Which One For Me? (BP, RTB, JCP, WP, etc.)

[xFenrir]

To be honest, if you are handy (or know people that are that would be willing to help), you could build a tank that will hold the larger species you like (BCI's, the larger species of Carpets, etc.) for relatively cheap. We built the tank that we have our 6tf. BCI boa in, and I'm positive that we did not exceed $300, plus BCI's (normals, at least) are around $60. And if you start off with a baby, you'll have a few years easily to build an enclosure for his/her adult size, and in the meantime you can house them in Rubbermaid tubs with some heat tape for dirt cheap. If you're really set on having one of the larger "beginner" snakes then I would say do your research and go for it, because I don't see a point in getting an animal that's not really what you wanted. That's how people end up with the whole "I'm bored with my ____ now" mentality. Get what you want from the start, both for your sake and your pets'. Not one day has passed that I haven't been happy I adopted my boa, because I KNEW I wanted a large snake.

Just some of my knowledge on BCI's (since most people have been talking about Carpets and BPs):

PROS
-While larger and more heavy-bodied than most of the "beginner" snakes, a male will still stay in the 5-7ft. range, with a female between the 6-8ft. range. Even with their size, most adults are very docile and laid-back snakes which is why people like them as "beginner" snakes for getting into the larger species. As long as you put in the research to make sure you have proper husbandry, care and handling, I really don't see any reason why a BCI couldn't be someone's first snake.
-It would be rare if a BCI had to be fed on anything larger than jumbo rats. My girl eats large rats even at her size. Unlike BPs, boas do very well with smaller-sized meals, since they don't process fat as fast as BPs or others do.
-It's also VERY rare to have a BCI that refuses meals. They're nicknamed "garbage disposals" for a reason!
-I'm 5'4"/105lbs and I've never had a problem handling our girl. She's heavy and long, but I've never felt like I couldn't handle her myself. It's always a good idea though with any snake over 6ft to have someone at least home with you in case you DO run into trouble.
-Excellent feeding response (although some might call that a con). Tongs (especially longer ones when they get older) are a very, very good idea.
-BCI's are known for being very inquisitive and "in your face" snakes. They don't mind being out as much as BPs, and even seem to enjoy being taken out to be handled or put down for a cruising session. Just be sure to watch them to make sure they don't get anywhere they shouldn't.
-They are more forgiving of husbandry mistakes. While you should strive to get it right before putting the actual animal in, they are hardier than other boa species and if your temperature should flux a little or something odds are you'll be okay. Just be sure to check your husbandry regularly so that if it DOES happen you do catch it. If your temperatures drop/raise a degree or two they won't go off feed for 3 months lol. (Most people seem to find their BCIs like it cooler than BPs or other snakes do, with about 88F for a hotspot and about 77F ambient)

CONS
-You'll need AT LEAST a 5x2x2 tank for an adult male, for a female I would strongly recommend a 6x2x2. Again though, you can build one for relatively cheap, or if you get a baby you can house it in a tub and save for a pre-made vivarium, like an Animal Plastics or Boaphile. Glass tanks are NIGHTMARES for getting them to hold heat and humidity properly, and an adult BCI won't fit in any glass tank I've ever seen sold at a pet shop, haha.
-Unless you have a place to get bulk rats from, it can get mildly expensive to have to buy a $10 rat from a store every week (or two weeks as they get older). If there's nowhere near you that does, there ARE places where you can order online from and have them shipped to you.
-If you get bit when they're more grown up, it WILL hurt and it WILL bleed, lol. Just ask my boyfriend. If you end up with a feisty one, or if you don't feel completely comfortable just reaching in to pick up a larger snake, it might be a good investment to hook train them.


If a larger snake is really what you have your heart set on, BCIs are fantastic snakes for beginners who want to own the large species. I can't stress enough though, RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Make SURE that you feel comfortable with the breed and its care, and confident that you can properly house it throughout its life before going to get one. Even if most of them are pretty docile ol' slugs, they can still be a handful for someone not prepared, or if they decide they're gonna be in a snit that day.


EDIT: When I say BCI, I mean the species Boa Constrictor Imperiator, also called the Colombian Red Tail Boa.