Colombian vs. Guyana

I was thinking about potentially getting my Ashtin a RTB for Valentines day and was wondering the differences between the 2. Stuff like size, temperment? Are they both BCI or BCC? We would get a juvenile and keep it in my 40 breeder for now and then upgrade it to the larger size when it gets larger. What is your input, feedback, suggestions, etc.

The two species are very much different. In the pet trade, most Boa constrictor imperator are referred to as "red tails". Which is actually incorrect. Red-tails are Boa constrictor constrictor. However, to confuse you more, there are boa from Colombia (for the most part referred to as BCI) that are true red tails (BCC). But they are very very very uncommon in the pet trade. To save time, we'll say you are asking about Colombian BCI and not Colombian BCC.
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For the most part, yes, BCC get bigger. But this is a highly overstated comment. Every boa grows at a different rate, regardless of the ssp. You'll hear a lot of, "BCC get 8-12ft" or whatever. It's bogus. They do attain great lengths, but it's very uncommon to see a BCC over 10ft. Even more so one that is in good health and not obese. Expect both ssps. to fall in the 5-10ft range. Depending on what subspecies you get, sex, how often you feed, cage temps, genetics ect will aid in your boa's growth.
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The difference between the two ssp. (BCC and BCI) are as clear as night and day. Ruling out the different saddle and scale counts, tail color (overall color), the morphological look (head shape, body shape etc) are very much different. BCC have larger looking heads and are quite different looking than a BCI. BCC have a more rectangular shaped body while a BCI is more rounded. Again, you just have to look at a lot of photos to see the difference.
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Once you have looked at tons of photos between the two, it's very clear on the difference. Husbandry wise, they are the same generally. BCI tend to me more tolerant to errors than BCC as they can be sensitive if not cared for properly. I feel it's a good practice to treat all ssp. of the Boa constrictor the same way.

Most experienced observers can tell a Constrictor constrictor from a Constrictor imperator at a glance at any age but it is certainly true that a lot of smaller boas require a close look especially if you haven't looked at a lot of Boas.
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I personally believe that a boa's attitude or temperament is based on the care that it is given. If something is off, it will let you know. And I am going to cut it off there before I make this any longer. :)

If you feel the need to keep going then by all means. I want to try and figure out what needs to be figured out before I make a decision. So a Colombian Boa is a BCC and what is a Guyana? A BCC or BCI? I can understand where it could/is comfusing. What is a good site to see pics of both or a few websites specifically designed for the different species?

well found this site and it helped me to figure out that Colombians and Guyanas are both BCCs.

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Originally Posted by Little B-Py

If you feel the need to keep going then by all means. I want to try and figure out what needs to be figured out before I make a decision. So a Colombian Boa is a BCC and what is a Guyana? A BCC or BCI? I can understand where it could/is comfusing. What is a good site to see pics of both or a few websites specifically designed for the different species?

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Little B-Py

well found this site and it helped me to figure out that Colombians and Guyanas are both BCCs.

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Like I said, there are Colombian BCC, but they are rare. The vast majority are BCI. To this day, I have yet to see anyone with a Colombian BCC. They are all BCI. A Guyana is a BCC.
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Here's the best website, IMO.
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http://www.riobravoreptiles.com/index.htm

Well she wants a red tail so I guess I'm gonna go with a Guyana then.

Do your homework. Guyana/Suriname boas are not easy to care for unless you have prepared yourself.

Why are they so hard to care for? I have read the caresheets about them. The info is basically the same as the balls minus some temp differences. I understand that they get large in both weight and length. It also shows on the bp.net caresheet that they are a beginner rating.

That particular ssp of boa aren't forgiving to husbandry errors (i.e temperature and humidity fluctuations, vibrations, overfeeding, frequent feedings, excessive handling etc) like royals and BCI's. Their not fragile reptiles, but you have to be careful with them.

There is a red tail at E.Bay that she plays with every time we go there and she is perfectly content with being played with. She just crawls around her and typically rests her head on top of Ashtin's head.

I have a BCC and we had some problems with her when she was a baby - she regurged and had (or not, we're still not sure - bad vet) RI...but temp/humidity, if you have BP down, BCI or BCC shouldn't be a problem. =)

My girl now is fit as a fiddle...and getting big!

Excellent advice given Brandon!

My experience is only with BCI's so I'll speak to that. Personally I love the 2 we own - an almost 9 foot female and a much smaller and younger male. I believe as Brandon does that how you work with them and socialize them determines to a great degree the attitude of your BCI. Handle them with confidence, with gentleness, develop habits they can learn and depend on - you get a lovely boa buddy. :)

I would say a few things though about getting a boa. Firstly, buy from a good breeder, not a pet store. Starting out with a healthy young boa, that has an established feeding history and has been properly sexed and cared for gives you as a new boa owner a better chance for success. Also remember that most BCI females far outgrow the males so think to the future and just how big a snake you want to deal with. Our 9 foot female, while a dream to handle, is a snake you cannot act stupid with and requires large housing. For some a male BCI is a much better choice.

As has been said, BCI's tend to be very easy to care for snakes and not as exact in their husbandry requirements. They tend to be aggressive feeders with a hard hitting and long strike range. Ours rarely refuse a meal and show no real prey preference.

If this is for a pet, I would defentlly get a BCI. I had several as a teenager/young adult, and they were sweet, even tempered animals.
I currently have a male and a female BCC. (Guyanas) Not so sweet... I've had Margo for many years now, and I still can't read her. There is the import factor too. If I'm correct... until recently there were not as many people successfully breeding BCC's... so there were way more baby BCI's that were produced from a breeder than there were BCC's. Everything I've heard labels the BCC's as "grumpy" compared to the Colombians... I'm SURE there are exceptions... especially a cb baby...but again, for a pet I would defentlly go for a pretty, sweet Colombian from a reputable breeder! *JIMMI* ;)