Ball Python vs. Red Tail Boa

who'd win in a fight? No i'm joking. I was wondering if someone could compare owning a BP to a RTB. Besides the obvious size difference, are RTB's the same as far as care goes? (given a good viv)

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Originally Posted by Shaffer

who'd win in a fight? No i'm joking. I was wondering if someone could compare owning a BP to a RTB. Besides the obvious size difference, are RTB's the same as far as care goes? (given a good viv)

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RTBs are a little easier in my opinion. Less need for supplemental heat if the room temp is suitable (I keep mine at about 82-86) and certainly no feeding problems. They are voracious eaters. They are not timid and dont require hides. I am sure I am missing something but I am sure others will jump in.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

RTBs are a little easier in my opinion. Less need for supplemental heat if the room temp is suitable (I keep mine at about 82-86) and certainly no feeding problems. They are voracious eaters. They are not timid and dont require hides. I am sure I am missing something but I am sure others will jump in.

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Red tails do require hides, they just don't use them.

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Originally Posted by bpkid

Red tails do require hides, they just don't use them.

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if they don't use them, why are they required?

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Originally Posted by bpkid

Red tails do require hides, they just don't use them.

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If they don't use them, why would you think they are required?

How do you think they compare in terms of temperament - both in terms of aggression and how inquisitive and "personable" they are?

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Originally Posted by the_deeb

How do you think they compare in terms of temperament - both in terms of aggression and how inquisitive and "personable" they are?

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Way more inquisitive and outgoing.

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Originally Posted by jglass38

If they don't use them, why would you think they are required?

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Just incase they want to use them. I worded my post wrong. I meant to say that they are out and about alot.

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Originally Posted by the_deeb

How do you think they compare in terms of temperament - both in terms of aggression and how inquisitive and "personable" they are?

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I have always heard RTB's to be more aggressive, but like was already mentioned, are voracious eaters.

My RTBs have yet to refuse a meal, but when Wrigley was young, regurged a couple of times. None of our balls have done that. But Zeus is on a hunger strike right now, and even after having been put in the new homes all our boas, (babies, subs- and adult) have eaten every week.


BUT, Wrigley has been pi**y, esp. right b4 he's gone blue, and I've been tagged by Hera, but not by our balls (Pi**y Snake was the exception there). Even our latest 3 baby boas, Apollo, Petey and Pinky T are very loving and inquisitive.

I enjoy them all, but I can see where our collection is becoming more boa than ball right now.....lol but I see that changing soon! (As soon as I can save for a het pied and het albino pair. :D :D )


RuLyn

P.S. Congrats on your latest baby, the RTB. :)

Hera as an adult uses her hides, but when I had to take them out for about a week, it didn't seem to bother her. Petey is just now using his hide for the first time since we got him 2-3 months ago and Wrigley uses his about 50/50. Pinky and Apollo burrow in the bedding and don't use the hides at all right now.


R

I have two BPs and one RTB, and love them all to bits. But I would agree that Kinky, the RTB, is a bit more outgoing. She would rather be exploring and checking things out, while the BPs are content to laze away most of their time in their hides. All of them have their own temperaments and attitudes, though----including the little snakes I have---so it really varies snake to snake.


If you're trying to decide which one to get, think about cost involved, too. Whereas a BP is only going to get 3-4' in length and probably eat small-medium rats it's entire life, an RTB is going to get twice as big, maybe bigger, and could require anything from large/jumbo rats to small rabbits. The bigger the food source, the more expensive it is. Also, while a male RTB could probably spend it's entire life in very large plastic tub/rack, a big female is going to need a nice sized cage when she's an adult, which tacks on more cost (a BP can live in a tub it's entire life).

Just some stuff to think about. Money is important to me because I'm in college and work two jobs and still barely make enough to feed myself (or sometimes I go hungry while the animals eat, lol).

My adult boas do not have hides either.. and they never miss a meal.

Red tails come in many forms.. hog islands, colombians, surinames.. etc etc. Colombians being the most common are also the most laid back and calm. More apt to move about when you are handling them, they are much less shy.