Need help with next snake decision

Greetings from Chicago! My name is Chris, this is my first post.

Well, I am excited for the NARBC that is coming near me to Tinlay Park in October. I will be looking for my next addition, and I was wondering if anyone had any two cents to help with my decision.

I am looking for a thicker constrictor (no colubrids), but preferably nothing more than 4-6 ft. Based on a lot of research I have it down to a 1)sumatran short-tailed python (looks like captive bred ones have nice temperaments and while they are super muscular the length is reasonable), a 2)Hogg island boa (seems like they are very curious and easily handlable for the most part, 3)Peruvian Long Tailed boa (again, great length and many examples of very tame ones), and a 4)Dumeril's boa (size seems just right, known to be very docile, however I do worry that they have a reputation for going on hunger strikes).

Any experienced owners have any opinions that can help me? The way I see it I can't really go wrong but of course I seek your experience.

Thanks!

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My vote is Dumerils or STP. Currently I have a STP and a BCI.

I think Hogg Island boas can exceed 4-6' (though males might stay smaller), & personally I'd go with a Peruvian long-tail or Dumeril's...but this is a really personal
choice, sometimes you just "go with your gut" when you see what's available too. ;) Just research the care on each to make sure nothing will turn you off, as all
are a little different. I like plain ol' male BCI's too, but that's not on your list.

I have a female Dumerils. She's well over six feet, and since she's heavy-bodied she feels a lot bigger than my boa imperators that are the same length. So, if you want a shorter one, get a male.

Tarahumara boas are the smallest boa imperator locality. Males top out around 3.5', females at 4.5'.

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Originally Posted by ArmedPT

Greetings from Chicago! My name is Chris, this is my first post.

Well, I am excited for the NARBC that is coming near me to Tinlay Park in October. I will be looking for my next addition, and I was wondering if anyone had any two cents to help with my decision.

I am looking for a thicker constrictor (no colubrids), but preferably nothing more than 4-6 ft. Based on a lot of research I have it down to a 1)sumatran short-tailed python (looks like captive bred ones have nice temperaments and while they are super muscular the length is reasonable), a 2)Hogg island boa (seems like they are very curious and easily handlable for the most part, 3)Peruvian Long Tailed boa (again, great length and many examples of very tame ones), and a 4)Dumeril's boa (size seems just right, known to be very docile, however I do worry that they have a reputation for going on hunger strikes).

Any experienced owners have any opinions that can help me? The way I see it I can't really go wrong but of course I seek your experience.

Thanks!

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Dums are known to be picky eaters. It is a common question in the Dum Facebook group. Mine is somewhat like that (He will not touch rats and loves mice that are not too big like jumbos) but not as bad as my ball python who will refuse if I had to pick him up the day before feeding day. But even without a meal or two, the physical difference between the two is obvious: my Dum as a baby who went without a meal for 2-3 weeks lost almost no weight vs my bp as a baby who went without food for the same amount of time lost little weight but his condition is starting to show.

In comparison to bloods and other boas, I have yet to encounter a Dum that is as thick bodied as they are. Their size is big but nothing as impressive as the width and heaviness of an adult blood. And Dums take years to mature. If you want to invest that time and money on something that is impressively big, Dums will disappoint you.

Ok, looks like another confirmation with the Dum's being picky eaters. Again not a complete turn off but just something to consider.

I looked into just regular BCIs but I have seen so many examples of males getting over 7 ft long, and those aren't even true red-tails. The colombian BCIs do have an excellent reputation for temperament.

I have also heard STPs make a TON of urine and their bedding needs to be changed out more frequently than other species, but again I am not sure how true this is.

Thanks so far guys, this is helping!


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It's probably true that many Dums are picky eaters...I just like how they look, mostly...& haven't researched that much about them as I'm not planning to add
any snakes. I'm glad you're doing your homework on possible additions...better to know now than have regrets in getting the wrong one for your expectations.

Many pictures you see online of BI's/BCI's are overfed Boas. People wanting to show how big their snakes can get.

A properly fed male BI could be 7FT, but likely, much less, and almost definitely thinner bodied. Read up on some of the feeding schedules/regimes for BI's. Slow growth is the way to go. A male BI that reaches 7FT, who is fed properly, would take a long time to get there. "Adult size" should be reached in 4-6 years (depending on individual, male vs. female, and feeding schedule). However, they grow their whole lives. So, I properly fed male BI probably wouldn't get to 7FT, if at all, for 6-9 years.

There are a few really good dwarf boa breeders out there. If you want to ensure a smaller size. However, when I spoke to Vin Russo about buying a dwarf boa from him, he said many were very temperamental and do not share the gentle nature of most BI's. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, BI's are puppy dog tame (aggressive feeders yes, and should be hook trained, but when handled, a dream). Many dwarf species, not so much.

I ultimately worked with Tommy Carpenter (TC Reptiles) to get a "dwarf" Venezuelan BCC/True Red Tail from the Rio Bravo line. I believe only two breeders are working with these currently. The females max out about 6FT and the males 4-5FT. They are known for their docile nature. They are also not as prone to humidity issues and feeding issues (true red tails can get regurgitation syndrome while most BI's and this line of BCC tend not to). Not saying you need to get one of these guys, but I had a good experience with both Vin Russo and Tommy Carpenter. Both were honest about what they had and what would fit me best.

I would talk with Tommy or Vin if you want a locale/dwarf species. I believe Tommy is working with BCL as well, but I am not positive. No idea with Vin right now.

PM if you want an intro to Tommy, or just reach out through his webpage or FB. Vin responds well to the email on his page.

Getting back to what you should get. If you can handle a crazy food response, but reliable eaters (garbage disposals practically) get a BI (male) or locale or dwarf boa. In my experience, the BI's and the BCC tend to have the best personalities, and I haven't been as impressed with the few dwarf species I've handled (aside from Feliz and what I've heard of his line). However, I have limited experience and working with a good breeder who knows their animals is important. Dumerils are supposed to be very calm and I've handled adults before and they seem pretty chill. I cannot comment on feeding issues since I do not have direct experience.

STP's I have little experience with, but believe they are not as easy to handle. They like to be supported and get heavy. A Boa you can drape over your shoulders, or wrap up in your arms, etc. They like to climb and do a good job of supporting themselves.

My vote would be Boa (BI or dwarf/locale species). A male BI could live happily in a 4X2' or a 5X2' at the most for life. A dwarf/locale species, a 4X2' easy, or even a 3X2' possibly. With boas I add length and depth/width and want it to be the same size or bigger than the length of the snake.

The one thing I will ask is why your aversion to a 7FT boa versus a 5-6FT boa? Is it tank size? Intimidation?

As mentioned, Boas take a long time to reach size, and you will have time to get to know each other if you end up with a male BI, for example. I ended up with a female BI as my first Boa, not necessarily wanting a large animal, but Behira was at a local breeder, was a year old and established, and had one of, if not the best, personalities and temperament of any boa he had. That mattered more to me than getting a smaller animal. I also have room for her 6X2' Boaphile.

Regardless of what you choose, good luck, keep doing research, and keep us in the loop.

P.S. Be extra careful with the temp and humidity requirements with whatever you choose. BI's and many locale boas like reasonable humidity most of the time and for a good shed. Also, they tend to prefer slightly lower temps than BP's on the hot side. Dumerils, I believe, even more so.

Also, my boas tend to use the bathroom every 2-3 weeks, depending on feeding schedule, often with a urine and urate in there somewhere in between. Feliz eats every two weeks now and goes once every two weeks with a urine in between usually. Behira eats every 3 weeks and goes every 3 weeks. So, I usually have to clean her tank and change paper (I use printless newspaper as substrate) every week or two. Keep in mind, she is 3 years old, 5FT and 1,600G and eats a medium rat (105-115G on average) every 3 weeks. So it's not like I am stuffing her. I believe she is happy and healthy and she is growing well on this diet and duration of feeding currently.

How about something a bit more unusual, like a woma python.
Females get to around 6/7 feet, males around 5/6 feet.
No feeding issues, apart from making sure you don't over feed them.
Or super dwarf retics?

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Originally Posted by Ian14

How about something a bit more unusual, like a woma python.
Females get to around 6/7 feet, males around 5/6 feet.
No feeding issues, apart from making sure you don't over feed them.
Or super dwarf retics?

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Woma Pythons are a great suggestion !!

So beautiful, so active and inquisitive.. almost like having a SD Retic ;)


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Originally Posted by ArmedPT

Ok, looks like another confirmation with the Dum's being picky eaters. Again not a complete turn off but just something to consider.

I looked into just regular BCIs but I have seen so many examples of males getting over 7 ft long, and those aren't even true red-tails. The colombian BCIs do have an excellent reputation for temperament.

I have also heard STPs make a TON of urine and their bedding needs to be changed out more frequently than other species, but again I am not sure how true this is.

Thanks so far guys, this is helping!


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Most feeding issues with Dums are with the babies. This is a shy species in general so babies are more likely to not eat. Some Dum owners even try feeding baby chicks to get them started and had success with that. Compared to a ball python, Dums feeding issues are minor and easier to fix.

Fyi, Dums drink a lot and urinate a lot. They like to burrow so cleaning out the entire enclosure is a must on a weekly to biweekly basis (Depending on size and how much it pees).

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Woma Pythons are a great suggestion !!

So beautiful, so active and inquisitive.. almost like having a SD Retic ;)


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Womas are great eaters. They are long and thin.... About as thick as a Cali king. So if you are looking for width, womas will not meet that criteria.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Many pictures you see online of BI's/BCI's are overfed Boas. People wanting to show how big their snakes can get.

A properly fed male BI could be 7FT, but likely, much less, and almost definitely thinner bodied. Read up on some of the feeding schedules/regimes for BI's. Slow growth is the way to go. A male BI that reaches 7FT, who is fed properly, would take a long time to get there. "Adult size" should be reached in 4-6 years (depending on individual, male vs. female, and feeding schedule). However, they grow their whole lives. So, I properly fed male BI probably wouldn't get to 7FT, if at all, for 6-9 years.

There are a few really good dwarf boa breeders out there. If you want to ensure a smaller size. However, when I spoke to Vin Russo about buying a dwarf boa from him, he said many were very temperamental and do not share the gentle nature of most BI's. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, BI's are puppy dog tame (aggressive feeders yes, and should be hook trained, but when handled, a dream). Many dwarf species, not so much.

I ultimately worked with Tommy Carpenter (TC Reptiles) to get a "dwarf" Venezuelan BCC/True Red Tail from the Rio Bravo line. I believe only two breeders are working with these currently. The females max out about 6FT and the males 4-5FT. They are known for their docile nature. They are also not as prone to humidity issues and feeding issues (true red tails can get regurgitation syndrome while most BI's and this line of BCC tend not to). Not saying you need to get one of these guys, but I had a good experience with both Vin Russo and Tommy Carpenter. Both were honest about what they had and what would fit me best.

I would talk with Tommy or Vin if you want a locale/dwarf species. I believe Tommy is working with BCL as well, but I am not positive. No idea with Vin right now.

PM if you want an intro to Tommy, or just reach out through his webpage or FB. Vin responds well to the email on his page.

Getting back to what you should get. If you can handle a crazy food response, but reliable eaters (garbage disposals practically) get a BI (male) or locale or dwarf boa. In my experience, the BI's and the BCC tend to have the best personalities, and I haven't been as impressed with the few dwarf species I've handled (aside from Feliz and what I've heard of his line). However, I have limited experience and working with a good breeder who knows their animals is important. Dumerils are supposed to be very calm and I've handled adults before and they seem pretty chill. I cannot comment on feeding issues since I do not have direct experience.

STP's I have little experience with, but believe they are not as easy to handle. They like to be supported and get heavy. A Boa you can drape over your shoulders, or wrap up in your arms, etc. They like to climb and do a good job of supporting themselves.

My vote would be Boa (BI or dwarf/locale species). A male BI could live happily in a 4X2' or a 5X2' at the most for life. A dwarf/locale species, a 4X2' easy, or even a 3X2' possibly. With boas I add length and depth/width and want it to be the same size or bigger than the length of the snake.

The one thing I will ask is why your aversion to a 7FT boa versus a 5-6FT boa? Is it tank size? Intimidation?

As mentioned, Boas take a long time to reach size, and you will have time to get to know each other if you end up with a male BI, for example. I ended up with a female BI as my first Boa, not necessarily wanting a large animal, but Behira was at a local breeder, was a year old and established, and had one of, if not the best, personalities and temperament of any boa he had. That mattered more to me than getting a smaller animal. I also have room for her 6X2' Boaphile.

Regardless of what you choose, good luck, keep doing research, and keep us in the loop.

P.S. Be extra careful with the temp and humidity requirements with whatever you choose. BI's and many locale boas like reasonable humidity most of the time and for a good shed. Also, they tend to prefer slightly lower temps than BP's on the hot side. Dumerils, I believe, even more so.

Also, my boas tend to use the bathroom every 2-3 weeks, depending on feeding schedule, often with a urine and urate in there somewhere in between. Feliz eats every two weeks now and goes once every two weeks with a urine in between usually. Behira eats every 3 weeks and goes every 3 weeks. So, I usually have to clean her tank and change paper (I use printless newspaper as substrate) every week or two. Keep in mind, she is 3 years old, 5FT and 1,600G and eats a medium rat (105-115G on average) every 3 weeks. So it's not like I am stuffing her. I believe she is happy and healthy and she is growing well on this diet and duration of feeding currently.

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Wow! Thank you for the excellent feedback! Really, it is more of a matter of space. I want to ensure that I have a happy, healthy animal. I will definitely take a regular mail BCI into consideration, I didn’t realize that many of the oversized ones are simply overfed.


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The price of a Woma has kept them out of my list, however with the NARBC coming up next month maybe I’ll find a reasonable price. I have been able to locate most of my options for $200 or less so far.


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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

Womas are great eaters. They are long and thin.... About as thick as a Cali king. So if you are looking for width, womas will not meet that criteria.

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I was really referring to their activity and inquisitiveness as I said .. even lengthwise they’re not too dissimilar .

I’m not sure I’d describe Woma Pythons as ‘thin’ tbh

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...01fbb3d34a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ba5427cf37.jpg


Can’t say Super Dwarf Retics are fat either ..
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9ac9d464f9.jpg

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Originally Posted by dakski

There are a few really good dwarf boa breeders out there. If you want to ensure a smaller size. However, when I spoke to Vin Russo about buying a dwarf boa from him, he said many were very temperamental and do not share the gentle nature of most BI's. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, BI's are puppy dog tame (aggressive feeders yes, and should be hook trained, but when handled, a dream). Many dwarf species, not so much.

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I'm keeping and breeding Tarahumaras. The adults are no more or less difficult to handle than any of my other boas. The babies are extremely defensive but are actually more hiss than nip, and they settle quickly once in-hand, unlike my BRB neonates.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I'm keeping and breeding Tarahumaras. The adults are no more or less difficult to handle than any of my other boas. The babies are extremely defensive but are actually more hiss than nip, and they settle quickly once in-hand, unlike my BRB neonates.

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How big do the males and females get? They have also been on my radar.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

Womas are great eaters. They are long and thin.... About as thick as a Cali king. So if you are looking for width, womas will not meet that criteria.

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A 6 foot python that's the same thickness as a 3 foot colubrid is a seriously underfed python!
I have a pair of yearlings that are currently 3 feet, and a lot thicker than a similar sized king. An adult male I also had was taking large rat weaners and the thickness of a forearm.

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Originally Posted by ArmedPT

How big do the males and females get? They have also been on my radar.

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My male is just over three feet. He is smaller than many of my ball pythons and could live happily in a 32-qt tub. My female is about 4.5 feet and has plenty of room in a 41-qt tub.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

My male is just over three feet. He is smaller than many of my ball pythons and could live happily in a 32-qt tub. My female is about 4.5 feet and has plenty of room in a 41-qt tub.

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And temperament? (I understand each individual can be different).

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Originally Posted by ArmedPT

And temperament? (I understand each individual can be different).

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The male is actually really chill, curious, and easy to handle. Typical boa food response but once he knows he's not getting fed he's fine.

The female is flightier but still easily managed. She just dropped a litter a few weeks ago so right now she's more likely to strike at anything that moves - she's HUNGRY.

Have you thought about carpet pythons?

Papuan (or Irian Jaya) carpet pythons stay small and share a lot of the features i've seen you mention (inquisitiveness, can be purchased for under $200 etc). They are semi-arboreal and will climb a lot, especially when young. They also have a lot of variation in their pattern/coloring as well, which is fun.

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Originally Posted by alittleFREE

Have you thought about carpet pythons?

Papuan (or Irian Jaya) carpet pythons stay small and share a lot of the features i've seen you mention (inquisitiveness, can be purchased for under $200 etc). They are semi-arboreal and will climb a lot, especially when young. They also have a lot of variation in their pattern/coloring as well, which is fun.

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I actually own an IJ LOL! She’s my little girl. You are certainly right, carpets are very inquisitive. Maybe a snake with a more lazy reputation to complement my carpet, like a Dum or SSTP

Glad to see we think alike tho!

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I love the Dumerils color, but I say get s SSTP. Everyone should have a STP

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

I love the Dumerils color, but I say get s SSTP. Everyone should have a STP

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And what is your favorite thing about them?


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Welcome to the forum ArmedPT! You and I share a very similar taste in snakes. :D

I can second dakski's recommendation of Tommy Carpenter and Vin Russo for locality boas. Both respond well to email, and I've actually traded emails with both of them this week regarding boa availability. Their Facebook pages are a good place to look to see what litters are being born.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, though in my case I may be picking my first snake up this weekend. If you don't mind me asking, was your IJ your first snake? Do you think an IJ would be overwhelming for a beginner? My shortlist is currently ball pythons, IJ carpets, and dwarf-to-medium locality boas (though I am entertaining the possibility of a male BI as well), and I'd love to hear more from owners of the last two before I take the plunge.

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

Welcome to the forum ArmedPT! You and I share a very similar taste in snakes. :D

I can second dakski's recommendation of Tommy Carpenter and Vin Russo for locality boas. Both respond well to email, and I've actually traded emails with both of them this week regarding boa availability. Their Facebook pages are a good place to look to see what litters are being born.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, though in my case I may be picking my first snake up this weekend. If you don't mind me asking, was your IJ your first snake? Do you think an IJ would be overwhelming for a beginner? My shortlist is currently ball pythons, IJ carpets, and dwarf-to-medium locality boas (though I am entertaining the possibility of a male BI as well), and I'd love to hear more from owners of the last two before I take the plunge.

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WrongPython,

I'll respond to your post here, but it's applicable to the thread as well.

I do not recommend Carpet Pythons as first pets, even smaller ones (like IJ and Darwin).

1. They can be nippy as young snakes

2. They are more susceptible than a Boa, or even a BP, to illness, such as Respiratory Infections (RI). My guy, Yafe, who as a thread here, got lost by fedex and had a full blown RI when he arrived. It took a lot time, dedication, and money, to get him back to good health and keep him there. Temps, humidity, and overall good husbandry (proper hides, climbing branches for a carpet python, cleanliness, etc) are key to maintaining the health of carpets, especially young ones. It's not just me. Not sure if you ever watch Cliff's Reptiles channel on youtube, but he took in a jungle carpet and the stress of the move (an adult snake mind you) caused him to get a terrible RI. He was able to save his life, but he's an experienced keeper, I am an experienced keeper, and that goes a long way if you have or get a sick animal.

3. They need really nice setups with height and branches/perches, etc.

The pros of these snakes are they are great display animals, calm down (generally) with age (although I totally lucked out with Yafe and did tell the breeder I wanted the calmest snake he had), and are great feeders. They are also inquisitive and fun to handle.

Frankly, I started with BP's but I am not sure they are best starter snake either because of the need for proper husbandry as well and the propensity for them to be picky eaters and go on fasts for long periods (my BP Shayna doesn't eat 4-5 months of the year like clockwork). Again, experienced keepers understand and have lived through these things, and we usually do not get upset (too much).

Boas are great snakes especially if you get one with a good temperament (which as stated earlier can be tricky with locale boas, but working with a good breeder means you might have better luck both with species and the individual). They are a little less sensitive to husbandry (both from what I've heard and experience) than Carpet Pythons, but in-line with a BP. Temps and humidity are pivotal. I would ask your breeder about any locale you get because that can differ. BI's are pretty bullet proof, but BCC's not as much. You are not looking for a huge snake, hence a male BI or locale boa, so BCC is off the table, but I wanted to mention it.

The two cons to boas are the size (less so with a male BI - and he will take a long time to get even male BI big) and for a new keeper especially, an epic feeding response. That can be intimidating to a new keeper, especially as they gain size.

Having said that, I adore my two boas and they are best snakes I have to handle. They are inquisitive, but calm and docile, and don't seem to mind being handled or get stressed to easily once really settled.

Frankly, and it's blasphemy on this site, as much as I love my BP Shayna, if I had to do it all over again, and could only have one snake, it would be a boa.

Yafe my carpet is awesome as well, but he tends to stress a little with too much handling at a time. Behira and Feliz (BI and BCC) both tend to get so comfortable being out, they often fall asleep in my lap. Shayna is the same way in terms of getting stressed/tired of handling fairly quickly. Yafe is improving with every handling session, and he was sick for a long time, so even though I've had almost a year, he has only been handled frequently the past 3-4 months.

You seem stuck on boas and pythons, and that's fine, but I also keep 2 corn snakes 20+ years into reptile keeping. They are so easy to care for and have great dispositions. I highly recommend them to people getting their feet wet in reptiles, who are unfamiliar with keeping humidity and temps perfect and also those not wanting to spend $500+ on a single setup for a snake. For proper home for a Carpet, Ball, or Boa, you will eventually, if not sooner, spend that to get a Boaphile, AP, etc. with proper heating elements and to have enclosure that keeps humidity and temps stable and proper. Add in thermostat(s), hides, water bowls, food items, etc. and you well past that mark. Also add perches for a carpet python.

Going back to the beginning, Carpets are fine if you can take a bite and give proper husbandry.

If you are already talking with Vin and Tommy, they can help you with enclosure needs, or at least what the Boa in question needs. We can help here with who to go to for proper enclosures.

I've said a lot here, but remember, you are making a 20+ year commitment with a boa or python. You want to make the right choice. I am not telling you what to do at all, but rather passing on my wisdom.

Finally, I recommend hook training all boas, carpet pythons, and anything that has a strong food response and can, at size, cause damage. I have a thread on here about that and can send you the link if you want.

Any further questions, post here, or PM me. I might be in white plains this weekend for the show, if that's where you were planning on going, and would be happy to meet up and discuss further, if I go. I believe Vin will be at the show as well.

On that note, going to a show, a reptile pet shop, etc. to see adult versions of these snakes and hold them, etc. might make sense too.

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

Welcome to the forum ArmedPT! You and I share a very similar taste in snakes. :D

I can second dakski's recommendation of Tommy Carpenter and Vin Russo for locality boas. Both respond well to email, and I've actually traded emails with both of them this week regarding boa availability. Their Facebook pages are a good place to look to see what litters are being born.

I'm kinda in the same boat as you, though in my case I may be picking my first snake up this weekend. If you don't mind me asking, was your IJ your first snake? Do you think an IJ would be overwhelming for a beginner? My shortlist is currently ball pythons, IJ carpets, and dwarf-to-medium locality boas (though I am entertaining the possibility of a male BI as well), and I'd love to hear more from owners of the last two before I take the plunge.

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I had a ball python when I was a teenager in the 90s, died of parasites. Pretty sure he was not captive bred like they told me.

Currently my IJ is my only snake. I am in love with her. Eats like a champ, immediately responded to strokes with her hook to bring her out of her enclosure, and has never once struck. Very inquisitive, even lets my kids handle her with my supervision. I almost thought about just getting another IJ but like most of us I like the variety.
Truthfully any beginner would be able to keep an IJ as long as you do your research and provide appropriate husbandry.


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I miss-wrote.

It's CLINT'S Reptiles, not Cliff's Reptiles.

This is the video I was referring too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-TP5YnaEyY&t=336s

Thanks for the honest and informative responses guys! Conversations like this are why I joined the forum. I hadn't come across carpet pythons' sensitivity in the course of my reading, so thanks for letting me know. I'm striking carpet pythons from the "first snake" list and relegating them back to the wish list. Sorry for jacking your thread a bit, ArmedPT!

For what it's worth, the reason why I'm interested in mid-sized pythons and boas stems from some work with colubrids in the past. While I adored a corn snake I worked with, it left me desiring a snake with a little more substance/girth. Since I plan on keeping all of my snakes for life (all 20-40 years of it!), I'd like to keep my collection small and focus on the species that I want now and would still want in the future. The fact that I plan on giving all my snakes large (4'x2'x2' and up), naturalistic PVC enclosures when they're ready is also leading me to keep things small and focused - I've done a full budget for a 4'x2'x2' naturalistic enclosure and, yeah, I'll definitely be keeping things small for what those cost!

My tentative plan is to find the appropriate boa now, spend a few years learning and growing with said snake, and then look to adopt or take a re-homed ball python down the road. I would like to adopt/rescue a snake at some point, but now's just not the time.

You're correct in assuming I'm heading to White Plains. It's really more of a reconnaissance/fun trip with a colleague of mine (who happens to fairly knowledgeable/more experienced snake keeper) to try to meet some adult boas, check out Vin's table (and maybe get his opinion), and decide if I'd rather go the common boa vs. locality boa route. While I'm not hard-set on buying at the expo, I'm trying to do my due diligence in case I end up loving the snakes I meet there and happen to come across "the one." Whatever you do this weekend, have fun!

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Originally Posted by ArmedPT

Greetings from Chicago! My name is Chris, this is my first post.

Well, I am excited for the NARBC that is coming near me to Tinlay Park in October. I will be looking for my next addition, and I was wondering if anyone had any two cents to help with my decision.

I am looking for a thicker constrictor (no colubrids), but preferably nothing more than 4-6 ft. Based on a lot of research I have it down to a 1)sumatran short-tailed python (looks like captive bred ones have nice temperaments and while they are super muscular the length is reasonable), a 2)Hogg island boa (seems like they are very curious and easily handlable for the most part, 3)Peruvian Long Tailed boa (again, great length and many examples of very tame ones), and a 4)Dumeril's boa (size seems just right, known to be very docile, however I do worry that they have a reputation for going on hunger strikes).

Any experienced owners have any opinions that can help me? The way I see it I can't really go wrong but of course I seek your experience.

Thanks!

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Hello Chris! I thought I would chime in with my 2 cents... I have a female hypo hog island boa and she is absolutely wonderful, and I am not just saying that because she is mine. I had always wanted to get a boa but did not want one that was going to be more than 6ft. I started researching different types of dwarf boa's and found that the hog island boa was just what I was looking for. I came across my girl at a local expo and have been super pleased with her ever since. She has a great appetite, beautiful color and pattern, puppy dog tame and not to long so easy to handle. I recently had to downsize my collection, but I definitely will be keeping this girl as she is the queen of the casa.. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Here are a few pics of my girl... My vote is for hypo hog island boa's ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d10a022996.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b3755d7d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...88a0f8bb18.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4ee74109b6.jpg

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Originally Posted by Jus1More

Here are a few pics of my girl... My vote is for hypo hog island boa's ...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d10a022996.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5b3755d7d6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...88a0f8bb18.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...4ee74109b6.jpg

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Now that’s a beautiful animal! I know that this locality happens to be naturally a bit hypo, but is it true that to be truly hypo, they need to be mixed with a Colombian?


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Can’t go wrong with any kind of boa constrictor in my opinion:) Boa imperator has the most “paint” options though.


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