Quote Originally Posted by Arcapello View Post
I've had a BP for about a month, and I'm thinking that maybe I'll get a boa eventually (probably 4-6 months).
I'm about 5'4", so I'm hoping to get one that I'll be able to handle by myself safely.
I'd like a breed that's a bit more docile, since it is my first large snake.
I'm hoping to eventually be able to handle daily.
A snake that has fairly simple husbandry would be nice, but I am willing to put in a bit more effort.
I was hoping someone could suggest a boa for me? I like how Hog Island Boas look, and I like Boa constrictor imperators, but I'm not sure if they're the right choice or not for me. I'm not interested in rosy or sand boas, and not particularly interested in Red Tail Boas. I'm definitely not looking into tree boas right now.
Questions:
*For Hog Islands, and Boa constrictor imperators (or any other suggested boas) what's an estimate of how large the enclosure will have to be?
*Feeders- Guinea pigs, rabbits, a few rats? Is it just a matter of opinion? I'm hoping to feed frozen, and would prefer to feed rats. I don't know if I would be able to get any feeders except for rats and mice.

As always, thank you very much to anyone who replies! If you need more information, I can definitely give some.
I have 2 BCIs [one male and a hypo female] and I adore them!

I love my BPs and take them out to snuggle frequently but playing with the Boas is entirely different.
They're interactive, not head shy [or shy at all] and they seem to really enjoy being out and having their 'play time' on their tree or just hanging around on me.

They're always out and about, watching me whenever I'm near their condos, unlike BPs who tend to want to hide most of the time.

I'm 5' 3"/100 pounds and the male is almost 7' and 15 pounds and though he is incredibly strong, he is absolutely no problem to handle at all.

He loves riding on my shoulders, tail and lower body wrapped around my waist like a belt and if he feels insecure, he will 'squeeze' to make sure he isn't going to fall but it's very easy to just slide a hand under him and loosen him up if I feel too squished.

The female is a bit smaller, having just had a litter and even though I just got her yesterday, she's already made herself at home, eaten two rats with gusto and settled right in like she's been here her whole life.

Each one has their own 2' x 2' x 4' hand made double-decked enclosure and they seem very comfortable in them.

Bob, the larger male eats one jumbo rat every week and has done wonderfully well on that and the female is getting two medium rats every 5 days as she is rather underweight after her delivery.
[as per her owner's instructions]

Husbandry is simple and straight forward and just about the same as BPs.

Mine are extremely docile, never bite and 'act loving', in as much as any snake is capable of showing affection.


The only 'down side' is that once you have them out of their homes, getting them back in can be a real wrestling match.

If Bob had his way, he'd just hang out on his tree all day long, watching TV.