Thinking of getting a boa - suggestions?

[Xaila]

So, I'm really happy with the four snakes I have right now, but I've considered adding one final animal to the collection before I stop for awhile (hopefully!) and save up for other things like a rack, etc. Someday I do plan on adding a few more balls and/or hogs but not for awhile. I'd prefer to get at least one of something different purely as a pet. I really, really like boas but am not sure what to get. I'm looking for something that preferably doesn't get bigger than 5ft on average.

Right now I'm kind of tied between a Hogg Island Boa and a Rainbow Boa. I'm leaning towards Rainbow Boa primarily because they're absolutely gorgeous. I know they have a higher humidity requirement than some other snakes but I think I can manage that. My main concern about them is their tolerance for handling. They seem to be very shy snakes. I'd kind of like something with a placid temperament I can take out every so often and hold or show people. I know all snakes can be prone to getting stressed out but it seems like Rainbows are more shy/sensitive on that front than other boas.

Hogg Islands I like mostly because of their smaller adult size and what I've seen of their temperament. I admittedly know a little less about them than Rainbow Boas.

Am I leaving out any other possibilities that fit within the size range and attitude I'm looking for? Has anyone had experiences with these snakes and can compare?

[sorraia]

I have no experience with those two snakes, but I do have a couple rosy boas and love them. They stay on the small size - around 2-3 feet as adults depending on the locality. They also tend to be pretty docile and don't seem to mind handling. I've heard of some becoming nippy, but so far I haven't had that problem. They do have great feeding responses too.

[DooLittle]

A male BCI will *probably* stay around 6 feet. My BCI's are awesome. They have a ton of personality, and are very friendly, and curious. They tolerate handling very well. They are actually a pain to put away, because they turn right around and come back up your arm. They seem to enjoy being out.

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[3skulls]

I haven't had a Hogg Island but I do have a BRB.

We all know that all snakes are different but my BRB likes to come out. After he explores for a bit, he will settle down and just wrap up around my hand and sit there.
He is not much of a display animal. I even have him in a tub now until I get him a new cage. So I guess he is shy in that regard. One of they only type of snake that I have not been bit by. I know in some circles that they have a rep of being nippy.
Keep the humidity up and no problems at all.

I don't think you'll go wrong with a BRB or the Hogg Island, I just can't give an opinion on the Hogg.

[Xaila]

Wow, he's good-looking How old is he?

[3skulls]

Thanks. He is a 2010 model :p

[Daybreaker]

No experience with BRBs, but I can give some input on Hogs (***Hog Islands are spelled with only one "g"). Though a "dwarf" boa I've still seen pure adult females reach 6+ feet, so if 5' if your max point I recommend a male. They have good temperaments but mind you that it's all based on the individual snake: my Hog is actually quite a hissy pissy. She'll get all riled up and open mouth hiss, but she's never struck or bit me. Be prepared to have a bitey/bluffing snake as some are just like that (and some grow out of it). Prepare for at least a 4' viv for a Hog, I know some keep them in tubs but IMO BCI, BCC, BCOs, etc boas need vivariums if they're over 4'. A four foot should last a male its whole life, even if it gets a little on the big side for a male. A 4' viv should house most Colombian males too. Hogs do not need higher humidity requirements and like Colombians and Argentines they enjoy a tad cooler temps than other python species.

Here's my pure Hog BCI girl, pic taken back in August:

[3skulls]

Wow she looks awesome!

[Mike41793]

Id get a hog island boa. I dont really like brb's.

[dragonboy4578]

I currently have 5 boa's. A male sunglow, a female coral albino, a male central american motley, a female central American hypo, and a motley. I love them all. Out of my whole collection they tend to be the snakes that I have out to handle more than any other. I am picking up a brb or two in the next week or so also. From my experience with them they don't seem as comfortable with handling as the boa's that I currently have though.