RTB questions

[WarriorPrincess90]

Some questions...
- Care sheets I've read said they can be 6-12 feet. What's the average for a male, and average for a female? Is a 10-12 foot common or no?
They do have to potential to get larger, but those that reach 10ft even are not terribly common. Females usually fall more in the range of 7-9ft, with the average being around 7ft. Males are smaller and usually stay at 6ft or under. It really depends on the animal though...and the bloodlines. If it's a BCIxBCC cross or something, they will almost definitely be larger than 9ft. It really depends on the animal though. Some can be on the larger side, so you should just be prepared in case that happens.

I actually saw a video about a guy who adopted this snake when the owner took off and "couldn't keep it". That gorgeous female BCI ended up being 13ft and like 100lbs. The guys may have been exaggerating on the weight, but definitely not on the length. He couldn't handle her without someone else to help him. Which is advisable at 6ft+ anyway. I handled a 6ft female a couple of times and while I had zero problems just holding, petting and cuddling with her...having the help of another person just to hold the lid of her enclosure made putting her back somewhat less difficult. Trying to unwind a boa while they're slipping their tails into your belt loops and the like can get tricky.

- How much do they usually weigh as adults?
Not entirely sure. I've heard a lot of adult females usually hit the 20-30 lb range. Males are usually much lighter. I'd guess 10-20 on average.

- Also read that amount of feeding determines size. Is this true, or will they keep growing really big no matter how little you feed?
Feeding is definitely a factor in size. Snakes continue to grow all their lives, but to what extent will be determined largely by feeding. On rats a female will average 7ft. But if you feed her rabbits once she gets to size, she will continue to grow larger. An adult on jumbos can be fed once every 3 weeks easily. I feed my juvenile only every 10 days right now. Once she hits Large rats she's going to be bumped back to every 2 weeks.

- Can they stay on rats their entire lives, or will they need to be fed rabbits eventually?
They can stay on rats their entire lives, and will usually stay smaller if you don't switch them to rabbits. But that is up to you.

- Ambient temp of 80, hot spot of 90. Humidity between 60-80. Is that right?
My humidity is usually in the 50%s, but bumped to 70% during a shed. Much like BPs. My snake room is 78, and while my BPs tend to favor their warm sides, my BCI will hang out on her cool side unless she just ate.

- Average cost of feeding per month?
That depends on WHAT you're feeding. An adult on jumbos would be the cost of one, maybe two jumbos a month. If you feed rabbits it will be considerably more expensive.

- Anything else I should know before taking the dive into boas?
Make sure you have the space and money for a custom Viv. Adult females need something more in the 6x2 range. Males can be kept in a 4x2 though. Boas are very much in your face, as has been said. Before my female's mood swings started I used to let her climb up on my head. It was her favorite place to be. They have a very strong feeding response, so you'll probably want to come up with a routine for feeding and a routine for handling. I'm hook training my girl so she doesn't try to eat my face accidentally one day. They are very intelligent and inquisitive. They will hang out and watch you while you're in the room. Definitely cool snakes to own...just VERY different from BPs.