Looking to get a boa no sure what kind

[brobertson]

Dums are a very good choice,,, But,,,, listen to this from somebody who was JUST in the same shoes you are now.

Male OR female Colombian BCI.

Here's why and this is no knock on the Dumerils boa because it was on my short list and I'd still like one. Dumerils "ground" boa. Great snake but somewhat similar to the Royal in terms of terrestrial habits. Again, I'm just suggesting a bigger switch from the Royal.

You will have a semi arboreal snake with a BCI, NO feeding issues, and get this,,,,,, after you have one, at least in my case you'll feel something large, like a female BCI isn't going to be that large at all because they are such great snakes.

Actually I've seen some VERY thick Dumerils boas that I love. Again not slamming the Dums, just offering up a snake with a bit different habits. The Carpet python isn't a bad choice either. Balls, Bloods and Dums sort of all have very similar habits as far as being mostly ground dwelling in character.

I'm hoping, really hoping my male Barranquilla Colombian BCI ends up in the 7 foot range and not the 5-6 area. After making the jump, you just kind of realize boas are NOT monsters and even at a big size like an 8 foot female you won't be feeling like you have a 20 foot retic.

So,

Dumerils: great size especially the females. One of the most beautiful natural patterns of any boa IMO. Laid back. Some can be picky eaters. They are more arboreal than say their cousin the Madagascar ground boa (also beautiful) but still they are not a huge change from the Royal IMO as far as display and general activity level. Although I think a lot less scared of the world LOL!

BCI boa: has a beautiful pattern, active, semi arboreal, feeds like a shark. Very docile and curious when you take them out. You may have trouble putting it back. Hardy animal and easy to maintain. TONS of morphs. Great size big and thick but not enormous. Good to great display animal.

I don't have a ton of info on the Carpet Python other than they are beautiful, possibly one of the prettiest snakes going. They are active and pretty arboreal. Probably a better display animal than the BCI. Can be a bit snappy.
Carpets along with the Dumerils are on my list of "maybe someday" snakes.

Really if you chat with enough people and look at threads that ask "If you could only have one snake what would you keep?" The ones I've read have a bunch of whack jobs like myself talking about their boa constrictors.

Hey, this is just me blabbing about my choice and passing along my thoughts. The Dumerils crowd can surely come up with a whole host of reasons to go that route.

I say step up,, get a nice, boa and let it get big. Most, never go past 8-9 feet.

Good luck.

I agree 100%! This is what I did, and I absolutely adore my BCI! I doubt you can go wrong either way, but if you want to mix it up even more from a ball, BCI is the way to go!