Steel City Expo Possible Pickup

[CoryHEO]

Hey guys and gals,

I'm heading to the Steel City Expo up in Pittsburg for the July show with the intentions of picking up a BCI "Red-tail" Boa. I have a T-8 set up and with everything Rdy to go, which I know if iffy on size for a full grown, I'll be moving up into a t-45 or up when it comes time.

Does anyone have any advice on what to look for while picking out a new buddy
What venders to watch out for and go to?
What size/age to look for? (I'm leaning towards a female)

thanks

[Reinz]

Hey Cory, I'm surprised that no one has responded. I'm glad that you are going with a RTB, they are awesome and so much fun!

I'm not familiar with that expo, nor have I been to an expo. However, as far as vendors go; be sure they can answer all of your questions and back their product! If you get a babie/juvie, be sure that not only has it shed at least once, but that it has eaten at least 3-4 times in a row. That lessens your chance of a problem feeder, even though uncommon with Boas.

Don't get so excited that you forget to really look the snake over! Especially if it is being fed live rodents. Look for scars, injuries, deformities, and mites!

If they don't have a business card a red flag should go up. Unless of course other venders can vouch for them.

Most of all, if it doesn't feel right, it isn't!

Best

[JoshSloane]

Everything Reinz said is great. Also, I would check to make sure that the snake has alert eyes and a clear vent. Basically if you flip the snake's tail over the vent is right there. Stuck feces can be a sign of sickness. Don't be discouraged if the baby boa is nippy and strikes, it is very normal for a hatchling. However, I would absolutely request to handle the animal before purchasing. Don't be afraid to haggle, most prices are negotiable. Good breeders are happy to discuss their animals, their care and handling. Make sure to get the contact info from the person you purchase them from, a good breeder stands by their animals and is available, at least to a certain extent, to answer questions and provide help if needed. Some will offer 48-72 hr health guarantees.

The decision on whether to get a male or female is entirely up to you. A female BCI will grow significantly bigger, but the temperament is the same. Most slow-grown healthy BCI females will max out in the 6-7 foot range, with males usually 5-6. There is a wide discrepancy in these figures, based off of genetics, husbandry and feeding rate.

Make sure you have an appropriate set up before you purchase. The last thing you want to do is buy a snake and have to figure out a home for it. Good luck and have fun! The first BCI is always so exciting. Just remember, this snake does grow large, but at a slow rate. Your knowledge will grow along with it. Feel free to PM me if you have any direct questions.

[CoryHEO]

That's guys, I appreciate it. I was wondering why no one threw out any answeres yet. Lol

I'll make sure to go over all those point with the breeders and also check the snakes over well!

And as for set up I have a t8 arriving next week with RHP install, all hooked up to a herpstat 2 with all the "fixins" lol for the insides as well. So I should be 110% Rdy when we bring home the snake.

[f22raptor95]

I'm from Pittsburgh! I know an AWESOME boa breeder!!!

[f22raptor95]

That's guys, I appreciate it. I was wondering why no one threw out any answeres yet. Lol

I'll make sure to go over all those point with the breeders and also check the snakes over well!

And as for set up I have a t8 arriving next week with RHP install, all hooked up to a herpstat 2 with all the "fixins" lol for the insides as well. So I should be 110% Rdy when we bring home the snake.

The breeder I know will be at the show too!

[Gio]

Hola,

Sorry for the late response, maybe too late but we'll see.

If you are not immediately WOWED at the show, don't feel you need to get anything. I have been in the situation where I was ready for a boa constrictor and thought I'd go to a local pet store, or grab something at an expo.

I'm thankful I pulled back and really asked myself what I wanted. I maybe would have ended up with a very, very common looking, "common boa" but I decided to do some looking around on line and researching reputable breeders.

I wanted to purchase directly from Gus Rentfro but he was out his Colombian stock, however Legacy Reptiles in Florida worked with and now owns most of Gus' stock.

I'm very happy I waited as my Barranquilla, Colombian BC is just what I wanted. It has many BCC qualities, yet has the BCI hardiness.

They sent me this photo first.


(PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGACY REPTILES)

My little guy arrived packaged well, and in excellent health.


He had plenty of color like the picture they sent.


And,,, he grew into a beautiful 3 year old young adult.




Anyhow, the point of all this is YOU are in the driver's seat and YOU can look at anything you want and decide exactly what you want. I know the shows make everybody excited, I have purchased from a show, but it was something that totally caught me by surprise. It can happen, but boa constrictors are very common and some of the stuff out there isn't being produced with quality in mind.

If you are looking at morphs, you may be amazed, but if you are like I am and are interested in "Mother Nature" colors and locality animals, things are a bit tougher at certain expos.

The expos near my location have never had a single BCC or BCI locality, just fairly common morphs and not the best examples either.

Look hard and don't feel the pressure. Get what YOU want and enjoy it for 20+ years.

I think the others had good advice too.

[CoryHEO]

I'm from Pittsburgh! I know an AWESOME boa breeder!!!

Thanks for the response, sorry for it taking forever to get back to you, who is the breeder?

[f22raptor95]

Thanks for the response, sorry for it taking forever to get back to you, who is the breeder?

Tamdom reptiles. The guy's name is Dom, you'll see him there. Best boas and ball pythons around

[CoryHEO]

Hola,

Sorry for the late response, maybe too late but we'll see.

If you are not immediately WOWED at the show, don't feel you need to get anything. I have been in the situation where I was ready for a boa constrictor and thought I'd go to a local pet store, or grab something at an expo.

I'm thankful I pulled back and really asked myself what I wanted. I maybe would have ended up with a very, very common looking, "common boa" but I decided to do some looking around on line and researching reputable breeders.

I wanted to purchase directly from Gus Rentfro but he was out his Colombian stock, however Legacy Reptiles in Florida worked with and now owns most of Gus' stock.

I'm very happy I waited as my Barranquilla, Colombian BC is just what I wanted. It has many BCC qualities, yet has the BCI hardiness.

They sent me this photo first.


(PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGACY REPTILES)

My little guy arrived packaged well, and in excellent health.


He had plenty of color like the picture they sent.


And,,, he grew into a beautiful 3 year old young adult.




Anyhow, the point of all this is YOU are in the driver's seat and YOU can look at anything you want and decide exactly what you want. I know the shows make everybody excited, I have purchased from a show, but it was something that totally caught me by surprise. It can happen, but boa constrictors are very common and some of the stuff out there isn't being produced with quality in mind.

If you are looking at morphs, you may be amazed, but if you are like I am and are interested in "Mother Nature" colors and locality animals, things are a bit tougher at certain expos.

The expos near my location have never had a single BCC or BCI locality, just fairly common morphs and not the best examples either.

Look hard and don't feel the pressure. Get what YOU want and enjoy it for 20+ years.

I think the others had good advice too.

Thanks for the help, that is very sound advice. I know it's hard to get the blinders off when you Rdy/travling to a show and you don't want to feel like it was a wasted trip.

I have to say those are some really good looking BCI's, I'm also looking for a heathy and hearty little girl, with the intentions of have her for many many years!