Looking at getting a boa.

[Burzurk]

Any one have any advice on what kind of boa i should get.. I have been into ball python for awhile and i am looking into getting a boa... not looking for one that will get really big.. just a good start boa i been into ball python for awhile ... but might want to try my hands on a boa


Thank you

Corey

[C_Smith23]

Hey another Corey lol I asked the same question recently, and have decided on a hog island boa!

[Evenstar]

Hog Islands are a good choice. Males generally max out around 5ft and the females might top 6ft.

A male BCI is also a nice option. The males will usually stay around 6-7ft. And you'll have lots of morph options too.

But my personal favorite is my Dumerils. I have a female and they can approach 7-8ft, but males stay smaller at around 5-6ft. What makes the Dums stand out as a great first boa is their personalities. These guys are super calm and docile, but they are very smart and curious too and seem to really like to be held and interact with people. Most Dums can't even be provoked to bite. All these factors make them an ideal "step up" snake from a BP.

[ewaldrep]

I would suggest a BCI just because the personality is great, the do get larger but not too big (x2 males) and I just like the look of them. To each their own so go with what appeals to you. I think the dums are great looking too so happy hunting and keep us posted please

[KMG]

I vote Dum, I want one. They have awesome patterns.

[Trackstrong83]

But my personal favorite is my Dumerils. I have a female and they can approach 7-8ft, but males stay smaller at around 5-6ft. What makes the Dums stand out as a great first boa is their personalities. These guys are super calm and docile, but they are very smart and curious too and seem to really like to be held and interact with people. Most Dums can't even be provoked to bite. All these factors make them an ideal "step up" snake from a BP.

Yep!!
Dumeril's are the way to go. It was my first boa and she is a sweetheart. They can be finicky eaters when you first get them, but mine eats like a pig now! My Dumeril's is all of my friends' favorite snake. They're just awesome.

[sissysnakes]

I got a Dum as my first boa, they do have a beautiful pattern and the biggest girl I have seen personally was around 8ft. If size is an issue definitly go male regardless of which species you go with. I also have a Cay Caulker boa, he is a little fiesty, definitly more of a handfull then a ball but they dont get nearly as big as a BCI or Dum. I will say though that all my boas (regardless of species) have become my favorite, you cant really go wrong.

[fire-eyes]

I'm glad to hear that you're thinking of getting a boa. I got one after having a ball python for a while. It is very rewarding and I am very happy I got one.

Boas are considerably more interesting than BPs to me. They have a lot more personality. They are also significantly stronger. The feeding response of a boa is incredible, and a shock compared to that of a BP. I have never had my boa refuse food. I have to feed him before my other two snakes because if he's not occupied with a rat while I feed the others, he will come after the other rats and hit the sides of the cage on the inside.

Despite the really aggressive feeding response, outside of that, he's a puppy dog.

You can read all the care sheets you like, and participate on the forums, but what you really should do is go into a reptile store (WITHOUT money or a credit card) and hold various adults. You should purchase from a breeder in my opinion. Be sure to buy some supplies from the reptile shop, at least.

I only have experience with Jimisnakes, and I had an outstanding experience. You should get it as a baby. I got a 4 month old male BCI, salmon pastel. As an adult, this particular snake is just under 5 feet. This snake was EXCEPTIONALLY nasty and mean for the first few months I had him -- However the work it took every day to calm him down and handle handle handle handle was VERY rewarding. It is not typical for boas to be this nasty when they are babies. Note that I am not trying to slight Jimi.

Have a vet you trust ready to go to check the snake out when you get it, this is the first thing you should do -- if there are serious defects with the animal you need to RETURN IT. The only acceptable animal is a healthy animal. This is the sad reality in this business.

So, go hold a few! And remember they will usually go where they want to, and you get to apply suggestive input and guidance ... but they will happily push their way to where they want to go. Don't panic if it comes up to your face, they are simply curious. They may even try to crawl on your head. Don't be alarmed.

[nick654377]

i would recomend getting a dumerils. it was my first boa and she is awesome. you will love them.

[Daybreaker]

Male Colombian is my recommendation