Thinking about making the jump to boa's

Hello all!! I have been keeping bp's for a little bit now but still not that long. But I was looking around craigslist and completely in awww over this red tail boa. Actually, its a female crimson pastel and she is more than gorgeous!! I have done a bit of research and it seems that they pretty much take the same type of care as a ball python, housing, temp, humidity, etc, all seem to be pretty much the same. Of coarse I realize she will get big, a LOT bigger than a ball python lol.

Can anyone shed more info on these beautiful creatures? Anything I need to know or be aware of aside from already owning ball pythons?

I'd check through more boa threads on here, there's been many people recently who made the jump and there's great info there.

The main differences for me with my boas is that they prefer slightly cooler temps than my pythons and they don't eat as frequently. Babies every 7 days, subadults 10-14 days, and I feed my adults every 2 weeks. Feeding weekly for older boas is not recommended as it can lead to obesity = lower lifespan/less healthy.

For housing I recommend at least a 4' cage for Colombian males and 6' for large males and Colombian females. Smaller "dwarf" locales can be kept in tubs fine but the larger locales (the BCCs and BCOs) will need cages/vivariums. These can be heated with flexwatt or radiant heat panels.

they get BIG. the one at the place I work for is huge, not as big as our albino Burmese, but I have handled it myself one of the first days I even handled snakes lol so it was awesome. we just got a new smaller one that I'm sure I'll love too. they pretty much have the same temperament as balls, with less hiding

Boas are awesome. If size is a concern, go for a hogg island. They get big but not quite as gigantic as the big Colombians! :P

Generally boas have awesome feeding responses and as far as personality goes, they tend to be fairly confident snakes, which generally means they are pretty cool with handling. Of course we have one scaredy cat boy who just huffs and puffs any time you get near him, so there is always that exception (of course that's the same with ball pythons!)

I adore them. Very cool pets. Love how active they are.

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Is there any concern with keeping boa's and pythons in the same room at all?

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Is there any concern with keeping boa's and pythons in the same room at all?

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No concern at all. Mine are all kept in the same room.
Boas are great, you won't regret it. They aren't nearly as shy as balls so it's nice to take them out. Yes they get large but it won't seem as bad as you might be thinking. They're an awesome species

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Originally Posted by SnowShredder

No concern at all. Mine are all kept in the same room.

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x2

There is a disease called IBD that seems to be most common in boas (I'm not saying it is common occurring disease - I don't want to be misunderstood) and it can be spread to pythons and some colubrids I believe (usually proving fatal very quickly) but I don't believe IBD is as common as some believe. The key that I go by is to get boas (and any snake) from reputable people/breeders. Skiploder posted a very informative thread on IBD: I'd do a search for it.

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

I'd check through more boa threads on here, there's been many people recently who made the jump and there's great info there.

The main differences for me with my boas is that they prefer slightly cooler temps than my pythons and they don't eat as frequently. Babies every 7 days, subadults 10-14 days, and I feed my adults every 2 weeks. Feeding weekly for older boas is not recommended as it can lead to obesity = lower lifespan/less healthy.

For housing I recommend at least a 4' cage for Colombian males and 6' for large males and Colombian females. Smaller "dwarf" locales can be kept in tubs fine but the larger locales (the BCCs and BCOs) will need cages/vivariums. These can be heated with flexwatt or radiant heat panels.

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Excellent advise here. I agree. I also keep mine at slightly cooler temps at 78 with an 88 hotspot. Be careful with feeding. Boas have a much slower metabolism than pythons do and do not handle as large a prey relative to their size as well as pythons do - especially babies. Less is better with boas. While their care requirements are similar to ball pythons, just always remember that they are NOT ball pythons and there will be some differences.

Boas are AMAZING animals and once you get one, there's no going back! But be warned - they are addictive! Bet you can't have just one...... :D

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Sorry if this is a dumb question. Is there any concern with keeping boa's and pythons in the same room at all?

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No concerns at all. I keep my young boas, not only in the same room as my balls and Angolans, but actually in the same rack. They are fine. Just make sure to QUARANTINE any new additions before keeping them in the same room as your existing collection, whether they are pythons or any other species.

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

There is a disease called IBD that seems to be most common in boas (I'm not saying it is common occurring disease - I don't want to be misunderstood) and it can be spread to pythons and some colubrids I believe (usually proving fatal very quickly) but I don't believe IBD is as common as some believe. The key that I go by is to get boas (and any snake) from reputable people/breeders. Skiploder posted a very informative thread on IBD: I'd do a search for it.

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And this is only one reason to quarantine well! It is generally recommended to q/t for a minimum of 60 days. I q/t for 90 days to be extra safe. The problem with IBD is that it can sometimes not show up for a loooong time - a year or more. There are no guarantees. But strict q/t is the best way to safeguard. There are actually other health issues (with any new snake, not just boas) that present more of a concern than IBD, so proper q/t is vitally important for any new acquisition. ;)

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Excellent advise here. I agree. I also keep mine at slightly cooler temps at 78 with an 88 hotspot. Be careful with feeding. Boas have a much slower metabolism than pythons do and do not handle as large a prey relative to their size as well as pythons do - especially babies. Less is better with boas. While their care requirements are similar to ball pythons, just always remember that they are NOT ball pythons and there will be some differences.

Boas are AMAZING animals and once you get one, there's no going back! But be warned - they are addictive! Bet you can't have just one...... :D

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Is there a % of weight to feed compared to a boa, like 5% or 10%???

evenstar and daybreaker are some of our resident boa experts. take what they have to offer to heart! as far as a % to body weight for feeding a boa I havent seen any as of yet. The general rule for feeding boas is smaller is better. you want the prey item to be slightly smaller than the largest part of the body. when in doubt get a smaller prey item. i believe daybreaker gave a feeding schedule in a previous post. Its the same schedule that I use. I cant stress this enough to someone looking to get there first boa. Buy one from a trusted breeder! please dont get your first one from a cragslist crack pot! once you know what you are looking for and can do a through health check and have a proper qt procedure then maybe jump on a cl deal if you find one. but until you know what to look for dont risk your collection to save a few bucks!

I will take what these guys say to heart. I will check out some breeders but I also believe the craigslist ad is also from a breeder that has turned to only breeding pythons. Sounds like keeping boa's are pretty cool and easy like pythons, just different temps and feeding habits.

Heres my info, DO EET!!! lol

- - - Updated - - -

and bigger cages lol

There's no set percentage for feeding boas. We usually say to feed 10-15% of body weight for BPs but to choose a prey item that leaves a slight bulge in the belly. With boas, you do NOT want a bulge in the belly (an occasional very slight lump is fine). Smaller is better.

I tend to agree that buying from a reputable breeder is the best course of action, however, you can make some real finds on Craigslist (although I've never been lucky enough to come across one....). It seems like you have some experience with BPs so you'll know what to look for in a healthy snake when you go check out that boa. Here's some extra tips to watch out for though if you do go...

1) Make sure the snake is well-coordinated. If it wobbles or tends to "stargaze" or doesn't grip you strongly or has the least bit of trouble righting itself if turned onto its back, WALK AWAY (or ever RUN away...). These could be signs of a neurological problem or even IBD.

2) Boas should be more slender than BPs and have a leaner and more square appearance. They will often look skinny to those who have mostly BP experience. That is ok. But it should not look scrawny or weak or sickly in any way.

3) Use common sense. Other than appearing thinner than a BP would, a healthy snake looks like a healthy snake no matter what the species. Stay away if anything gives you pause.

Good luck and let us know what you decide - we'll want to see pics!! :gj:

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Originally Posted by H.o.F.R

evenstar and daybreaker are some of our resident boa experts. take what they have to offer to heart! as far as a % to body weight for feeding a boa I havent seen any as of yet. The general rule for feeding boas is smaller is better. you want the prey item to be slightly smaller than the largest part of the body. when in doubt get a smaller prey item. i believe daybreaker gave a feeding schedule in a previous post. Its the same schedule that I use. I cant stress this enough to someone looking to get there first boa. Buy one from a trusted breeder! please dont get your first one from a cragslist crack pot! once you know what you are looking for and can do a through health check and have a proper qt procedure then maybe jump on a cl deal if you find one. but until you know what to look for dont risk your collection to save a few bucks!

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This is excellent advise. I think you should look around. There IS a list of breeders here that I believe Daybreaker made a while back.

I can personally recommend Gus Rentfro RIO BRAVO REPTILES and LEGACY REPTILES. Jonathan Brady of Deviant Constrictors sells beautiful BCCs.

This is only my personal opinion, but I truly love locality boas. They are how they are in nature and not made into a special mix.

That said there are some morphs I find beautiful and I mean really beautiful.

Evenstar pretty much got me in the right direction with advise and positive encouragement. I'm not a young kid, but like you, I had a Royal python we bought for our son and I had about a year of snake keeping experience. Since then I've completely immersed myself in snakes and continue to do so. I'm VERY interested in boa and python biology.

I can say BCIs, BCCs, are NOTHING like Royal pythons, well nothing is a bit strong, but they are a bit different. I love our Royal but find her boring and very picky about eating. When she does it, I make it a big meal and feed what I can before she shuts down. Last year it was 6 months of no food.

My male boa would eat himself to death. I have to be careful because they don't refuse and it's fun to feed them. They are MUCH more active than BP's and will climb and explore. They are not typically shy and seem to enjoy being out. I actually hang a climbing rope from the ceiling and have my dude go from floor to ceiling straight up. That will not happen with a Royal.

I can't come up with another snake that I'd like more. I think maybe I should have bought a female because after getting to know boas, I'd love a huge one. I'll get my male big without endangering him. I want a big boa. 7 feet is my goal if his genetics can to it.

IF I had maybe another snake I could pick other than a boa, maybe I'd go with a SD or small male dwarf retic. But even those at the same length don't get the boa girth. I like costal carpets too.

I could go on and on and on. I love my boa. I want you to feel the same.

I'll post cage pics, boa pics whatever you want, just ask.

PLEASE skip the Craigslist ad. Wait just a bit and dig in with research. BOOKs,, there are a lot of good ones. Read ask questions here and learn.

Also get a good cage and get everything before you get the snake. It will make the whole experience so much better.

I am not a big believer in starting with a small cage. Nature is huge and a boa will not stress in a big cage. The key is clutter and top cover, hides perches or shelves. As the snake grows remove some clutter and you'll have what you need.

People are really nice here and even if you visit other boards which I do, keep an ear open for Evenstar's advice. It jives with the big name breeders advice. I can't lie even if I don't do exactly the same stuff she does, I can always get great advice and she is one of my favorites here because of the help I got early on.

I seriously can't say enough about Gus Rentfro's devotion to boas. I think he is my hero when it comes to boas.

This is my dude. 13 months old, 3 feet 9 inches long and 865 grams. He is a Barranquilla Colombian BCI.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/DSC00372.jpg

Holy buckets did I go on with babble LOL!

Well I did end up getting her and she is amazing! I got all the paperwork that needs to come with her as well. I will post pics soon!! I think this is only the first of many boas I will be getting lol. I can totally see why boas are so cool and less shy than pythons. My next one will be from a good breeder!!

Congrats, looking forward to pics! The best thing about being a BP owner with a boa, you no longer get stuck with leftovers when the BPs suddenly decide that it's breeding time, or they no longer like rats, or Mars is out of alignment with Venus and they stop eating.

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Well I did end up getting her and she is amazing! I got all the paperwork that needs to come with her as well. I will post pics soon!! I think this is only the first of many boas I will be getting lol. I can totally see why boas are so cool and less shy than pythons. My next one will be from a good breeder!!

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Cool! I'm glad you got the papers and all the important stuff.

Enjoy her and give her the spoils of life she deserves!

Pics will have a wait a bit, she has gone into shed and she is looking pretty dull at the moment lol

Are the shed cycles of boas pretty much the same as BP??

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Are the shed cycles of boas pretty much the same as BP??

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Boas will often go longer. Usually every 6-ish weeks, but can be as long as 8-10. :gj:

Ohh silly me:weirdface, I actually meant how long to they normally take to shed compared to a BP?

Oh - you mean from when they go blue to the time they actually shed?? Maybe about 5-7 days. So yea, about the same as a BP. ;)

She is shedding right now!! Trying to get video for the heck of it lol. Pics to come very soon!

Congrats on the pickup. Can't wait to see the pics.

Pix now!!! Please?????

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4

Sorry for the crappy lighting and cell phone video. It's kinda long and boring but still kinda cool to watch her! http://youtu.be/vvhRxWc1usY

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Sorry for the crappy lighting and cell phone video. It's kinda long and boring but still kinda cool to watch her! http://youtu.be/vvhRxWc1usY

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awesome video

OK pics are coming I promise! However, I tried to feed her today but she refuse a live rat. Hmmmmm??? It has been 14 days since she last ate and she just came out of shed a few days ago so I thought she would be starving. She was eating f/t but I thought a live rat would be irresistible.

Nice looking girl. I'm also entertaining the idea of adding a boa to my collection

Super video! I've been logging the time from "In the blue" to shed and it's been 5 days every time. But it looks like you have the answer and a sweet video to boot!

So I guess it's about time I get a photo or two here to show her off. I don't have the best camera but I think this gets a good idea of her coloring. Still though I can't be happier with her!! Let me know what you guys and gals think!
https://mail-attachment.googleuserco...yPtxiAdBc6nRU4

https://mail-attachment.googleuserco...IxGfMt8faYw51s

How did I miss this thread?? Looks like you have gotten good info. Boas are awesome. Congrats!!!

Can't see the pictures. poop....... :tears:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Can't see the pictures. poop....... :tears:

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Wierd, I can see them. I will try something else and post again!

[IMG]http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/...psb3230e75.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/...ps55e65245.jpg[/IMG]

Are these showing up?
I still can't believe how much I am in love with this girl!

They are showing up. She looks awesome. Gratz! :)

I've been thinking about making the switch too :) I think I will get one in the future! Hopefully one as pretty as yours. She's gorgeous!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

She's a beauty!

Thanks for the pics and video.

Now I know why my Ball poops in his water bowl after/during his shed.

I can see them now!! She is lovely! :bow:

So I finally came up with a name for her, it might be kinda dumb but oh well. If there are any sci-fi geeks around you might know what its from. Her name is Number 6. If anyone can guess it gets the winner winner chicken dinner!!

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Originally Posted by Ronin

So I finally came up with a name for her, it might be kinda dumb but oh well. If there are any sci-fi geeks around you might know what its from. Her name is Number 6. If anyone can guess it gets the winner winner chicken dinner!!

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Battlestar?

Star Trek?? :D

"So I finally came up with a name for her, it might be kinda dumb but oh well. If there are any sci-fi geeks around you might know what its from. Her name is Number 6. If anyone can guess it gets the winner winner chicken dinner!!"


The series THE PRISONER? Also an Iron Maiden tune.


I am not a number,,,, I am a free man!!! LOL!

Hey Gio, did you see the new thread I made?? It's in this forum and called "Sooo.....Went to an expo today and something followed me home"

:D:D:D




** Btw, clear out your private messages! We can't message you - you've exceeded your limit. I know you're awfully popular and all, but some of us lowly peons would like to say hi once in awhile.... :P


*** Ok, sorry for the thread hijack..... ;)

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Hey Gio, did you see the new thread I made?? It's in this forum and called "Sooo.....Went to an expo today and something followed me home"

:D:D:D




** Btw, clear out your private messages! We can't message you - you've exceeded your limit. I know you're awfully popular and all, but some of us lowly peons would like to say hi once in awhile.... :P


*** Ok, sorry for the thread hijack..... ;)

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Ha OK, I'll clear it out, and no I have not seen the thread.

I know I won the name contest here for guess the Sci Fi series of where the name came from.

I'll clear stuff out and look at the thread.

:hijackd: lol

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Battlestar?

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Congrats jclaiborne!! Its from Battlestar Galactica!!

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/...60_233x423.jpg

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Originally Posted by Ronin

Congrats jclaiborne!! Its from Battlestar Galactica!!

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/...60_233x423.jpg

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Also from The Prisoner. I feel like a moron now. Which is OK cause I am one LOL!

But there is a #6 quote from that series and you can hear it in the Iron Maiden song Prisoner as well.

But I'm OK with not being the winner.

THE JUMP TO BOAS is the most important thing here.

No morons here Gio! You get the runner up prize!!