Husbandry, Care, etc.

[rynpckrd]

Now that I've had the opportunity to own one snake and am still gaining experience from taking care of it, I'm already doing my research for the next snake I want to acquire in the future.

Despite their size, the reading I have done has indicated that Red Tail Boas are ideal follow-up snakes for Ball Python owners (i.e.: beginner snake owners like me).

I wanted to take this opportunity to find out from you guys what measures you take to building and managing a proper cage for a baby Red Tail. I did read that a 10-gallon tank is sufficient for up to a year, but that I'd have to purchase a tank as big as 75-100 gallons eventually, is this right?

Are the living conditions that a Ball must have comparable to what a Red Tail needs?

[Meady]

I followed the same path as you did, and found this site very helpful: http://www.redtailboas.com/general_c...eral_care.html

If you need anything just PM me.

--Meady

[rynpckrd]

When I talked to the breeder, she suggested getting a 20-gallon tank to start with. Seeing as how I probably cannot afford one of the custom made enclosures that the care sheet you provided a link for recommended, I'm going to simply pursue a glass aquarium or terrarium specific tank.

Would this be good to start with?

[Meady]

If its just a hatchling then yes, a 20 gallon should be sufficient for a while. However you must keep in mind that a red tail grows to be a very large animal, and you will eventually need a large enclosure. Another noteworthy point about boas is then tend to grow rather quickly from my experience if you feed them the correct size prey once a week. So a 20 gallon is sufficient for now, however be prepared to upsize that before the year is gone.

--Colin

[tigerretic76]

20's are a good size for baby boas, but keep in mind, it is much tougher to keep the humidity at the necessary levels

[ScottyBoa]

When I talked to the breeder, she suggested getting a 20-gallon tank to start with. Seeing as how I probably cannot afford one of the custom made enclosures that the care sheet you provided a link for recommended, I'm going to simply pursue a glass aquarium or terrarium specific tank.

Would this be good to start with?

Then you should not be getting a boa until you can afford to properly take care of it. The snake could outgrow the 20L in less than a year and then you'll be back to square one, only with a 3ft+ rapidly growing boa. And its not like a properly set up 20L will be cheap either...

For multiple animals a rack setup is the way to go anyways. Tanks are probably the worst. I have 1 tank and I will never house a snake in one again after I move her out into the new rack I just built.

[rynpckrd]

Then you should not be getting a boa until you can afford to properly take care of it. The snake could outgrow the 20L in less than a year and then you'll be back to square one, only with a 3ft+ rapidly growing boa. And its not like a properly set up 20L will be cheap either...

For multiple animals a rack setup is the way to go anyways. Tanks are probably the worst. I have 1 tank and I will never house a snake in one again after I move her out into the new rack I just built.

My intent would not be to settle for a 20-gallon tank throughout its entire lifespan. Simply, I was told by the breeder that this size would suffice for up to a year and then afterwards, I would need to obviously pursue something larger.

However, if there is something better than what I have in mind, then I would rather pursue that, especially since I'd have multiple snakes. Could you refer me to a link that explains a rack setup?

[Meady]

There are a bunch of things you can base off in the DIY and Caging forums. However here is an article which has a sort of walk through included.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=50959

Cheers,
Colin

[jere000]

i would feed every 2 weeks your boas will grow healthier and live longer and they wont get as big as fast

[Oroborous]

A 20 long glass tank will work just fine for the first year of a boa's life or even an appropriatly sized plastic tub. But be prepared to invest in a larger enclosure after your boa out grows this. My boa is at this stage and I am ordering him a 4'LX2'W15''T Animal Plastic terrarium. Here's a link to their website.
http://animalplastics.com/
Those cages I think are worth investing in. They'll cost you a bit more than a glass tank, but are much better for housing snakes. Here's another helpful link on BCI care.
http://www.vpi.com/publications/boa_constrictor
I love my boa and I think they make excellent pets. If you decide to invest in one i suggest you do all the research you can first and then look for a reputable breeder.