Hi! It was recommended that I join this site. I popped over to see what it was all about and so far I like it. I need to explore a bit more but I wanted to post first. I'm sorry if this has been asked/answered before but I promise I'm going to look for myself in a little bit!

Let me give a bit of background

I got into snakes last March. I got a ball python and loved him so much that I got another one just a week or two later. So far I've really enjoyed them. Both are so calm and neither has had any problems eating. I've never even had a refused meal or experienced a hiss or a bite! But I really want to try another species of snake.

I've done a little research on...

Rosy Boas, Kenyan Sand Boas, Sumatran Short Tailed Pythons, rat snakes, corn snakes...

I had settled on a Rosy Boa but now I'm having second thoughts. I keep reading that they like to hide and are prone to random 'side biting' where you'll just be holding them and suddenly they'll turn their head and bite you.

That brings me to Hog Island Boas...

From what I know, they grow to 5-6 feet and have really good appetites. I've read that a lot of them are docile, calm snakes and they even make good display snakes. I was a little nervous at first about how they look. Their head shapes and eyes are a little 'freaky' but the more I look at them, the more intrigued I am...

How are these guys for pets? I don't breed and I handle my pets regularly. My balls, luckily, tolerate handling very well but I don't overdo it. I handle them maybe 10-15 minutes, once or twice a week and never after eating or during shed. Would a Hog be okay with something like that?

If I got one, it would be a baby that I can raise up. What size enclosure would a baby need? And are babies prone to being nippy? That's sort of off-putting for me. Also, do they do better in tanks or plastic bins? My balls are in tubs right now but I'm upgrading them to PVC enclosures in January.

I have so much research to do on temps, substrate, care etc! But if you guys could give me your experiences with them, I would be very grateful! I look at this as a serious investment. Snakes live a long time and I want mine to be by my side as long as possible

Most importantly.... pics!!! I would love to see your hoggies!