Silver back bolivian?

[naturesbeautybreeder]

I had a guy offer me a silverbacks bolivan I don't know much about them and if I was on my comp I could post a picture of it but I was wanting to know what it's worth (guesstimations are ok since I didn't post a pic) I'm guessing it's 3-4 ft long any help would be great

[Evenstar]

Bolivian Boas are Boa Constrictor amarali. The silverback is a specific bloodline and not really a color or pattern as the name might suggest. They are a smaller species of boa and generally max out around 6 feet.

Generally, these snakes go for around 125-200 depending on whether its male or female and also how big it is. There are a number of factors that go into prices of boas in general so that is merely a guess at this point.

What is the guy asking for this boa? Do you really like it? Does it appear to be in good condition? Does it have a good temperament? If the answer to all these questions is yes, then I'd be willing to pay more. Just a thought.... Pics would be nice!!

[naturesbeautybreeder]

He's wanting a 2011 female albino burm for it and from what I know it is tame looks to be in great condition and I do like boas but have projects for them or the burms

[Evenstar]

Well, I'm not into Burms so I have no idea if that's a good trade or not as far as value goes. But one thing to keep in mind is that Bolivian Boas are not a common locality in the pet trade despite the lower purchase price. Also, many people in the reptile community frown on specific localities being mixed with each other. I don't know what projects you had in mind for your boas, but unless you have another Bolivian of the opposite sex, you might want to think about that.

As an example: I have a male Argentine boa. I could breed him to my hypo female and produce some sweet looking hypo argentines which look pretty darn cool. But I won't do it. Why? Because Argentines are threatened in their native environment and it's important to keep the locality as pure as possible in the pet trade. But also because the babies would be tough to sell and I'd gain the reputation of breeding mixed locals which really is not a reputation I want.

But if you DO have another Bolivian, or plan on getting another one, then I personally would go for it! They are an awesome local and have very unique patterns. They are also capable of producing full stripes and full reverse stripes and patternless babies even when the parents themselves don't express the trait. I'd like to eventually acquire a pair myself one day. Good luck with it!