Questions

[Daybreaker]

1. are they good for a first snake owner?

2. pricing for hatchlings and good breeders to find them?

3. i have 40 gallon tank and i was wondering how long i could keep it in there?

4. this is of topic but are ball pythons really that bad of trouble eaters as everyone says they are?

im not looking to get one anytime soon but id like to know as much as possible before i get one and id like to explore my options

First, when you say RTB are you talking about a BCC or BCI locality? BCI's technically are not true red tailed boas, but many still refer to them as "red tails". I would recommend a BCI for a first time boa keeper (Colombians, Hog Islands, Central Americans, even some of the smaller "dwarf" Mexican localities) so my answers are general regarding those:

1) Yes, I do think they are good first snakes but ONLY IF you have the ability to house the larger guys (Colombians) in at least 4-6' caging (PVC, not fish tanks), able to feed them the larger and more expensive prey (adults IMO should not eat weekly: I feed my adults every 2 weeks, sometimes every 3), and if you have held/seen a full grown BCI (Colombian) in person so you know what to expect. Some of the smaller localities can be kept in tubs their whole lives but I would still be prepared in case they, too, need larger caging than a tub or tank.

2) Totally depends on what locality and what morph you're looking at. Way too broad of a question to answer. I would check out Kingsnake and Fauna Classifieds for pricing: normal colored Colombians and CAs will be one the lower end up to pretty expensive when you look into getting into certain morphs. BCCs will be priced higher than their normal BCI counterparts (usually), but again: I recommend a BCI over a BCC for a beginner.

3) Again, depends on the locality. Personally I would ditch the tank and start younger boas out in tubs (mine feel more secure in those over a wide open tank) and I would still bet on needing a PVC cage eventually if you plan to go with a Colombian or female Hog, CA, etc. I love Animal Plastics cages but Boaphiles look nice too and you could always make your own. There's many other companies out there that make caging: just about looking around. Peg at least around $150+ for a 4' cage: this doesn't include shipping costs from a company or heating needs (thermostat, RHPs if used, UTHs, etc).

4) I have some balls that eat every time offered and some that go longer periods of being off feed. I can judge pretty well who will eat on feeding night and not: so overall I would say some can be picky but it depends on the individual. Out of all the species I keep the balls are the most finicky though.

and some other little notes on boas: feed babies every 7-10 days and I personally like to feed mice up to the boa's first birthday. I have sub-adults on 10-14 day schedules and adults on every 2 (sometimes 3) weeks. I keep mine a tad cooler than my pythons: they are more comfortable this way. I would start out with a baby from a reputable breeder over staring out with an older animal, especially if you have no boa experience. And again ask yourself if you will have the ability to care for a possible 7'+ animal (Colombians and BCCs): IMO that's not really big but to some it is.