I am a snake lover. Currently I own 1 ball python. I WILL own more in the future! I like balls because of their size and their temperment. They are just cool snakes.

The local pet store (very small town) had 2 red tails dumped off on them. I go in there and handle them frequently to keep the "tame" because the owner isn't overly fond of snakes. The one is an 8 ft, the other around 3 feet. The bigger one can be intimidating to me at times because of her size (and mine...I'm pretty small) but I adore her. I try to hold her as often as she'll let me. There's been a few times she has struck at me. Thankfully I have good reflexes! But I haven't given up. I still hold her and I still really like her.

The smaller one I am just in love with and I think the feeling is mutual. Anytime someone else does hold her she stretches out as far as she can, reaching towards me. Everyone has commented on how she seems to love me.

I really want to bring her home however I know how big she'll get. I don't want to be one of those people that gets a small cute lil' snake then gets rid of it when it gets older & bigger. I also don't want to own a pet that I need supervision to hold.

So I guess I have a few questions and concerns.

One, is it "safe" for a woman my size (115lbs, 5' 5") to handle a full grown red tailed boa alone and with out a "spotter"? I know she can't eat me. LOL. That's not what I'm questioning. I'm more after the power behind the constriction. If she really wanted to hold on tight would I alone be able to get her off of me?

Two, if I raise her and hold her frequently and do everything the way I am supposed to will she perhaps be as docile as a BP?

I know all snakes are different, they all have individual personalities/temperments. She seems very calm and relaxed thus far and I've been working with her for months.

I really do like her and I really do want her. I've just never owned a snake that can get so big.

Opinions? Thoughts? Any Red Tailed owners out there that can tell me a bit about them?