Can't decide on which boa to get.

[BFE Pets]

I currently have a ball python, and I love it, but I want something a little more sociable. I am thinking about getting some type of boa. (it will probably be 6 months to a year before i get it, because i need to do research) I have thought of a few I might like, but I can't decide. So, I want to ask you. Which one would be good for me? Here's a little bit about what I am looking for:

-I want something docile and something that won't get too big (6 feet max), but will be bigger than my ball.
-I want something that likes to be handled more than my ball python.
-I like the big heads of the boas. There's just something about it that intrigues me.
-I will keep it in a tub of whatever size the boa needs.
-I am good with keeping the humidity of my ball python, and she has a constant hot spot, but her ambient temps usually stay about 75-85, depending on if the heater is on her. So I need something that can bare a bit of temperature gradient. Or something that doesn't require high temps. That would be even better. If not, I can accommodate to its needs.
-I will probably get a male.
-Not very interested in getting a morph.
-Relatively low prices would be nice.

I have thought about a Dumerils Boa, a Leopard Boa, a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, and a Hog Island Boa.

IMO A carpet python does NOT fit into what you are looking for!
1 something docile Carpets are not known for being very docile. they do calm down with regular handling but for the most part umm still gotta watch them and adult female coastal carpets can reach lengths of 9-12 feet for some localities.

2 something that likes to be handled more than your ball. well they tolerate it but they are very active. i'd say they handle more like a retic lol jmo

3 the separate neck and head. yes that they do have

4 something to keep in a tub. they are semi arboreal the minimum suggested enclosure for an adult carpet is 3' x 2' x 2' with a 4x2x2 being preferred by most keepers.

I'm no expert on carpets by any means but I own 1.2 and have done a little bit of home work on them before getting them. my jungle male was a total psycho when I got him. after his week of "me time" I tried to handle him long enough to snap a couple pics and he wasn't having it! I got nailed 14 times in under 2 minutes! that is no exaggeration either. That was around valentines day I can now count on only getting hit when I reach in to get him but it was a lot of work to calm him down to that. My diamond carpet cross is a total sweetie and hasn't even thought about taking a swing at me (also a baby) my 6-7 female coastal is cage aggressive as all hell and is well on her way to being hook trained but you don't dare reach in to drag her out unless you feel like getting stitches! once shes out shes completely cool but DO NOT reach in her house! My vote is always and forever a Dumerils Boa! total sweet hearts and fits very well into your requirements.

[ceca2015]

IMO A carpet python does NOT fit into what you are looking for!
1 something docile Carpets are not known for being very docile. they do calm down with regular handling but for the most part umm still gotta watch them and adult female coastal carpets can reach lengths of 9-12 feet for some localities.

2 something that likes to be handled more than your ball. well they tolerate it but they are very active. i'd say they handle more like a retic lol jmo

3 the separate neck and head. yes that they do have

4 something to keep in a tub. they are semi arboreal the minimum suggested enclosure for an adult carpet is 3' x 2' x 2' with a 4x2x2 being preferred by most keepers.

I'm no expert on carpets by any means but I own 1.2 and have done a little bit of home work on them before getting them. my jungle male was a total psycho when I got him. after his week of "me time" I tried to handle him long enough to snap a couple pics and he wasn't having it! I got nailed 14 times in under 2 minutes! that is no exaggeration either. That was around valentines day I can now count on only getting hit when I reach in to get him but it was a lot of work to calm him down to that. My diamond carpet cross is a total sweetie and hasn't even thought about taking a swing at me (also a baby) my 6-7 female coastal is cage aggressive as all hell and is well on her way to being hook trained but you don't dare reach in to drag her out unless you feel like getting stitches! once shes out shes completely cool but DO NOT reach in her house! My vote is always and forever a Dumerils Boa! total sweet hearts and fits very well into your requirements.

They were never very high on my list. Nothing against them, they are absolutely beautiful, but after a little research on them, they get a little too big for me. Thank you very much on the info. I think I'm going to get either a Woma Python or a BRB. I'm doing research on both of them everyday until I make a decision. I might have to look into other cages if i decide to get one. I don't know if it will be fair to keep them in tubs, unless i can find one 4x2x2, which i probably won't. Still have tons more research to do, but thanks everyone for the info you have provided me and thanks for your opinions!

[bcr229]

I have a BRB and several BP's. I wouldn't describe the BRB as particularly social, and while he's not nippy now he was when he was young and while he's shedding. Overall my BP's seem much more comfortable about being handled than my BRB.

[Gio]

I'm not sure what you mean by "BIG" in your want list description as there is long big and thick big. Every Dumerils boa I've seen has been 5.5-6 feet and pretty thick. When I say thick I mean not a real easy to handle shoulder pet. Having said that I am NOT any type of expert on Dumerils boas. But even if you had a 7-8' jungle carpet that is considerably different than even a 5 foot boa with the thicker type build. However, it sounds like the carpets can be a handful as HoFR stated, and are more squirmy during handling. 14 bites in 2 minutes seems like something I'd rather pass on. Great display snake IMO and I almost went that route. I also almost went the Dumerils route, but thought a BCI/BCC would be about middle ground for me. Slightly more active than a Dumerils and Royal, though I'm sure that can be argued/debated.

Dumeril boa have some of the nicest natural patterns I've seen.

Personally I think you need to find a few of the mentioned snakes as adults, handle them and see what makes you smile.

If you ask here you will get die hard fans for each type of boa and 100 reasons they love them.

Smart people just get at least one of each LOL! I'm not clever enough to convince my household members that I NEED a dumerils, a carpet and a few more BCIs LOL!

But you may be the clever one,,, ya never know.

[BFE Pets]

Lol that jungle has since calmed down with regular handling and I've picked up a few more that were calm from day one. But that did get my point across. Lol a male dum isn't as large or heavy bodied as the females so I'd keep that in mind. Depending on your level of experience in husbandry really dictates which would be a better choice for you. Dums are fairly forgiving if there not quite correct for a short period and bounce back fast once they get what they need. I have no personal experience with brb but have heard they can be a little more difficult to keep.

[Steve-o M]

I am looking for a boa for the same reason, maybe in a year or so but i started doing some research i was looking at a Peruvian Long-Tailed Boa. go to youtube type in Peruvian Long-Tailed Boas (Boa Constrictor Longicauda) there is a video by DraoiSidhe