Kind Of Boas....

So i am considering getting a RTB...i know there are diffrent kinds, and im doing my research, but i really want to ask people that know about it, from personal experiences. Which would be the best for a semi-newb? I am doing my research, and as long as i can find out what to do, ill take care of it with all my effort...But i dont want a snake that is giant either. A really mellow, well tempered snake...i was thinking columbian.
Suggestions?

Thank you all!!

Colombians are a classic choice in a boa constrictor.. can't beat the temperament, though females can hit 10'. Males do stay smaller, so you may consider that.

Also.. hog island boas stay smaller than your average colombian. Some are a bit more high strung than colombians, but they can make a nice pet snake. They have a distinctive look.

It was great talking with you yesterday!!!
There are many B.c.ssp. that all have differnt patterns, sizes, and temperments.
These are the recognized B.c.ssp.
Boa constrictor amarali
Boa constrictor constrictor
Boa constrictor imperator
Boa constrictor longicauda
Boa constrictor mexicana
Boa constrictor nebulosa
Boa constrictor occidentalis
Boa constrictor orophias
Boa constrictor ortonii
Boa constrictor sabogae
Boa constrictor sigma

Of course the Most common is the B.c.i. with a ton of indivual localities with many differnt apperances and temperments.

My only experience is with male Colombians (boa constrictor imperator) but I can't say enough about them. Very easy keepers, not prey specific or having a tendency to refuse to eat, not prone to regurges, able to take a reasonable amount of handling without any apparent stress, actually quite "friendly" for a snake, pretty hardy health wise and a wonderful temperment. Of course all this is very dependent on proper husbandry (including a large enough enclosure) and an appropriate feeding schedule. Males though smaller than females are still a good size, very strong snake however. We have fostered a 6 foot plus male and currently own a 3 foot yearling male...both are fantastic snakes with little to say as a "con" other than of course they do get fairly big, though nothing like a burm, retic, etc. I think they have all the benefits of a slightly larger snake without any real drawbacks.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

My only experience is with male Colombians (boa constrictor imperator) but I can't say enough about them. Very easy keepers, not prey specific or having a tendency to refuse to eat, not prone to regurges, able to take a reasonable amount of handling without any apparent stress, actually quite "friendly" for a snake, pretty hardy health wise and a wonderful temperment. Of course all this is very dependent on proper husbandry (including a large enough enclosure) and an appropriate feeding schedule. Males though smaller than females are still a good size, very strong snake however. We have fostered a 6 foot plus male and currently own a 3 foot yearling male...both are fantastic snakes with little to say as a "con" other than of course they do get fairly big, though nothing like a burm, retic, etc. I think they have all the benefits of a slightly larger snake without any real drawbacks.

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Yep Yep!! I have 2 boas about those same sizes Jo and I can say the same. I think they are the next step up before I "giant" snake. Just My oppinion though

my first snake was a rtb and she's been an absolute joy. I bought her when she was about 1 month old, so she's still really small (23 inches), but they get to be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet (males are smaller than the females). She's not tempermental at all, hasnt nipped me once. great feeder, took f/t with no problems, eats regularly. had some problems keeping meals down at first, but i just didnt give her enough time to settle in.
they usually dont get really big until about 2 or 3 years old, so by then you'll have much more experience with snakes and can handle a larger boid.

hope this helps!
:)

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Originally Posted by chibbi

my first snake was a rtb and she's been an absolute joy. I bought her when she was about 1 month old, so she's still really small (23 inches), but they get to be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet (males are smaller than the females). She's not tempermental at all, hasnt nipped me once. great feeder, took f/t with no problems, eats regularly. had some problems keeping meals down at first, but i just didnt give her enough time to settle in.
they usually dont get really big until about 2 or 3 years old, so by then you'll have much more experience with snakes and can handle a larger boid.

hope this helps!
:)

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A 3 yearold common boa may only be 5' which is no problem to handle for the average person. When they get 7-8' they can be a bit harder to control alone.

i have a hog island and a suri rtb. the hog island isn't a snake i can handle. my hubby has to. he hisses at me all the time and freaks me out :eek:

my rtb... well she's a complete sweetheart. i take her out with me whenever i go to the petstore... she's a complete gem!

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Originally Posted by Pork Chops N' Corn Bread

A 3 yearold common boa may only be 5' which is no problem to handle for the average person. When they get 7-8' they can be a bit harder to control alone.

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whoops. sorry bout that. i'm already thinking "five feet, oy vey!"
hehe.
:)

Don't tell that "3 year old, only 5 feet" thing to Ruari. He wouldn't be amused. Ruari is a common boa who Jo helped me rescue from two twits. He's around 2.5yrs old and is touching 7ft now. Loves his bunnies, he does :)

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

Don't tell that "3 year old, only 5 feet" thing to Ruari. He wouldn't be amused. Ruari is a common boa who Jo helped me rescue from two twits. He's around 2.5yrs old and is touching 7ft now. Loves his bunnies, he does :)

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Yep Rauri is a big boy! Always good to remember that mature sizes are only estimates and any individual snake can go either way when it comes to eventual full size at maturity, it's just not set in stone.

Rauri's a good example of a male BCI that though poorly cared for in some ways and going through multiple homes was nonetheless fed very well (he's never met a rat, guinea pig, bunny or other furry mammal he didn't LOVE). He's attaining a large size for a male BCI but thankfully is a supremely well natured snake. As Mike and I cautioned Becky when she offered him a home, this is still a big, extremely powerful creature that always will require strong housing and a watchful eye even given his normally stable personality. As much as we adored Rauri and our family's time with him, we followed rules about handling especially around with the children. We never wanted to put Rauri in a position of reacting poorly to some stupid mistake we humans made or forget that his sheer size and strength especially around very small kids was not something to be needlessly foolish about.

This was not said to put anyone off a larger BCI or scare anyone, but to be responsible in saying that though this is not classed as a giant snake, a BCI of Rauri's size should be respected and kept/handled appropriately.

Thanks guys! Im glad to hear that they are generally good snakes... I am so excited to get one! I can't wait untill the show! i just have to make sure i have a ride, otherwise i cant go....well...i can go, but my dad will be with me, and that means i cant buy a snake :( (he is opposed to animals, but when you get them, he ends up loving them. I have cought him holding Ed and talking to him. its cute.)

:rockon:

Thanks again!

BCI are nice; I have a male; and he is about 5'. He is pretty forgiving in the handling department; though I only get to take him out about once a week or so, he is never nasty about being removed, etc. from his cage. He has honestly never refused a meal in the years I've had him. :)
But, make sure you're into it for the long haul before getting something like this! I would definately suggest going someplace where you can see/handle an adult BCI (or whatever type you choose) and make sure it's for you. They definately don't stay cute and little for long! (They remain cute, but not little, lol.)