May I preach to the choir for a moment?

[John1982]

I'm seeing more BCC in that snake. It's probably a mix of some sort that will be impossible to nail down with certainty but if it were BCI I'd expect a more subdued tail and a greater number of saddles. Here's an excellent site that describes BCI and BCC, they even go so far as to offer descriptions for the localities as well, pictures included!

http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/b...or_constrictor

[WifeOfSlasher]

Thanks John1982! I've been reading through that site.

If the count is from head to vent... 20 saddles. Actual saddles... there's only 13. How do you count saddles?

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Exactly why I said in your other thread that I think he's a mix. I believe he's most likely half N half. He does show strong BCC influence. The 13 saddles, the head shape, the color and drastic color changes. But he is also lacking some key characteristics. Eyelash markings, connected saddles (the line along the sides which usually appears on the ones who lack major peaks), any peaks.

While my own Suri lacks many peaks, most of her peaks connected to form partial stripes. Perfect peaked saddles are not always THE indicator for BCC but don't get worked up over it.

So what if it's a Colombian or a mix. Honestly if the person it originally came from said Colombian that's what it is. Wether it has other blood mixed in there or not.

If you ever do decide to breed boas, unfortunately you won't be able to market it's offspring as anything other than BCI but that doesn't mean you can't mix it with some awesome BCI genes. Like albino, motley, etc..

Like another poster said, give it time. Age, color, size, may all tell you eventually if it is more likely to have BCC in there.

The housing differences are not drastic enough to matter. Mine is kept in a Boaphile cage stack with other snake species in the stack and she favors the hot side. saying they like it cooler doesn't apply to her.

[WifeOfSlasher]

But he is also lacking some key characteristics. Eyelash markings, connected saddles (the line along the sides which usually appears on the ones who lack major peaks), any peaks.

His head is so light in color. I think I see some markings above the eyes but I just can't tell. I am so excited to see his pattern and markings develop as he gets older. He does have a grand total of 4 peaks lol but no complete connection between his saddles. My pictures suck. Little booger does not sit still like ever.

The housing differences are not drastic enough to matter.

This is good to know and what was my major concern. Others seem to think that it is a big deal and thus why I am/was concerned. Thank you for letting me know that in all reality I don't need to worry about those differences.

[Daybreaker]

The tail screams BCC to me, but I'm still on the fence. And know that not all BCCs have the {} shaped/peaked saddles, some have the the )( saddles as well and yet they are still a BCC.

[Evenstar]

Exactly why I said in your other thread that I think he's a mix. I believe he's most likely half N half. He does show strong BCC influence. The 13 saddles, the head shape, the color and drastic color changes. But he is also lacking some key characteristics. Eyelash markings, connected saddles (the line along the sides which usually appears on the ones who lack major peaks), any peaks.

While my own Suri lacks many peaks, most of her peaks connected to form partial stripes. Perfect peaked saddles are not always THE indicator for BCC but don't get worked up over it.

So what if it's a Colombian or a mix. Honestly if the person it originally came from said Colombian that's what it is. Wether it has other blood mixed in there or not.

If you ever do decide to breed boas, unfortunately you won't be able to market it's offspring as anything other than BCI but that doesn't mean you can't mix it with some awesome BCI genes. Like albino, motley, etc..

Like another poster said, give it time. Age, color, size, may all tell you eventually if it is more likely to have BCC in there.

The housing differences are not drastic enough to matter. Mine is kept in a Boaphile cage stack with other snake species in the stack and she favors the hot side. saying they like it cooler doesn't apply to her.

Very well said and I totally agree.

This is good to know and what was my major concern. Others seem to think that it is a big deal and thus why I am/was concerned. Thank you for letting me know that in all reality I don't need to worry about those differences.

I still tend to recommend a 6x2 for a BCC, but as Foschi said, the housing requirements are not significant enough to be a concern. And a male BCC (and we've already established its a boy) should be just fine in a 4x2. I apologize if I made it seem like the caging differences were a big deal - they aren't.

There are actually fewer differences between a BCC and BCI than one would think. All in all, they are ALL Central American Boas and their care is pretty much the same as dictated by their native environment. Not that it really matters in the end, but I do believe yours is a BCC or at least a mix of BCC and BCI blood. You don't see a tail like that on a BCI without some BCC influence....

I'm sorry you had to deal with a jerk when inquiring for more information. In a perfect world, we'd all be dealing with conscientious and respectable breeders who care about every animal they produce. I had a feeling this was the attitude you'd get though. Good breeders don't usually sell to pet stores - even good pet stores.

Enjoy your little guy - whatever he is! He is super nice and will be an awesome pet for you!

[Vypyrz]

Once he reaches about 1 year or so in age, you will definitely be able to tell whether he is BCC / BCI by the shape of his head...

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk.

[WifeOfSlasher]

I apologize if I made it seem like the caging differences were a big deal - they aren't.

You didn't, no worries

I'm sorry you had to deal with a jerk when inquiring for more information. In a perfect world, we'd all be dealing with conscientious and respectable breeders who care about every animal they produce. I had a feeling this was the attitude you'd get though. Good breeders don't usually sell to pet stores - even good pet stores.

Yeah... I told my husband that we won't be making that mistake again. I had a brief love affair with the thought of getting one of the coral albino females they had there. The guys are really nice and they appear to be reputable but I was already given a huge amount of misinformation.

Enjoy your little guy - whatever he is! He is super nice and will be an awesome pet for you!

Thanks hon I will. I will also be sure to bomb from time to time with better pics.

[decensored]

Usually when a Boa is labeled Colombian, it's BCI

[decensored]

Here is my Colombian BCI 4 y/o sub adult so you can get an idea.