which species ins best for a 6 foot naturalistic enclosure a ball python or boa bci?

Hi I want to buy a 6 foot enclosure for a female boa or ball python I want make it naturalistic with real plants branches to climb and natural hiding areas for the snake and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in a 6 foot enclosure a ball python or boa constrictor bci I want a female because personal perference the females get bigger and I want a snake that will be active and explore their enclosure climbing branches sleeping in their hides etc and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in an enclosure that size? im new on this forum and have never owned a snake before this will be my first snake.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

Hi I want to buy a 6 foot enclosure for a female boa or ball python I want make it naturalistic with real plants branches to climb and natural hiding areas for the snake and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in a 6 foot enclosure a ball python or boa constrictor bci I want a female because personal perference the females get bigger and I want a snake that will be active and explore their enclosure climbing branches sleeping in their hides etc and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in an enclosure that size? im new on this forum and have never owned a snake before this will be my first snake.

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I think adults of either species would be happy in a 6 foot enclosure. Neither species, however, are particularly active. It's hard to move those heavy bodies around. If you want an active snake, then you'll want to look for something more slender bodied. Fortunately for you, there are many to choose from.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

Hi I want to buy a 6 foot enclosure for a female boa or ball python I want make it naturalistic with real plants branches to climb and natural hiding areas for the snake and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in a 6 foot enclosure a ball python or boa constrictor bci I want a female because personal perference the females get bigger and I want a snake that will be active and explore their enclosure climbing branches sleeping in their hides etc and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in an enclosure that size? im new on this forum and have never owned a snake before this will be my first snake.

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I agree with Homebody- I've kept ball pythons & a large (female BCI) boa for many years in the past, & while they would welcome a 6' enclosure, neither species is big on climbing. I'd recommend considering other species if you plan to provide a taller enclosure with climbing branches & want a snake that's more active. There are "active" snakes that make great docile pets that would be a much better fit for what you have in mind. In addition, a ball python would take a long time to feel comfortable in such a large home- they don't tend to prefer activity or open spaces. Not to mention that both of those species are not ideal if you're totally new to snakes. Boas have a fierce feeding response, & BPs are the opposite- they can be a challenge to feed.

My suggested species for you to research include Trans Pecos or Bairds rat snakes (captive bred, of course- both are very docile & make excellent pets), corn snake, or an Australian Spotted python. Feel free to ask me why these all make great pets & what to expect. ;) You mentioned wanting a bigger snake, but there's drawbacks to that (more food = more output..."be careful what you wish for"!) & more snake experience is a good idea before getting a larger boa. Have you handled any snakes before? Like in pet stores & at friend's homes? And you didn't mention if you live alone...a larger snake is best when NOT handled alone, especially by a beginner. It's all about safety- you'd be surprised how strong even a slender constrictor snake actually is- they can choke you out- not saying they "want to" but accidents can happen, either when they sense prey or fear falling & hang onto you very tightly. They don't differentiate between your arm, your waist, or your neck- they just hang ON. ;)

I have handled snakes at reptile shows mainly ball pythons but what makes those species good for
me.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

I have handled snakes at reptile shows mainly ball pythons but what makes those species good for
me.

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The ones I suggested? You described the home you want your new pet snake to occupy, & these species are more active, outgoing, & they're built for climbing on branches- they'll be more fun to watch & interact with. They're still docile snakes (that's often what draws new owners to BPs) but BPs (& boas) are ground dwelling, & BPs naturally hide most of the time (more than the other kinds I mentioned).

The ones I mentioned are also much easier to feed, & all except the Australian Spotted Pythons (or Children's Pythons- they're very similar to Spotteds, but a bit smaller) require less heat in their enclosure than BPs (esp.!) or boas. What you aren't realizing is just how HARD it is to HEAT such a huge enclosure- because you're new at this. If it's too cool, BPs won't eat- and to keep them eating requires their home be kept much warmer even in the winter. I don't know where you live, but unless you live in the tropics, heating a snake's home when your own home cools off in winter is a BIG deal. BPs are also complicated because they need higher humidity- and that's VERY hard to do in a 6' enclosure. ;)

Compare that to a Trans Pecos or Bairds rat snake- they live in semi-arid desert areas- they're slender bodied but get to 5-6.5' long- and they're nosy snakes that love to hang out on branches. A BP will be hiding most of the time, & frustrating you by being a "picky eater", whereas these rat snakes (including the corn snakes) are much easier to feed on f/t (frozen-thawed) prey. The small Australian pythons need their home warmer & do best with a humid hide also, but they're fun little snakes with great appetites. (search the other threads here on Children's & Spotted pythons)

Few things are more discouraging to a new snake owner than having a pet that won't eat- the species I suggested are some of my FAVORITES* of all times- yet they're "very forgiving" of the miss-steps that most new snake-keepers make. The biggest drawback is that as hatchlings, they're tinier & more fragile, so they are a bigger risk of escaping until they grow. But a good way around that is to look for a well-started yearling+ snake that some breeders may have held-back for possible breeding, & then changed their mind about keeping. You'll pay a little more for a more mature snake, but you're more likely to have a much easier (better) time with it, while you're still learning how to be successful with snakes.

*And in case you're wondering- I've bred & kept hundreds of many more kinds of snakes in over 3 decades of keeping a non-stop house-full. I truly love all kinds of snakes for different reasons- they all have pros & cons- but I was thinking about matching your needs to what snakes need from you. If your heart is set on something else, fine- I just don't want you to not know what you're getting into. If you don't provide the correct conditions (heat, humidity, cleanliness, sense of security, space, light, etc.) for whatever species of snake you're keeping, it's not going work. If they're kept too cool- snakes won't eat. Kept improperly for their species, snakes are stressed -that lowers their immune system- making them more likely to get sick & not thrive or survive.

Snakes are much easier to keep healthy by providing the right environment than to get them well again when you blow it. (Exotic pet vets aren't cheap either.) And I assume you're in this for the long-haul success, right? But we also realize you'll take the best care of whatever you're most interested in- so the ultimate decision is yours to make. We're here to share our knowledge & experience, but then to help no matter what you decide.


Oh, and :welcome:

Thank you for the information I learned a lot and going to do some more research.

It sounds to me like an active heavy bodied beginner snake would be perfect for you. The problem is that I can't think of any that check off all those boxes. There are active beginner snakes; there are heavy bodied beginner snakes; and there are active heavy bodied snakes for intermediate keepers, but I can't think of a species that is all three. I think you are going to have to compromise on your criteria a little bit.

I'd advise you not to compromise on the "for beginners" criteria, however. If you've never kept reptiles before, their care can be counterintuitive. With mammals you can rely on your instincts a little bit, but not with reptiles. Their psychology and biology are just too different. So, you'll want the type of docile and hardy snakes that are forgiving of the mistakes that inexperienced keepers make. Most lists of the best beginner snakes include: corn snakes, ball pythons, milk/king snakes, hognose snakes, and garter snakes. Boas don't usually make those lists due to their size, but they grow slowly, so you'll have time to get used to it before it gets big.

Assuming a 6x2x15" (or 18") I think you'd be happy with a carpet python, tarahumara boa (aka boa sigma, used to be known as a dwarf locality of boa imperator), or Brazilian rainbow boa. Carpet pythons in particular really like to climb, perch, and be on display. Males get 6-7 feet, females a little longer.

Welcome!

Great that you are doing research and setting up a tank before getting a snake. You might not like some of the advice you get, but people on this forum want what's best for you and your snake. Keep that in mind. Also, at least I am not trying to tell you what to do. I've been keeping snakes for over 30 years and have a lot of experience. I want to help you avoid mistakes I've made and seen others make.

Having said that, I would probably advise against a large constrictor like a carpet python or (non-dwarf) boa. Carpet pythons are awesome snakes, as are boas. I have both (3 boas and 1 CP). However, large boas can be a handful when feeding and handling as can Carpet Pythons. I kept corn snakes and Ball Pythons for years before getting Boas and a CP.

I would lean more towards what Bogertophis said and look for a generally docile and active snake like a trans-peco or even a corn snake. I love corn snakes and they come in every color imaginable, are docile (usually), great eaters, and very easy husbandry wise.

New snake owners can be intimidated by the demands of maintaining temps, humidity, proper hides/decor, etc.

You said naturalistic. What do you mean? A complex setup can add to maintenance and if you end up getting more than one snake, can be a big time commitment.

How do you plan to heat this enclosure? What type of enclosure is it - PVC, glass, etc.? What are you thinking in terms of temp control/thermostats? What is humidity and temps where you live. All things to consider.

Additionally, what's the largest snake you have held and/or fed? Female BI's can easily weigh 10-20 pounds. That's a lot of snake.

I tell everyone interested in a Carpet Python or Boa to handle them and watch them eat before getting one. CP's are leaner, but very active. Boas are big and heavy bodied and very aggressive eaters. That can be intimidating for new keepers.

I suggest gathering as much information as possible and then making an informed decision. That seems to be what you are doing and I commend it.

We are here as a resource and want to help. Ask us anything.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Thank you for the information really appreciate I want a naturalistic enclosure I want just make it look like the wild have branches, tunnels or burrows to hide and explore, live plants and grass, rocks etc and provide a lot of enrichment for them to utilize. I want the enclosure to be made out of PVC I was going to use a mister for humidity that why I want live plants because it helps with humidity I live in NC it rains a lot during the summer get really hot about 70 degrees but it get cold around November and December. I have held snakes before mainly ball pythons but I also held a hognose snakes at the reptile expos I went to.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

Thank you for the information really appreciate I want a naturalistic enclosure I want just make it look like the wild have branches, tunnels or burrows to hide and explore, live plants and grass, rocks etc and provide a lot of enrichment for them to utilize. I want the enclosure to be made out of PVC I was going to use a mister for humidity that why I want live plants because it helps with humidity I live in NC it rains a lot during the summer get really hot about 70 degrees but it get cold around November and December. I have held snakes before mainly ball pythons but I also held a hognose snakes at the reptile expos I went to.

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I understand the attraction but I'd advise you against live plants- it's not realistic for what you want to keep, and it will distract you from your pet, because most snakes will trash most plants-it's that simple. And the lights required to keep a plant alive may stress out your snake. You want a habitat that duplicates the wild in appearance, but that's very difficult even for those with experience. "Bio-active" enclosures are advertised a lot these days- there's a reason for that- it's called "marketing"- some are making money off selling you that stuff. Doesn't mean it works all that well- & it's certainly not easy. ;)

And another thing- when you first get a new snake, no matter where it comes from, it's strongly advisable to keep it in minimal surroundings (on white paper towels for a substrate), with a water bowl & hides- NO decor that is porous- ie. made of wood, etc. where mites can hide or leave eggs. There is nothing sadder than seeing a keeper get a beautiful habitat set up for their snake, then have to dismantle it & throw away most of it because their new snake came with tiny mites they didn't see. Mites can kill a snake- they reproduce exponentially- so when we talk about quarantining all new snakes with minimal furnishings & being watchful- we mean it. For preferably about 2 months- to make sure they don't have parasites. They're spread easily* and they're common these days- it's a real set-back if you have to treat an already-stressed new snake for them, as it impacts their appetite & growth. (*When venders allow potential buyers at shows to handle their snakes, & then they don't buy them, they can also have passed along mites from another vender's animals...keep that in mind. ;) Good sellers minimize allowing people to handle their snakes.)

So "first things first". Whatever snake you ultimately get, it's best to let them settle in (without handling) until they're eating- at least 3 times easily at regular intervals (unless in shed- then it's normal for them to refuse meals). Remember that snakes are also exposed to various pathogens that you cannot see- and since stress (from being in a new home, & from being handled) diminishes their immune system functioning- that's another good reason to hold off handling & interacting with your new snake. Yes, we all know that's "torture" but put the snake's needs first- always. A snake that's too stressed won't eat, & snakes that don't eat (for a while) become weak & are at greater health risks- & ultimately (if they continue to refuse to eat) they won't survive.

In choosing a snake, keep in mind that the warmer it needs to be, the bigger challenge it's going to be if/when your home/room gets very chilly in the winter. Not everyone sets their thermostats the same- also, be prepared for power outages, for example. Many colubrids (such as corn & most rat snakes) are fine with more temperature variations & humidity. In fact, snakes that come from desert regions (Trans Pecos & Bairds rat snakes, & rosy boas, for example) require good air flow (screen topped enclosures) to stay healthy. So you should probably be choosing the kind of snake you want before you buy an enclosure for it. So it's good that you're here, researching & asking questions. It's a big decision- take your time. I have to admit that when the snake-keeping "bug" first bit me- and for a LONG time afterwards- I was smitten with practically every kind I saw, whether or not it was practical or even available where I lived. So we do understand how hard this is...

No such thing as a dumb question- we've all asked them too.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

...I was going to use a mister for humidity that why I want live plants because it helps with humidity I live in NC it rains a lot during the summer get really hot about 70 degrees but it get cold around November and December...

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A few more thoughts- I'd advise against using a mister, for anything other than perhaps a BRB (Brazilian Rainbow boa), which would be a very challenging first snake anyway, IMO. Misters are disruptive & not the best way to manage humidity. Keep in mind that if you do an enclosure with plants, you'll be frequently caring for them, & your very presence is likely to stress many snakes, especially when they're newly acquired. Snakes are mostly shy creatures.

And 70* is not 'hot'-:) I hope you realize that a BP (ball python) requires warmth of nearly 90* in part of their enclosure, & even the cool end shouldn't go below 77*. Not even at night. They also like dim lighting- that's not conducive to plants either. Compare that to a colubrid snake- like a corn snake, for example. My corn snakes are most comfortable around 75*, with a little added heat (UTH) in one corner that's in the low to mid-80's. My home t-stat in winter is set to 70*, & in summer, to about 80*- therefore, managing the temperatures of my snakes is that much easier. (I do have an Aussie spotted python that needs more heat, but my other snakes are rather easy to please & to keep healthy, without getting RI's from being too cool. The snake you choose is a long-term commitment, so maintaining the temperatures it needs to stay healthy (& eating!) is essential.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by herphunter

Hi I want to buy a 6 foot enclosure for a female boa or ball python I want make it naturalistic with real plants branches to climb and natural hiding areas for the snake and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in a 6 foot enclosure a ball python or boa constrictor bci I want a female because personal perference the females get bigger and I want a snake that will be active and explore their enclosure climbing branches sleeping in their hides etc and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in an enclosure that size? im new on this forum and have never owned a snake before this will be my first snake.

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Without a doubt a boa constrictor will be more entertaining in a larger enclosure than a royal python.

"They" say a royal python that is hidden away is a happy royal. The species is generally terrestrial and sedentary. We have ours in a 4' x 2' x 14" cage. She does climb and pops out now and then. She comes out when she's hungry and that can be after 7 months of hiding. We feed her every time she is ready, and when she's not, she lays low and does her thing.

I have a male, Barranquilla, Colombian boa and also a Brisbane, locality carpet that is female and a male Bredli python.

As far as carpets go, males and females in captivity can end up equally sized. In the wild, the male carpets from species that engage in pre mating combat will usually be larger. Nick Mutton and Justin Julander state that finding in both of their books. In captivity, females usually end up larger by choice of the keeper. Large males are not desired for breeders that have multiple animals.

Boa constrictors are more active, at times than some people think, and they are far more active in my experience than any royal python.

Carpets can be a bit more active than boas, however when my carpets are out, my boa is also out.

Both carpets and boas will use ceiling space and I recommend it for enjoying a display cage.


Here are a few pictures of the enclosures here.


Boa using perches in a 4 x 30" x 20" cage.
https://i.imgur.com/vU2wrfH.jpg

Same boa at a young age.
https://i.imgur.com/FhXRY70.jpg


Bredli in a 6 footer.
https://i.imgur.com/mrdqQ9d.jpg

Boa and Bredli.
https://i.imgur.com/67EkSoo.jpg


Brisbane Coastal female.
https://i.imgur.com/hWgRuw9.jpg

4 footer with 2 feet of ceiling space.
https://i.imgur.com/hWgRuw9.jpg

The cages are all pictured here. The 6 footer is on the left looking at the photos. I switch out the carpets and boa in the 6' cage.
https://i.imgur.com/Cn3Op8c.jpg

The boa has the big cage now. He's almost 7 feet long but there Bredli is closing in, and the Brissy is still young so she could wind up like my last coastal RIP. At over 8 feet long.



I read through most of the posts and as always BOGS has good info.

I honestly think a royal is better off in a smaller sized cage. By nature they like secure areas and in y experience don't roam a lot in a nice sized 4 foot cage, but they will use the space and they will climb now and then.

A lot of the activity is dependent on the season and whether or not the snake is in a feeding mode. If a royal is not hungry, often you won't see it. That's a good thing. The snake is well known for refusing food and inactivity.


The 2 most arboreal snakes I've owned are the current Bredli python here, and its evil predecessor, a male SD x Dwarf x mainland retic. He's gone but was a beautiful animal and I sometimes miss him. The Bredli is more than a nice replacement however.

My plants are fake.

The perches are made of some real tree branches and some dowels wrapped in fake vines.

I have fake rock backgrounds and really enjoy the naturalistic looks.

I'd say grab a nice boa or carpet and enjoy the show.

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Originally Posted by herphunter

Hi I want to buy a 6 foot enclosure for a female boa or ball python I want make it naturalistic with real plants branches to climb and natural hiding areas for the snake and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in a 6 foot enclosure a ball python or boa constrictor bci I want a female because personal perference the females get bigger and I want a snake that will be active and explore their enclosure climbing branches sleeping in their hides etc and I wanted to know which snake would be happier in an enclosure that size? im new on this forum and have never owned a snake before this will be my first snake.

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Back to the original question, herphunter: between the 2 species you started with, a ball python vs. a boa, I personally greatly prefer boas for their personality & easy feeding. I've only had one- a female- & eventually she just got larger (8') than I really wanted to deal with, but she was an unwanted rescue (yearling) that I was talked into taking, so I didn't have a choice of gender or locality. In hindsight, I'd have been happier with a male that stayed smaller, OR one of the dwarf species- but she needed a home & someone that understood how to calm her down- that was me. At first, I thought I'd rehome her after I fixed her bad attitude, but by then, I adored her too much to part with, so I continued to hope she wouldn't grow so large. In case you don't know, snakes grow their whole life- that growth slows down when they get older, but it does continue.

She had changed hands many times before I took her in, & was a feisty biter that required calm experienced hands where she could finally feel safe- once she learned she had nothing to fear with me, she stopped trying to bite & never once bit me. She was sweet & cuddly, actually- but she was not a beginner snake because of her innate temperament (on the feisty side) combined with her bad experiences with other humans. She did the only thing she knew- tried to bite in self-defense until she was convinced that she no longer had to worry. It takes time (experience) learning to read snakes- they're stoic & unlike other pets- I'm just forewarning you. ;) Boas are not usually suggested for beginners with snakes, because you're going to make mistakes. You will.

Anyway, back to your needs: a calm-tempered male boa with genetics that stay smaller may make a good pet for you if you get it as a neonate ("baby") so you can learn & adapt to it while it's still small. If you're going to get tagged (bit), it's much better when they're small. Boa teeth do hurt- and when you're new to snakes, you might not realize how to avoid nips- that's where snakes like corn snakes are great for beginners- when they're small, it's hard to even know you've been bit, as their teeth are too small to draw blood. Bites from even a small boa will hurt- but snakes bite for 2 basic reasons: either in self-defense, & you have to remember that we're big scary giants to them, OR because they're confusing you with food. Being a considerate owner will go a long way. Boas have a more relaxed, less shy, personality than typical BPs- & you do seem to want a heavier-bodied type snake. Boas are aggressive feeders & you'll need to use feeding tongs- trust me- they hit hard, & you never want to confuse a boa into thinking your "warm & wiggling" hand is the offering. :rolleyes:

The decision about what kind of snake to get falls on you- we don't really know you, your background or abilities. All we can do is offer you some tips, and pros & cons on various kinds of snakes. And answer your questions as you go.