Looking to buy a boa in the near future.

[artgecko]

I'm glad you're considering a boa... These guys have great personality and are a lot more fun to handle (IMO) than BPs. That said, the main thing to consider with them is size / weight and housing. I am new to owning boas, so I'll be as helpful as I can, but hopefully some of the pros around here will chime in too.

There are two main subspecies that you'll come across, BCI and BCC. BCC are the "true redtails" and will get a lot larger than BCI. BCC can get up to 12 feet, although I've read that 10 feet is more common. They will also get heavier than a BCI.

BCI (common boa constrictors), which are also sometimes called "redtails", although that is incorrect, stay smaller and leaner (especially males) and are the ones with the most common morphs (all the albinos, hypos, motleys, etc.). These generally stay 8 feet or smaller, with most being in the 5.5 - 7 foot range. There is a big size difference between males and females, with males staying smaller weight-wise and length wise. There are some smaller locality BCIs that will stay shorter and leaner if fed properly, but you must be careful to buy one of these from a trusted breeder to make sure you're getting what you pay for (hog island and terrahumara are examples of smaller locals).

Care is similar to a BP, but with slightly lower temps. for the hot spot and ambient (h~78 cool side and 88 warm side). Humidity requirements are about the same as a BP as well. The main differences are in feeding and housing. With a boa, you want at least a 4 x 2 x 15" (or taller) pvc cage (and that is for a male BCI ) with the larger males and female BCI and BCC, you're looking at a bigger cage (at least 6 x 2 x 18"). With regards to feeding, boas eat items the same size as them at their widest point or slightly smaller (you don't want a lump). They also eat less frequently. They are generally fed every 1.5 weeks as youngsters, then every 2 weeks, and sometimes adults eat every 3-4 weeks. You want the boa to have a "loaf of bread" shape, so if you see one that looks like a BP (round) it is being fed too much or too often.

Most people recommend purchasing a male BCI as a "first boa" because they are larger than BPs, but still remain lighter weight and easier to handle than female BCIs and a great bit lighter / smaller than BCCs. I have also read that BCCs (true redtails) can be more picky husbandry wise and more tempermental.

I really recommend this book. It has loads of info on all the different morphs, locals, and subspecies. It also has care and breeding information. Here is a care sheet for "common" or BCI boa constrictors.

Good luck!