Can't decide on which boa to get.

I currently have a ball python, and I love it, but I want something a little more sociable. I am thinking about getting some type of boa. (it will probably be 6 months to a year before i get it, because i need to do research) I have thought of a few I might like, but I can't decide. So, I want to ask you. Which one would be good for me? Here's a little bit about what I am looking for:

-I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
-I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
-I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
-I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
-I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
-I will probably get a male.
-Not very interested in getting a morph.
-Relatively low prices would be nice.

I have thought about a Dumerils Boa, a Leopard Boa, a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and a Hog Island Boa.

Hog Island or Colombian BCI male would be my recommendation. They should get up to 6', most are docile and well tempered, the cooler temps are fine for them, and pure Hogs and Colombians are relatively inexpensive. Be prepared for at least a 4'x2' vivarium for either species though, I don't recommend these guys in tubs when adults.

Based on the criteria you've listed, I strongly recommend a Dumerils. They stay relatively small when compared to boas in general, do well in tubs (when they are young), are very easy to keep and are comparable to Ball Pythons in that regard, and they are very social and curious animals.


1. I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
2. I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
3. I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
4. I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
5. I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
6. I will probably get a male.
7. Not very interested in getting a morph.
8. Relatively low prices would be nice.

1. Dumerils are quite docile. Females can get bigger, but the males usually stay at about 6ft.
2. Any boa will fit this bill.... ;)
3. Not quite sure what you mean by this, but between Dums, BRBs, and BCIs, I think the Dums will have the broadest head.
4. Dumerils, being ground boas, will fair the best of the ones you've mentioned in a tub for the longest period of time. However, I would not keep any boa in a tub as an adult though. They need more room to move around than BPs do. Minimum cage size for ANY adult boa would be a 4x2x1 ft cage.
5. Any snake should have the least temperature variation as a general rule. A swing of 10 degress is HUGE. You really should take steps to fix this problem - for your BP as well as for any other snakes you get. A small gradient of 2-4 degrees is exceptable, but not 10. Boas can be more sensitive with digestion than BPs and can and will regurge if the temps are not appropriate. Dumerils tend to be the most forgiving of husbandry mistakes.
6. The males will stay smaller than the females, but other than that, it's just a matter of preference.
7. A Leopard boa is a morph of BCI, specifically in Sonoran Desert boas. It is simple recessive.
8. Leopard boas are MUCH more expensive. Normal BCIs, Hog Islands, and BRBs are going to run you anywhere from 100-200. You can find a nice baby Dumerils for 120 or less. I found my gorgeous female for 75.

Please think CAREFULLY about your husbandry and cage size (#'s 4 & 5). These are very important considerations for a boa. :gj:

(BRB= Brazilian Rainbow Boa) Because BRB's ideally need 80% (as adults) humidity (although some say they have been able to keep them low as 70%), you cannot keep them in the traditional rack system. Babies need to be kept at 90% humidity. The best caging is a PVC viv. You mention a heater, I would not put her near it since it may lower humidity. Furthermore, stay away from heat lamps if you can, they are humidity's kryptonite.

Temp wise, I keep mine at 83 on the hot and 76 on the cool end. The ambient temp needs to be at least 75.

There really isn't a significant size difference between males and females. They are usually between 5-6 ft.

(Keep in mind I only own one at the moment), My BRB is quite sociable, and isn't nippy in the least. But she is a busy-body. Wants to constantly climb on me or anything she believes to be in her reach. On rare occasions she will just stay still. Sometimes it's a mix between climbing and chilling.

Prices can vary depending on the quality. For a normal usually ranges from $100-$200 (babies). If I were you, I would buy an adult (or close to it) since they are not as picky on the humidity requirements.

Humidity is one of the things you do need to watch. But if you do your research, you should be fine. Also, if the temps get over 90 degrees, it is fatal (so make sure you have a good thermostat, I would not buy a cheap one for a BRB).

I hear good things about the Dumeril's Boa but I have never owned one, so I cannot vouch for them, I'm sure someone will pitch in about them though.

I hope this helps you make a decision on which ever Boa you decide on. Just remember if you do choose a BRB, to do more research for the info above is just a general overview.

I always recommend a dum to anyone looking to get there first boa. I should think a male dum would meet your requirements very nicely. they are very docile and the head tend to be a little wider than a bci since you seem to like that.

As already stated leopards are a Central American morph. Sonorans are notoriously nippy as well. Most do calm down as adults to some degree but not all do. I have 2 young ones right now, the female is nervous and it doesn't take much to startle her into striking mode and the male is satan incarnate.

Based on your information and temperature requirements you may want to look at carpet pythons. You can get some fairly thick long females with decent sized heads a lot of the Australian pythons are very forgiving of husbandry changes humidity temps etc. just something to add into the mix I strongly considered carpet pythons before going with a BCI Colombian. I have seen some very large female dumerils I am not sure how active they are compared to a BCC/BCI or a carpet python

I've considered the carpet python too, as well as the Woma python. I think I'm in between the Woma Python, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and the Dumerils Boa. I'm going to read more about each one and maybe narrow it down. I'll read about the carpet python as well. Thank you. It will be a while before I buy one, but I want to be completely happy with my decision and know what I'm going to get so that I can do a TON of research about them!

BTW: I bought an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer, and it turns out that my old one was just off. I've got the temps and humidity right now for my ball python, if anyone was worried, lol. :gj:

And for the big head question, I just meant that I like how they have a separate head from their neck. Not like a milk snake or a king snake, who's heads blend in with their necks. (AKA big heads, lol) Sorry about the confusion.

I love love love my dumerils boa. :gj:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ceca2015

I currently have a ball python, and I love it, but I want something a little more sociable. I am thinking about getting some type of boa. (it will probably be 6 months to a year before i get it, because i need to do research) I have thought of a few I might like, but I can't decide. So, I want to ask you. Which one would be good for me? Here's a little bit about what I am looking for:

-I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
-I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
-I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
-I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
-I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
-I will probably get a male.
-Not very interested in getting a morph.
-Relatively low prices would be nice.

I have thought about a Dumerils Boa, a Leopard Boa, a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and a Hog Island Boa.

---

IMO A carpet python does NOT fit into what you are looking for!
1 something docile Carpets are not known for being very docile. they do calm down with regular handling but for the most part umm still gotta watch them and adult female coastal carpets can reach lengths of 9-12 feet for some localities.

2 something that likes to be handled more than your ball. well they tolerate it but they are very active. i'd say they handle more like a retic lol jmo

3 the separate neck and head. yes that they do have

4 something to keep in a tub. they are semi arboreal the minimum suggested enclosure for an adult carpet is 3' x 2' x 2' with a 4x2x2 being preferred by most keepers.

I'm no expert on carpets by any means but I own 1.2 and have done a little bit of home work on them before getting them. my jungle male was a total psycho when I got him. after his week of "me time" I tried to handle him long enough to snap a couple pics and he wasn't having it! I got nailed 14 times in under 2 minutes! that is no exaggeration either. That was around valentines day I can now count on only getting hit when I reach in to get him but it was a lot of work to calm him down to that. My diamond carpet cross is a total sweetie and hasn't even thought about taking a swing at me (also a baby) my 6-7 female coastal is cage aggressive as all hell and is well on her way to being hook trained but you don't dare reach in to drag her out unless you feel like getting stitches! once shes out shes completely cool but DO NOT reach in her house! My vote is always and forever a Dumerils Boa! total sweet hearts and fits very well into your requirements.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by H.o.F.R

IMO A carpet python does NOT fit into what you are looking for!
1 something docile Carpets are not known for being very docile. they do calm down with regular handling but for the most part umm still gotta watch them and adult female coastal carpets can reach lengths of 9-12 feet for some localities.

2 something that likes to be handled more than your ball. well they tolerate it but they are very active. i'd say they handle more like a retic lol jmo

3 the separate neck and head. yes that they do have

4 something to keep in a tub. they are semi arboreal the minimum suggested enclosure for an adult carpet is 3' x 2' x 2' with a 4x2x2 being preferred by most keepers.

I'm no expert on carpets by any means but I own 1.2 and have done a little bit of home work on them before getting them. my jungle male was a total psycho when I got him. after his week of "me time" I tried to handle him long enough to snap a couple pics and he wasn't having it! I got nailed 14 times in under 2 minutes! that is no exaggeration either. That was around valentines day I can now count on only getting hit when I reach in to get him but it was a lot of work to calm him down to that. My diamond carpet cross is a total sweetie and hasn't even thought about taking a swing at me (also a baby) my 6-7 female coastal is cage aggressive as all hell and is well on her way to being hook trained but you don't dare reach in to drag her out unless you feel like getting stitches! once shes out shes completely cool but DO NOT reach in her house! My vote is always and forever a Dumerils Boa! total sweet hearts and fits very well into your requirements.

---

They were never very high on my list. Nothing against them, they are absolutely beautiful, but after a little research on them, they get a little too big for me. Thank you very much on the info. I think I'm going to get either a Woma Python or a BRB. I'm doing research on both of them everyday until I make a decision. I might have to look into other cages if i decide to get one. I don't know if it will be fair to keep them in tubs, unless i can find one 4x2x2, which i probably won't. Still have tons more research to do, but thanks everyone for the info you have provided me and thanks for your opinions! :)

I have a BRB and several BP's. I wouldn't describe the BRB as particularly social, and while he's not nippy now he was when he was young and while he's shedding. Overall my BP's seem much more comfortable about being handled than my BRB.

I'm not sure what you mean by "BIG" in your want list description as there is long big and thick big. Every Dumerils boa I've seen has been 5.5-6 feet and pretty thick. When I say thick I mean not a real easy to handle shoulder pet. Having said that I am NOT any type of expert on Dumerils boas. But even if you had a 7-8' jungle carpet that is considerably different than even a 5 foot boa with the thicker type build. However, it sounds like the carpets can be a handful as HoFR stated, and are more squirmy during handling. 14 bites in 2 minutes seems like something I'd rather pass on. Great display snake IMO and I almost went that route. I also almost went the Dumerils route, but thought a BCI/BCC would be about middle ground for me. Slightly more active than a Dumerils and Royal, though I'm sure that can be argued/debated.

Dumeril boa have some of the nicest natural patterns I've seen.

Personally I think you need to find a few of the mentioned snakes as adults, handle them and see what makes you smile.

If you ask here you will get die hard fans for each type of boa and 100 reasons they love them.

Smart people just get at least one of each LOL! I'm not clever enough to convince my household members that I NEED a dumerils, a carpet and a few more BCIs LOL!

But you may be the clever one,,, ya never know.

Lol that jungle has since calmed down with regular handling and I've picked up a few more that were calm from day one. But that did get my point across. Lol a male dum isn't as large or heavy bodied as the females so I'd keep that in mind. Depending on your level of experience in husbandry really dictates which would be a better choice for you. Dums are fairly forgiving if there not quite correct for a short period and bounce back fast once they get what they need. I have no personal experience with brb but have heard they can be a little more difficult to keep.

I am looking for a boa for the same reason, maybe in a year or so but i started doing some research i was looking at a Peruvian Long-Tailed Boa. go to youtube type in Peruvian Long-Tailed Boas (Boa Constrictor Longicauda) there is a video by DraoiSidhe

Simply, you just can't go wrong with a dumerils boa :gj:

Personally, I started with my brb, and humidity is NOT hard to keep if you have a little imagination and creativity!!! You can make hide boxes that hold in 80+% humidity, which is the greatest thing ever. I got her for $80 because I was a repeat customer to him. She was such a tiny baby, and she's still small, but she's got some weight to her now. They are very curious little buffers and do love to climb and look around at everything in reach!!

A bci was my 2nd boa, got the hog island and she also is super curious. Requirements for husbandry are super similar to ball pythons, so its not hard to make the switch over. They are very bright animals at night and get darker in the day, showing their patterns much more than usual. They get 6ft at most as female.

My 3rd boa was a dumerils, she's kind of "shy" but I think with constant handling as she grows, this will change. She's super sweet when out of her enclosure, and the pink blushing on them is just so cool. As said, females get around 8ft and are heavy bodied animals, so they get bigger than beeps as you asked for.

My 4th and NOT my last one lol, was my yellow anaconda. I can't tell you how she was as a baby, but she's super docile now and will get around 12ft at full size. They are big, so this is probably not something you are looking for. But my opinion is, with care and handling, they are not as mean as people say....just hate to see people who have never owned one to say they are 100% random....if that was true, I'd have been bitten a lot more than once lol.

Anyway, the dumerils or a smaller bci seems to be right for you, check out videos online and see what they look like and how they act and how others house them.

Ball Pythons
0.3 Normals (Coilette, Athena and Mary Jane)
1.0 Spider Morph (Zeus)
1.0 Mojave (Prometheus)
1.0 Pastel (De Sol)

Boas
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Stella)
0.1 Hog Island BCI (Kiyoko)
0.1 Dumerils Boa (Gloria)
0.1 Yellow Anaconda (Serenity)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ceca2015

-I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
Colombian BCI (most likely male; females can be 6ft but tend to be bigger). As youngers they can be nippy or hissy (like most baby snakes) but 99% of the time they grow out of it with regular handling, or even as soon as you get them out of their enclosure. Once they're out, they become very inquisitive and don't mind being "out in the open" or held as much as the shyer BP's. My boyfriend and I have nicknamed our boa "the fat slug" because she's big and as docile/lazy as you could possibly get without being dead.
-I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
If you get a BCI, most of the time they'll end up handling you, haha. I've never had a kid, but I would guess watching after a BCI while it's out and about is almost equivalent to trying to keep a toddler out of trouble. :P
-I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
BCI's have the "bigger" heads than most of the localities; BCC's are the biggest in terms of overall size, but they have slimmer heads than them.
-I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
You might be better off looking to purchase an enclosure from Boaphile or Animal Plastics. It's gonna be hard (not impossible, but hard) to find a tub that will be big enough for a full-grown adult.
-I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
BCI's are one of the most forgiving when it comes to husbandry mistakes or fluctuations. Not only that, but they actually tend to like it a tad cooler than BP's; I keep my girl at about ~78F ambient and ~88F hotspot.
-I will probably get a male.
:gj:
-Not very interested in getting a morph.
Even if you change your mind, hypos/salmons and other morphs are very affordable.
-Relatively low prices would be nice.
You can get a baby BCI for between $40-60 at a reptile expo.

---

I have watched I think every video YouTube has to offer on the dumerils boa and the hog island. I have also watched an awful lot of videos on brb and wget pythons too. I really think I'm leaning towards the hog island now. On July 27, there is a reptile expo in Myrtle beach, where I will be vacationing at that time. I have talked my mom into letting me go so I can handle the different types of snakes and hopefully decide. I might or might not buy at the expo tho because I don't know if I will be working then and have money to get the snake and the snakes requirements. And for husbandry, I think I am going to go with the VE-175 from reptile tubs. Has anyone used those that could give me some feedback? They are very big tubs and I think it will contain plenty of room for whatever snake I decide to get.

Btw, I am going to look up the Peruvian long-tailed boa. Thank you for the suggestion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ceca2015

I have also watched an awful lot of videos on brb and wget pythons

---

I meant woma pythons. lol crappy android phone..

I am totally biased here, but I still say male BCI. They are long but not too long. They are thick bodied but nothing compared to females. With a BCI, you'll get a docile temperament, beautiful colors, and affordable snake, and the snake in my opinion will combine several of the best qualities of the snakes on your list. A BCI will give you some really cool arboreal characteristics found in the rainbows, typically it will be more docile than an island locality BCI. You will get terrestrial behavior like a Dumeril boa. The feeding response,,, well just ask any mainland BCI owner. The snakes are a dream to handle. They wrap and explore.

I have included a shot of my newest addition. This is a male Barranquilla Colombian BCI. This was his first meal at home. He never came off the perch here. He ate and did his thing while being partially suspended, then went all the way up after he finished.

Size was initially I big factor for me and I wanted a big snake. Honestly since I got this guy, if he never grew more than his already 3-3 1/2 feet I'd be OK with it. He's that interesting and fun.

Don't take a male mainland BCI off your list. IMO it's the best of everything on your list.

But with all due respect to the other animals there is no right or wrong. What you like should be #1. Just make sure you take your time, get everything set up before hand and then make your move.

Here's my new boy. I could not be happier.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_0994.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Evenstar

Based on the criteria you've listed, I strongly recommend a Dumerils. They stay relatively small when compared to boas in general, do well in tubs (when they are young), are very easy to keep and are comparable to Ball Pythons in that regard, and they are very social and curious animals.


1. I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
2. I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
3. I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
4. I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
5. I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
6. I will probably get a male.
7. Not very interested in getting a morph.
8. Relatively low prices would be nice.

1. Dumerils are quite docile. Females can get bigger, but the males usually stay at about 6ft.
2. Any boa will fit this bill.... ;)
3. Not quite sure what you mean by this, but between Dums, BRBs, and BCIs, I think the Dums will have the broadest head.
4. Dumerils, being ground boas, will fair the best of the ones you've mentioned in a tub for the longest period of time. However, I would not keep any boa in a tub as an adult though. They need more room to move around than BPs do. Minimum cage size for ANY adult boa would be a 4x2x1 ft cage.
5. Any snake should have the least temperature variation as a general rule. A swing of 10 degress is HUGE. You really should take steps to fix this problem - for your BP as well as for any other snakes you get. A small gradient of 2-4 degrees is exceptable, but not 10. Boas can be more sensitive with digestion than BPs and can and will regurge if the temps are not appropriate. Dumerils tend to be the most forgiving of husbandry mistakes.
6. The males will stay smaller than the females, but other than that, it's just a matter of preference.
7. A Leopard boa is a morph of BCI, specifically in Sonoran Desert boas. It is simple recessive.
8. Leopard boas are MUCH more expensive. Normal BCIs, Hog Islands, and BRBs are going to run you anywhere from 100-200. You can find a nice baby Dumerils for 120 or less. I found my gorgeous female for 75.

Please think CAREFULLY about your husbandry and cage size (#'s 4 & 5). These are very important considerations for a boa. :gj:

---

Where are you finding Leopard Boas at 100-200? Could you provide a link? I haven't found any for that little, but perhaps I am not looking in the right places.
Also, I agree with the Dumeril, it seems to fit what you are looking for as described above. They grow slowly too so you will be able to keep them in a tub for a bit longer then some species of Boa. My Dum is a very docile snake, however her feeding response is very strong, it is the only time she has ever tagged me.

I guess I would tend to agree that a Dumerils boa would be best for you based on your requirements I am always a little biased towards my type of boa but that's just me on another note I would seriously reconsider going with tubs especially if this is going to be You're only other snake as a pet you would be best off providing a better type of enclosure and maybe should wait on the snake and consider a nice plastic cage before doing anything like I stated before once you have a really nice set up you can focus in On the snake and get the perfect one There are some very affordable plastic enclosures in the required range check them out it is worth your time

Is there more benefit of having a animal plastics cage over a tub other than they look nicer? The reason I thought about going with a tub is because they are easy to clean and maintain humidity. Since Boas grow slow, I might purchase a nice animal plastics cage later in its life. TBH, if I got the boa a nice cage, is feel bad and have to get Gretel a new cage too, lol. By the time the boa gets that big, ill have a job and be able to buy a nice cage. Right now, I live with my mom and the tubs are cheaper. How long do you think a hog island or a male BCI be able to live in a tub from Walmart, like a short, but long 41 quart or a taller, but not as long 72 quart? And is hight or floorspace more important? I guess what I mean is do I need to get something with some hight? Or is the standard 6" tub hight okay for as long as they are in the tub?

I really hope all that crap I just typed makes sense, lol.

And hopefully this wont be my only other snake. I hope to have more in the future when I am financially stable and living on my own.

Well this is where the waiting part comes in. I don't think boas grow all that slow. BCC's slower than BCI's in the beginning, but after reading several books by experts in the field, I think they get long relatively fast even if fed correctly and the bulk comes on later. Now some of the island localities have a slower go, but there are a lot of Hog Island boas that are crossed and actually do get large. My guy is over 3 1/2 feet and under a year old.

If you feel the need to get your current snake a new cage, that should be your first priority. Before any new snake, then get a cage before the new snake. I certainly understand the want, excitement and feelings of happiness a new snake will bring, but I think you should get yourself settled first, then get your current animal a new cage, and then start working on the new setup and animal.

http://www.constrictorsnw.com/cagess...ularcages.html

I started here with the 48" x 23" x 14" cage. Height is great especially for boas. Height needs heat, and heat costs money. Kali will certainly have plenty of advice here no matter what the cage maker ends up being. Minimum height is 11". Boaphile 421D provides that. For me that's too short for a couple reasons. Cleaning having bigger shoulders and reaching 2 feet back can be annoying. The plastic cages clean very well. Pro-Line, AP and Kali's choice of PVC cages clean out the best. Do some research on cages. It's fun.

I gave myself just short of a full year to make sure I had everything just right. It was NOT an inexpensive addition. I've had the same job for long time and I can say I spent what I felt was reasonable. The cage, the heat panel and thermostat were a must. Then obviously there are cosmetic additions and power strips that I saw fit.

Anyhow, whether its your first rodeo or not, I'd say get your current snake set up in a the cage you think it would be happy in, then get yourself settled, then search for a cage just like you are searching for a new snake.

I'd love to help with that search. I think you can get a lifetime cage right away and clutter it up, divide it, whatever but the cage is the big item in this next to the animal. I think you'll feel 100% more confident in what you'll want in a snake knowing you have caging for it already and set to go.

Really, what's the rush? Set the goal get the gear, and boom you'll just be thrilled when the time arrives.

But remember your first animal and treat that one with a lifetime cage first.

I'm not getting down on you, but without a job and some of the other stuff, slow it down. There is plenty of time and its worth the wait! : )

Good advice, Gio.

I have a male and female BCI. My males age is unknown. I was told 6 months when I got him, but am a bit suspicious that he's more likely a year old now. My female is full grown, around 7 feet.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/26/3u5ysehy.jpg
Damon

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/26/4yre4edu.jpg
Conga

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bobbafett

Good advice, Gio.

I have a male and female BCI. My males age is unknown. I was told 6 months when I got him, but am a bit suspicious that he's more likely a year old now. My female is full grown, around 7 feet.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/26/3u5ysehy.jpg
Damon

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/26/4yre4edu.jpg
Conga

---

Whoa!! Not to change the original topic, but that first snake is beautiful! Is that the male? If so he looks pretty thick and I love the head/neck tie in. Really solid. My guy won't be a year until the end of June. But yeah, I think these guys grow faster than people think at least in the first couple of years.

ceca2015,

This is my cage. It was $230 SHIPPED. I added a lock and 3 sets of perch holders and the whole thing arrived at my door for $263 after the extras. You won't find a better deal with shipping for that size. 48" x 23" x 14". I use a Pro-Products radiant heat panel. I believe it was about $100 shipped. Bob at Pro-Products is great and will customize the panel for the cage and the room the cage will be in. He can get you into a decent thermostat for about $60.

I personally can't do without a Herpstat and I got a Herpstat I. Because I'm only using a panel I did not get the Herp II so I still saved close to $100.

I'm not done with the cage, I'm going to change things a bit as I go, but you can see the "clutter". This is his lifetime cage unless he gets huge. I would doubt a male would get over 7' but if he does, and gets thick It's and easy fix if I need a new cage.

One very nice feature Boaphile cages have are that you can get the "expandable" option. Basically you can add and end to the cage and make your current cage larger. Brilliant idea if you go the Boaphile route.

But my Pro-Line is made of the the best plastic in the bizz in my opinion and cleans easy and there are no retained smells and no gases from the plastic.

Again, I'm not getting down on you for wanting another snake, but do yourself, and your first snake a favor and shoot for caging first.

I'll bet your current snake will enjoy a new cage.

Here's what I had all set up before my snake ever got here.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...IMG_0988-1.jpg

Gio, first of, thank you for taking so much time to reply and answer my questions.

Also, If i get the T8 from Animal Plastics, (48"x24"x12") and put a divider in there, would that be better than just having the full open cage? That way it won't get stressed out being in such a big space and I wouldn't have to buy multiple cages? And I'm afraid to move the ball python to a big enclosure because I don't want her to stop eating. I looked at Northwest Constrictors and Animal Plastics, and the cages would be too big for her, even as an adult I think. They have 3 foot by 2 foot enclosures, but they are more than the T8 would be.. I think I will buy her a new cage like the T8 or something when she gets bigger, but what is a good cage size for an adult female ball python? It will be awhile before I get the boa, so I'm not rushing. I just want all my thoughts together before I just go out and buy a cage. I've went through 3 cages with my ball python because I listened to one person and then got better advice from another and changed my mind. I want to be sure of EVERYTHING for this snake. I'm gathering as much info as I can.

Dums are a great start! I have a male, hes a few years old, more than 5 feet for sure and he's thick! But he is very calm, never in a rush for anything and no agression at all. He eats all the time. I feed him 1 f/t jumbo rat every month. Red tails are nice too but I think it will get much bigger than a dum.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ceca2015

Gio, first of, thank you for taking so much time to reply and answer my questions.

Also, If i get the T8 from Animal Plastics, (48"x24"x12") and put a divider in there, would that be better than just having the full open cage? That way it won't get stressed out being in such a big space and I wouldn't have to buy multiple cages? And I'm afraid to move the ball python to a big enclosure because I don't want her to stop eating. I looked at Northwest Constrictors and Animal Plastics, and the cages would be too big for her, even as an adult I think. They have 3 foot by 2 foot enclosures, but they are more than the T8 would be.. I think I will buy her a new cage like the T8 or something when she gets bigger, but what is a good cage size for an adult female ball python? It will be awhile before I get the boa, so I'm not rushing. I just want all my thoughts together before I just go out and buy a cage. I've went through 3 cages with my ball python because I listened to one person and then got better advice from another and changed my mind. I want to be sure of EVERYTHING for this snake. I'm gathering as much info as I can.

---

Hey, great attitude! That's how you should look at it. I personally am not a huge believer in "cage stress". If you had a huge cage, limited hides and no other cover, that's one thing, but if you have a huge cage and comfortable hides, water and some top cover close to the different hides things should be fine. In actual nature, these little guys have a lot more open terrain than a T-8, T-10 or Pro-Line (name the size). Keep in mind the added shipping cost of the T-8 and T-10. I would personally grab the extra few inches in height with the T-10 at 15" but the Pro-Line at 14" prices out better after shipping, and the quality of plastic is superb. A lot opinion and individual preference is involved in caging. I priced it all out WITH SHIPPING and found the Pro-Line more affordable.

If you get a T-8 and divide it or just clutter it things will be fine. Boas, at least the BCC's and BCI's are not scared to death of the whole world to the extent Royal pythons are. So again choose your cage wisely and consider height. Dumeril boas are not know as climbers so the T-8 would probably be excellent. BCC-BCI boas especially when young like to climb. Even the older boas, the big ones are found in trees, though they do become more terrestrial with size. The Hog Island and other island locale boa are even more arboreal from what I understand.

I think your Royal would be fine in a 3x2 cage. Ours is in a similar cage, and my only wish is it would not have been 18" tall 12" would have been plenty.

Cage and thermostat are the big purchases and I would not skimp on either. Here's the nice thing with the bigger, taller cage. You can change your mind 10 times on the kind of snake having full confidence you have a cage that can take a Dum, a Hog, a Colombian, a Carpet or a Blood.

Once the cage is set, the snake world is yours!! You can change your mind many times over for what type of snake you want, because a good 4 X 2 x 12-15" can house almost any BCC/BCI, and will handle the Carpets, and Dums no problem.

So no matter who you listened to in the beginning about cages, I guarantee you, the only thing you'll here about the size I just posted is to go to a 6 footer and up to 2 feet tall. But it sounds like the type of snake you personally want is a dead ringer for the 4 foot type cages.

Many of the big name boa breeders will tell you they are OK in a 4x2x12.

Take it slow and find a great cage. FYI there are a lot of classified ads with Boaphiles and other cages at good prices.

Good luck!!

I'm going to take another look at the Pro-Line cages. Can you buy dividers for them?

Also, for my ball python, I use a HydroFarm thermostat. Should I look into investing in a Herpstat 2 for both cages I will eventually have or is a HydroFarm thermostat good enough that I can just buy another one and use those for both cages? I haven't had any problems with the HydroFarm yet, other than the other day, it randomly shut off while I was at school. I'm not sure if the power went out or something and thats why it shut off and it just didn't turn back on or if it just malfunctioned.

Your current stat is pretty decent from what a lot of people say. I'm sold on Herpstats but a Herp II would be great for both cages if you want.

Pro-Line is from Constrictors NW. He has a forum like this reptileinsider.com You can check with breeders there that use the caging.

I just think the plastic of the cage is the best stuff around. Watch the video he has on putting the cage together. Its super easy.

Best of luck.

You are doing this the right way be researching ahead of time.

Dumerils!

Thank you for the link. I like the pro-line cages, but I was thinking about adding a divider in the cage and using one half of it for the ball python as a perminant cage. One, would the 24x24x12 or 14 be enough space for a perminant cage for a ball python (female) and two, should I buy an animal plastic for the ball with the divider and use the other half for the boa until it gets big enough and then purchase a pro line cage for it? And maybe use the other side of the animal plastic cage for another snake it I choose to get one? I'm looking far into the future and trying to determine the best choice.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a cage from ProLine/Constrictors NW. Ed is a great guy and very communicative! He also does some things custom so if you'd like a divider, I am sure he can do one for you. I am putting together a 5 stack of 4x2x2's for my own boas and he is very helpful. The quality of these cages is unsurpassed in my opinion. Ed uses marine grade High Density Polyethylene which is a far superior product to pvc. I have a pvc cage too, and am very happy with it, but given the choice, I moved to the HDP. One thing that my friend, who has these cages, pointed out is that urine will NOT stick to or absorb into the HDP whereas this can sometimes be problematic over time with pvc.

And you also cannot go wrong with a Herpstat. These are some of the best t-stats on the market. A hydrofarm will do you fine for initial applications, but as soon as you can afford it, I would invest in the Herpstat and use the hydrofarm as your backup. :gj:

Btw, Spider Robotics now makes the "Herpstat Intro" which is retailing from the Bean Farm for only $99! So a Herpstat is very affordable now........