Just to add my own two cents as a newbie to the forum and ball pythons - I had a Colombian red tail boa from my fourth birthday (I can't tell you how thrilled Mom was!) until he came down with IBD nineteen years later. The day I had to have him put down was the saddest ever! Long story short - He only attempted to bite three times in 19 years (all justified). I took him to classrooms for projects as a kid, and he was my most laid-back companion all the way through college.

I absolutely love my new BP hobby (first breeding season!), but that boa will always hold a special place in my heart. As always, just do your research first and choose a quality animal.