do I tell the difference between red tails and other similar looking boas?
Sorry for all these noob questions... Boas are on a whole nother level for me compared to balls. :oops:

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

Got it! :) Okay, other questions. Is a Columbian red tail and a red tail the same thing? I've read a few things on the differences between BCC and BCI and I'm still confused... Where does a red tail fall in those groups? And how do I tell the difference between a regular red tail boa and one crossed with different localities or whatever? And then I keep seeing hog island boas that look a lot like red tails to me. How do I tell the difference between red tails and other similar looking boas?
Sorry for all these noob questions... Boas are on a whole nother level for me compared to balls. :oops:

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"True redtails" are BCC boas (Surinames, Peruvians, Guyanas, etc), so when someone says they have a Colombian (It's with an "o" not a "u") red tail boa it's not totally correct IMO but a lot of people call all boas "red tails" anyway. Sometimes you can tell certain characteristics if a BCI is crossed with a BCC (possible redder tail, saddles, face markings, etc) but for locals the only true way of telling is knowing the snake's origins (and some Colombians may have peaked saddles and whatnot like a BCC would while some BCC boas don't have much peaking). Hog Island Boas are BCI and not a Colombians or a BCC, they are usually lighter colored with lots or minimal peppering with more orange tails.

Check out this site for lots of good info: http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index.htm

Basically, the term "red tail boa" is a generic term that has been put on an entire group of boas. As stated above, even the most generic of "red tail boas", the colombian, is not a true "red tail boa". It will help keep the confusion to a minimum if you start thinking of each local as a separate snake. And yes, hog islands, Peruvians, colombians etc. etc. all have the "red tail". What will really blow your mind is the several boas that aren't in the "red tail" group. Such as the dumerils! You might even look into them if your wanting something smaller!

and I thought multi-gene ball morphs could be difficult to tell apart sometimes :P
Okay, I think I got it. What are the "red tails" that are sold in pet stores? Are they true red tails, or colombians, or...? Are colombians really THAT different? As in, different length/weight, different temp/humidity requirements, etc.?
I'll probably be buying from one of my local chain pet stores... I know, that's a no-no, but I know someone who works at one that can get me a big discount, at the cost that the pet store actually pays for the snakes. Is that really a bad bad bad idea?
I feel like such a clueless noob in the boa world :confusd: If they didn't all look so similar I'd be a lot better off right now haha

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

and I thought multi-gene ball morphs could be difficult to tell apart sometimes :P
Okay, I think I got it. What are the "red tails" that are sold in pet stores? Are they true red tails, or colombians, or...? Are colombians really THAT different? As in, different length/weight, different temp/humidity requirements, etc.?
I'll probably be buying from one of my local chain pet stores... I know, that's a no-no, but I know someone who works at one that can get me a big discount, at the cost that the pet store actually pays for the snakes. Is that really a bad bad bad idea?
I feel like such a clueless noob in the boa world :confusd: If they didn't all look so similar I'd be a lot better off right now haha

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It's usually Colombians or Central American boas that are sold in pet stores, but Colombians most likely.

Colombians aren't that different, I keep them about the same as my other snakes though they seem to like a little cooler ambient temps. Count on at LEAST a 4' cage for an adult male Colombian, and maybe a 6' cage for large females.

I would skip the pet store and put that money to a nice snake from a reputable breeder. Just my opinion, and you get more options that way: Colombians come in lots of morphs and you can look into the "dwarf" boas too (which also come in morphs). Even normal Colombians look better from (certain) breeders/sellers look better than the ones I've seen in pet stores.

I don't think we're that concerned about morphs. We'd rather save money on the boa, and put our money towards our balls because they're the ones we're going to be breeding/selling. The boa will just be our pet. :) Since we're really not concerned about the morphs and are happy with the looks of a normal pet store red tail, should we still pass? I know snakes from breeders are better quality, and I wouldn't buy my balls from a pet store (besides my first one, because he is just my little normal pet), but that's just because pet store ball morphs aren't too great looking.
I talked to a guy who knows that pet store and can get me a discount, and he said that I could get a normal, a colombian, or a pastel. What is the difference between the normal and the colombian? Or are they the same? Orrrr should I go for a pastel? Will it be the same size as a normal/colombian, just different color? What size should I be expecting from a pet store RTB once it's an adult?

and once he/she gets too big for the 20g I currently have, I will probably get a 6'x2' no matter if it's male or female, because I like to give them more room, but what about height? Should I get it 1' or 2' high? Do they like to climb or would it be a waste of money to get a 2'? I am personally all for a 2' high (it'll will be my display snake, so 2' gives me more room to make the cage look better) but I don't want to waste my money if they will never climb.

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

I don't think we're that concerned about morphs. We'd rather save money on the boa, and put our money towards our balls because they're the ones we're going to be breeding/selling. The boa will just be our pet. :) Since we're really not concerned about the morphs and are happy with the looks of a normal pet store red tail, should we still pass? I know snakes from breeders are better quality, and I wouldn't buy my balls from a pet store (besides my first one, because he is just my little normal pet), but that's just because pet store ball morphs aren't too great looking.
I talked to a guy who knows that pet store and can get me a discount, and he said that I could get a normal, a colombian, or a pastel. What is the difference between the normal and the colombian? Or are they the same? Orrrr should I go for a pastel? Will it be the same size as a normal/colombian, just different color? What size should I be expecting from a pet store RTB once it's an adult?
A normal is just a "wild type" or normal Colombian Boa. It should be the same thing. But maybe these people don't know that, which would make me wary of the breeder that can't tell you the difference. O.o A pastel is a morph and would be the same size/weight as a normal. Again, it depends on the particular animal. Generally a pet store boa would fall in the same ranges we've already stated for a normal BCI. Since those are the most common in the pet trade.

and once he/she gets too big for the 20g I currently have, I will probably get a 6'x2' no matter if it's male or female, because I like to give them more room, but what about height? Should I get it 1' or 2' high? Do they like to climb or would it be a waste of money to get a 2'? I am personally all for a 2' high (it'll will be my display snake, so 2' gives me more room to make the cage look better) but I don't want to waste my money if they will never climb.
2' would be better since these snakes are semi-arboreal. Meaning: They love to climb. So definitely, the more height you can offer, the better. I wouldn't go much less than 2' in height though. Now, they're not like a GTP or something that will live perched its whole life. But they do enjoy climbing...as evidenced by their love of hanging out on their owner's heads. :P

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Hope that helps. :)

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

I don't think we're that concerned about morphs. We'd rather save money on the boa, and put our money towards our balls because they're the ones we're going to be breeding/selling. The boa will just be our pet. :) Since we're really not concerned about the morphs and are happy with the looks of a normal pet store red tail, should we still pass? I know snakes from breeders are better quality, and I wouldn't buy my balls from a pet store (besides my first one, because he is just my little normal pet), but that's just because pet store ball morphs aren't too great looking.
I talked to a guy who knows that pet store and can get me a discount, and he said that I could get a normal, a colombian, or a pastel. What is the difference between the normal and the colombian? Or are they the same? Orrrr should I go for a pastel? Will it be the same size as a normal/colombian, just different color? What size should I be expecting from a pet store RTB once it's an adult?

and once he/she gets too big for the 20g I currently have, I will probably get a 6'x2' no matter if it's male or female, because I like to give them more room, but what about height? Should I get it 1' or 2' high? Do they like to climb or would it be a waste of money to get a 2'? I am personally all for a 2' high (it'll will be my display snake, so 2' gives me more room to make the cage look better) but I don't want to waste my money if they will never climb.

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I still say get a snake from a breeder, but if you want to save money go for the pet store. I just personally would rather give breeders who work hard to produce nice babies money than a chain pet store.

Pastel is a morph of boa, basically they look very clean with minimal peppering with a lighter color.

My ~6' male had a "branch" (PVC homemade one) and he never used it and was happy just knocking it over. My cage is 18" high for him, I personally don't think they need any more head room than that (he's in a 4' long, 2' wide, 18" high homemade melamine cage). Once boas get larger they typically don't climb/perch as much.

Another thing you can look into is getting a boa from a rescue, like I did. Granted, your chances of getting a baby are slim (usually you're looking at juvies or adults, since that's about the time people go "wow, I didn't realize it was going to get THIS big..."), but you only pay the adoption cost. My girl was a sub-adult (she was about 4ft. when we got her) and $30, and I couldn't love her more. Plus you'll get the added warm, fuzzy feeling of adopting an animal. :)

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Originally Posted by xFenrir

Another thing you can look into is getting a boa from a rescue, like I did. Granted, your chances of getting a baby are slim (usually you're looking at juvies or adults, since that's about the time people go "wow, I didn't realize it was going to get THIS big..."), but you only pay the adoption cost. My girl was a sub-adult (she was about 4ft. when we got her) and $30, and I couldn't love her more. Plus you'll get the added warm, fuzzy feeling of adopting an animal. :)

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I'd love to rescue one, but we really only have the room for a baby right now. I want to do a rescue some day!

We actually found a baby today we are going to look at, so we'll see! :)

Thank you so much for all the help everyone, and I know I will be asking for more :P

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

I'd love to rescue one, but we really only have the room for a baby right now. I want to do a rescue some day!

We actually found a baby today we are going to look at, so we'll see! :)

Thank you so much for all the help everyone, and I know I will be asking for more :P

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Shoot me an email i have some cool baby boas you may like

coldseller@hotmail.com

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

I still say get a snake from a breeder, but if you want to save money go for the pet store. I just personally would rather give breeders who work hard to produce nice babies money than a chain pet store.

Pastel is a morph of boa, basically they look very clean with minimal peppering with a lighter color.

My ~6' male had a "branch" (PVC homemade one) and he never used it and was happy just knocking it over. My cage is 18" high for him, I personally don't think they need any more head room than that (he's in a 4' long, 2' wide, 18" high homemade melamine cage). Once boas get larger they typically don't climb/perch as much.

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LOL!

Don't tell my Boas that!

http://file.walagata.com/w/the-salamander/bella2.jpg

Hubby made them a 'jungle gym' out of a 7' tree and they're all positively mad for it.

When play time is over, it takes both of us to unwind them from the branches and pull them off!

:D

Lol, yeah, by "in your face" I mean literally. Mine likes to climb all over your head, in your hair, up the front of your face. He will stuff his face right into yours. He loves to hang out in my ponytail. And mine does seem to prefer the cool side as well. Boas are just tons of fun!

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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Originally Posted by Salamander

http://file.walagata.com/w/the-salamander/bella2.jpg

Hubby made them a 'jungle gym' out of a 7' tree and they're all positively mad for it.

When play time is over, it takes both of us to unwind them from the branches and pull them off!

:D

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I love that! I have been planning on making one for her once she gets bigger. How did he make it?

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

I love that! I have been planning on making one for her once she gets bigger. How did he make it?

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We went up in the woods and found a fresh, downed tree and cut off a length with some good forked branches.

He mounted it on a wooden platform and 'cantilevered' it at a specific angle to make sure it wouldn't fall or wobble while they were climbing.
Then he took some of the excess tree branches and screwed them to the trunk to provide more horizontal surfaces for lounging.

Bob enjoys wrapping himself facing the TV so he can watch wrestling.

I think all the bright colors and fast movement intrigue him.

Bella and Beej, OTOH, seem to like to hang down and watch the cat frolicking under the tree.

[which is why the cat now gets put in the bathroom because I think the greedy, always hungry girls consider Renfield "food"]

:rofl:

A much simpler way is to find a nice tree trunk and mount it in one of those metal Christmas tree stands.

You can always find them in thrift shops if you don't feel like buying a new one.

The adjustable screws in the stand allow to secure just about shape tree you can find.

You can ever add sand bags to weight it for more security.

If your tree trunk is small enough, simply sticking it in a 5 gallon bucket of sand or cement, works too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Salamander

We went up in the woods and found a fresh, downed tree and cut off a length with some good forked branches.

He mounted it on a wooden platform and 'cantilevered' it at a specific angle to make sure it wouldn't fall or wobble while they were climbing.
Then he took some of the excess tree branches and screwed them to the trunk to provide more horizontal surfaces for lounging.

Bob enjoys wrapping himself facing the TV so he can watch wrestling.

I think all the bright colors and fast movement intrigue him.

Bella and Beej, OTOH, seem to like to hang down and watch the cat frolicking under the tree.

[which is why the cat now gets put in the bathroom because I think the greedy, always hungry girls consider Renfield "food"]

:rofl:

A much simpler way is to find a nice tree trunk and mount it in one of those metal Christmas tree stands.

You can always find them in thrift shops if you don't feel like buying a new one.

The adjustable screws in the stand allow to secure just about shape tree you can find.

You can ever add sand bags to weight it for more security.

If your tree trunk is small enough, simply sticking it in a 5 gallon bucket of sand or cement, works too.

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Thanks for the info, sounds easy enough :) I love crafty stuff like that. About how tall and wide is yours? You said 7', but is it that tall or did you cut off some height and add that sideways as limbs/lounging areas? How did you disinfect something that big? Thanks!

all I can say is they are a blast, very active and yes very in your face. they are adventurers.

^ I'm so excited! :)

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Originally Posted by SeeTheCityLights

Thanks for the info, sounds easy enough :) I love crafty stuff like that. About how tall and wide is yours? You said 7', but is it that tall or did you cut off some height and add that sideways as limbs/lounging areas? How did you disinfect something that big? Thanks!

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It's probably very close to 6'8" or so after trimming and around 3 feet at the widest spread of the added branches.

I didn't disinfect it.

It was about 10 below zero when we got it and I seriously doubt anything was living on it.

It's also a Beech tree which, when young, has a very smooth bark with virtually no crevices for bugs to hide in.

If I'd had to use something craggier like oak, I'd have sprayed it down with F10 solution and let it dry for a couple of days out in the shop.

I have a Shark hand held steamer that blasts crazy hot steam on stuff with 'odd surfaces', too.