I have a Ball Python and im looking into a Red Tail Boa, Need opinions and pics!

[CeeJay]

This is my Albino girl Little Boots. She is about 1.5 years old. I spend about 45 minutes a day with her (except after eating and during shed cycles). She is super tame. I have never been bit by her nor has she shown any aggression. She enjoys being out and is very curious and likes to explore. I love her patterns. Its almost like she has butterflies down her back. If you are going to get a boa, realize you do have to spend a lot more time with them. Good luck with your search. Sorry for the blurry pic. She couldn't sit still.

[xFenrir]

My girl Satin was a rescue, so we have no idea how old she really is. Doesn't matter though, 'cause she's the sweetest baby ever! Almost 6 feet of pure scale-y, muscle-y cuteness. She's NEVER hissed or tagged me (she's mistaken my bf for food though) and she's very well-behaved. You really can't go wrong with a BCI! Just be prepared for a larger, heavier snake that will need a large enclosure and a good supply of large rats one day. But I had a BP first too, and the difference is night and day. Satin doesn't mind being out, being held, or going outside when it's nice. I've surfed the web for almost an hour while she chilled on my shoulders. If you're looking for a more active, hands-on snake and you can meet the requirements, I'd definitely say go for it!

Here's me and my girl.

[DooLittle]

I love my boas. They are so much fun, and so darn busy. They do need a lot more room and attention than balls. Here are my two BCI's-

Guapo, Hypo


Ripley, Albino

[Mike41793]

I love my boas. They are so much fun, and so darn busy. They do need a lot more room and attention than balls. Here are my two BCI's-

Guapo, Hypo


Ripley, Albino

What do you mean more attention? Do they get separation anxiety?

[DooLittle]

Lol Mike, no. More handling and out time.

[Evenstar]

Boas are fantastic snakes! They are extremely curious and outgoing. Not much stresses them out and they have GREAT feeding responses!! They are active snakes so they do need larger enclosures and time outside the cage weekly, at the very least. Most truly enjoy being handled. They are more "in your face" than balls - they seem to zero in on your face and will really examine you. Some people find that intimidating, I love it.

Here are a few of my "kids".....

[Lesserlove]

Boas are fantastic snakes! They are extremely curious and outgoing. Not much stresses them out and they have GREAT feeding responses!! They are active snakes so they do need larger enclosures and time outside the cage weekly, at the very least. Most truly enjoy being handled. They are more "in your face" than balls - they seem to zero in on your face and will really examine you. Some people find that intimidating, I love it.

Here are a few of my "kids".....

Wow they are a gorgeous bunch!

[hotelvoodoo]

My fiancee and I breed ball pythons and keep a few other "pet" snakes including an albino rtb named Spooky. She is right around two years old and is growing slowly but surely, and is almost as large as my big breeder balls. I love her so much! She is such an awesome addition to our family. She is much less nervous than our ball pythons and is very patient with us. She is much more active as well and loves to explore. She's also a nice garbage can when the BPs don't eat (). One thing to keep in mind is they do get rather large, and dealing with a large snake is different than BPs. I suggest you go and find a breeder that will take some time to let you get to know some of their adults. They can show you the best ways to feed, handle, and also, how to avoid getting injured. We had a great experience with a breeder in NJ who taught us everything she knew about boas. We met Spooky's mom, dad, and older sister before taking Spooky home. It really helps to give you perspective for the future.

[Gio]

Great info from everybody. I don't think you can go wrong with a boa. It's a natural progression to go from a Royal to a boa. I still love our Royal, and would never trade it.

Best of both worlds! A manageable python, and a boa.

[M&H]

I love boas. They are one of my favorites. I started with ball pythons like most people and found I really didn't enjoy them. I bought my first boa and I was hooked. I now only have 3 ball pythons and I have 6 boas.

All mine have their own personalities and they are very sweet with few exceptions. I love showing them off so hope you do not mind the picture explosion that is about to happen!