Just another "I'm thinking about getting a boa" thread - Dumeril's, Hog Island, etc.

[Stargazer735]

Hi, all.

To be honest, the first snake I ever wanted was a boa, back when I was a kid. I ended up going with a normal ball python and got another one (this time, a blue-eyed leucistic) a little over a year ago. He's doing great, by the way.

Anyway, I went to the Reptile Expo in White Plains, NY today and... well... I want a boa all over again.

For a variety of reasons that I won't bore you all with, I'm looking to stay under 6 feet, preferably 4-5 feet in length. I love the look of red tails, but the possibility of hitting 7 or even 8 feet is just too much for me. So, after doing some research on here and some other boards, it's looking more and more like a Hog Island, but I hear a Dumeril's may fit the bill as well. Naturally, I have some questions:

1, I understand the males for each tend to hit about 5 feet, is that right?
2. Are the Hogs smaller on average?
3. Based on the length I'm looking for, would anyone here recommend one over the other?
4. From that I've researched, the Hogs and Dumeril's tend to have a similar temperament, is that right?
5. Are there any other boas I ought to be considering?

Before I make an impulsive decision (and let me tell you, it was really hard not to earlier today,) I'd like some feedback from some of the more experienced boa owners on here.

Thank you all in advance!

[redshepherd]

Dumerils actually don't have a particular differentiation in size based on sex like ball pythons do. Their average seems to be 6 feet for both genders, but 7~8 feet Dumerils aren't uncommon either... I've seen plenty of 7~8 feet Dumerils already, and I have just barely started with them. I can't contribute any answers about hogs.

[Stargazer735]

Dumerils actually don't have a particular differentiation in size based on sex like ball pythons do. Their average seems to be 6 feet for both genders, but 7~8 feet Dumerils aren't uncommon either... I've seen plenty of 7~8 feet Dumerils already, and I have just barely started with them. I can't contribute any answers about hogs.

Thanks for the quick response! That's good to know about the size/sex differentiation. I've heard the BCIs and Hogs have smaller males, but then again, there's a reason why I'm asking the folks on here.

How's yours treating you so far? How long have you owned it and what's the length, if you don't mind me asking?

[redshepherd]

Thanks for the quick response! That's good to know about the size/sex differentiation. I've heard the BCIs and Hogs have smaller males, but then again, there's a reason why I'm asking the folks on here.

How's yours treating you so far? How long have you owned it and what's the length, if you don't mind me asking?

(When I said just barely started, I really meant it AHAH) I've owned Vigil for only about a month. She's exactly 2 years old (August 2013), and looks to be just about 3 feet long. I've been told that she's on the small side for her age, but I don't have factual reference for that.

Her temperament is great though- very chill and falls asleep consistently under 10 minutes every time I take her out. She's amazingly lazy and very reluctant to bite at all- even at her food. She just kind of slowly grabs the F/T rodent off the tongs and starts swallowing. Apparently I have an extremely lazy girl, even relative to other Dumerils though LOL.