Columbian Rainbow Boa - Inform me!

[catzeye21138]

I've been looking into different options for my step up snake. I've kept corn snakes and ball pythons for several years now.

I've also read through the caresheet for the rainbow boa on this site, but I would love to have some input from people who have kept them personally. Their personalities, feeding habits, quirks, apparent problems, how awesome they are and the such.

This is one of a few species I've been reading up on, so what I want you to do is sell me on the species!

Thanks for all the help, guys!

[catzeye21138]

Too late to edit, but I didn't mean columbians specifically. Any rainbow boa.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I know nothing about Colombians or any rainbow for that matter but they sure are beautiful!

I know someone will chime in tho.

[Twist]

I had a Brazilian for over a year that I aptly named hateful because for the first few months I was repeatedly nailed in the hand by him till he figured out I wasn't going to eat him. Over all they're very pleasant on the eyes and pretty active once they get accustomed to you. A friend of mine has a thick 5ish ft columbian that's also a stunner. The only thing that is more difficult to keep track of with a BRB/CRB than a BP is the husbandry. Lots of humidity and a different set of temperatures. I think they also have a more vicious feeding response than BP's do... atleast mine did. anyways here's some pics of hateful, I say go for it!

https://picasaweb.google.com/1139597...eat=directlink

[MoonlightBoas]

My experience is primarily with Brazilian Rainbow Boas, and they make excellent pets. I have detailed information about them on my Beginner's Guide to Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Brazilian Rainbow Boa Care Sheet, and Brazilian Rainbow Boa FAQs. Rainbow Boas are amazing snakes, and I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

[mainbutter]

I have no experience with columbians. They tend to be less colorful than their Brazilian counterparts so I have shyed away from them.

However, my experience with BRBs has been wonderful! Great pets, not too big/not too small, good eaters, handleable (I've been nipped once by each of our BRBs, but they were quite young at the time), and best of all: G-E-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!


The basic rundown on care:

They do well with basic snake care. They like more humidity and slightly less heat than your typical python species. If you've kept any other snake species before with success, BRBs should be a snap.

[purplemuffin]

Keeping them in an aquarium would be tough due to their humidity needs. But if you know how to keep up humidity, you're totally fine. They are easy otherwise. Make sure they don't overheat, they don't like it too hot!

I had a brb for a short while..but the poor thing died less than a week after the purchase. It was a confusing ordeal, I don't really want to go into it.

I really want another brb, but I also want a colombian as well--they seem to have sweeter looking faces, I like them even if they are more brown/tan. they remind me of khaki!

[catzeye21138]

Rainbow Boas are amazing snakes, and I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Those are some great links, and they've answered a lot of my questions already.
Do you personally know of any reputable breeders of these guys? The place I would normally go doesn't sell the BRB, just CRBs. I'd like to look more into pricing and how their looks vary.

[MoonlightBoas]

Glad the links were helpful. I'm expecting litters next summer if you can hold your breath that long

[catzeye21138]

I can't wait. I'm the one who sent you an email about it yesterday. Should be fun!