BC Boa Info Needed

[dakski]

Correct me if I am wrong, but it is looking like their care is fairly similar to bp's just less forgiving and on a bigger scale.

I agree with Rich. Similar for BI - but more humidity and even more for a BC.

Also feeding schedules and growth rates are very different. As is food response.

Boas are garbage disposals and eat anything live or F/T. However you will want to hook train a boa.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

Yeah I am definitely planning to hook train. I can imagine a bite from a boa could do some pretty good damage.

[jmcrook]

Highly recommend this text if you plan to work with boas. This is essentially the Bible for the Boa genus

https://www.amazon.com/The-More-Comp.../dp/1938850297


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[Reptile$ 4 Life]

I will definitely check out this Boa Bible.

[Jboyzboas]

Highly recommend this text if you plan to work with boas. This is essentially the Bible for the Boa genus

https://www.amazon.com/The-More-Comp.../dp/1938850297


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I agree best book available!


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[Reptile$ 4 Life]

So I know that ball pythons should be started out in a smaller terrarium and I guessing the same applies for boas. I am definitely going to do a quarantine bin so what would be a good sized bin for a baby BC? Also at what size/age can you move them to an adult enclosure?

[dakski]

So I know that ball pythons should be started out in a smaller terrarium and I guessing the same applies for boas. I am definitely going to do a quarantine bin so what would be a good sized bin for a baby BC? Also at what size/age can you move them to an adult enclosure?

Boas are usually not as shy as BP's. In fact, they are usually no where near as shy and are more adventurous and curious.

They also rarely refuse a meal, so you have gauge stress in other ways, although I imagine a severely stressed Boa wouldn't eat either.

My two cents is that a Boa will do fine in a large enclosure as young boa, PROVIDED, they are given plenty of hiding spaces and maybe even block the front of the tank. For what that's worth, I have drapes over all my boa tanks to prevent food striking at the acrylic doors when I walk by at night . Did I mention food drive is good with boas? This also means, since I have Boaphiles/PVC tanks, that all 4 walls are closed/dark. This adds to security.

Jeff, my male VPI+ Sunglow Motley Jungle BI, has been in his "for life" 6X2' since about 200G and off quarantine. He's eating like a pig and is growing like a weed and calm as can be when handled. Where as Behira, my 4 year old BI who is about 2KG, has 4 hides, and could have two, Jeff has 6 and they are arranged so the tank is cluttered and he doesn't have to go far to be in a hide.

IMO - the benefits of a PVC tank versus a cheaper temporary tank greatly outweigh any stress the boa might have from being in a larger enclosure.

I would get one tank that will house your animal as an adult and put them there after quarantine.

I am sure others have different opinions, but this has worked for me. I would not do the same for a young BP, hognose, etc. for what's it worth. However, it has worked for me with corn snakes, Carpet Pythons, boas, and even an adolescent BP - female about 500G (lots of clutter again).

[Gio]

So I know that ball pythons should be started out in a smaller terrarium and I guessing the same applies for boas. I am definitely going to do a quarantine bin so what would be a good sized bin for a baby BC? Also at what size/age can you move them to an adult enclosure?

It depends on the species. I had my locality BI (BCI) in a 4 x 2 x 14" before the age of 1 year.

I would wait longer for some, but not all of the true red tail species.

Although my boa is a natural cross between the two, BC and BI species. You will be able to read that in the book.

A very early version of this particular cage. The royal python has it now.





The boa occupies a 4' x 30" deep by 20" tall cage. The biggest mistake I've made here is not opting for a 2 foot tall cage. He still climbs and the cage is a very nice fit, but the extra 4 inches of height would have been nice.



If you are on the fence between BI and BC, this is a Barranquilla, Colombian BI.


One of the most beautiful BI's out there. I'm not saying that because he's mine, I'm saying it because you can get the BC beauty with the BI hardiness.

Although an Argentine or Peruvian BC can handle a lot.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

I think I'll get the adult enclosure like you suggested and make sure to black out the sides. Upgrading terrariums can be a pain.

I saw the Barranquilla BCI on MorphMarket and I have to admit I was very intrigued. I'll definitely look into them.

[Reptile$ 4 Life]

How much of an emergency saving should I have for the snake? Things go wrong in shipping, or the snake could get sick, or have parasites.