Snake Purchase Advice

[Saxguy101]

Hey guys,

I currently own a corn snake, and I really enjoy him, though as soon as I got my first snake, I've wanted more. What I'm wondering now is whether to get a Ball Python or a Red Tail Boa. I personally would rather have a Boa, but would it be practical since I'm not too experienced? I know that Boas are obviously bigger than Balls, but are they harder to care for aside from that? Are they not as docile? All in all, even though I would prefer a Boa, do I need more experience to own one?

Thanks guys!

~Saxguy101

[The Serpent Merchant]

Boas get really big, they are docile but if one gets pissed off, it's a lot more difficult to deal with than a ball python.

If I were you I would get a ball python or carpet python if you want something bigger than a ball, but not as big as a boa

[pigfat]

I think it depends on how comfortable you are with having a 6' snake on your shoulders. I have a baby red tail and so far he isn't any more difficult to keep than my balls, but eventually I will have to have a bigger cage (more money) and he will take larger rats than balls when grown(which means more money). Red Tails are pretty docile, mine is more tame than most of my ball pythons. If you know you can handle it, then red tails are a pretty good "starter" snake. But if you have any doubt on being able to handle a grown boa, have a large cage and larger food expense, I would get a ball python, and then maybe move up from there.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I think it depends on how comfortable you are with having a 6' snake on your shoulders. I have a baby red tail and so far he isn't any more difficult to keep than my balls, but eventually I will have to have a bigger cage (more money) and he will take larger rats than balls when grown(which means more money). Red Tails are pretty docile, mine is more tame than most of my ball pythons. If you know you can handle it, then red tails are a pretty good "starter" snake. But if you have any doubt on being able to handle a grown boa, have a large cage and larger food expense, I would get a ball python, and then maybe move up from there.

6' is on the small end, they can hit 12 feet

[Saxguy101]

I'm not worried about the size and money, and I'm planning on getting a baby if I do get a Boa. All I'm worried about is if they're as sweet-natured as Balls. I figure, even if it is harder to care for than a Ball, I grow as an owner as he grows, right?

[The Serpent Merchant]

yes and no, you will get better, but a 12 foot, 50 lb snake is more than some people will ever be able to handle, This is why I suggested the Carpet python, the Coastal carpet pythons can get up to around the same length as a boa, but do not have the girth, so they re much lighter and more manageable.

[Skittles1101]

I think boas make great additions. I think if you're worried about the size, get a male. They stay smaller than females. I actually think my boas are easier to care for than my balls because they NEVER refuse a meal. Like..never. But, my largest one is only about 4 1/2 feet, so I'll let you know in a year as he matures more how difficult it is

[Saxguy101]

yes and no, you will get better, but a 12 foot, 50 lb snake is more than some people will ever be able to handle, This is why I suggested the Carpet python, the Coastal carpet pythons can get up to around the same length as a boa, but do not have the girth, so they re much lighter and more manageable.

I'm planning on getting a male, and they average 6-8 feet. While I know that's only an average, and they can get bigger, males are typically smaller than females, right?

[The Serpent Merchant]

yes that is correct, but there will always be rogue snakes that don't seem to stay within normal parameters

[Daybreaker]

OP: I think a boa would be fine for you as long as you know that full grown they'll need a sturdy and large enclosure (I plan on getting 6' cages for mine when they're adults: melamine cages with radient heat panels) that will take up room as well as larger (more expensive) feeders. My boas temperament wise are all wonderful, totally docile and are just as nice as my balls. One of my bf's normal BPs is more aggressive than all of my boas combined!

As you mentioned I'd get a baby and grow with it, if you're unsure about size I'd get a nice male BCI. I doubt you'll end up with a 12ft monster male, unless you get a BCC as they do tend to be larger than BCIs.

Husbandry wise I care for my boas the same as my balls: my boas do tend to enjoy cooler temps over the balls who like to be warmer.

Here's a couple pics of my wee ones (all still smaller, my largest is my male in the first pic):