ball vs boa

[Neal]

Since it seems like neither of you have experience in dealing with snakes, go with the ball python. As far as which is better, it's totally opinionated. Boas grow quite larger then ball pythons, some require more intense care/requirements. Since you're asking I would recommend you doing research before you get either.

[DM1975]

Ball Pythons are a bit easier to house and care for in my opinion, but I love Boas. Some boas (talking redtails) are not as hard to take care of, like the BCI's, or common redtail, and some of those can vary wildly on size. I think the Central Americans stay a bit smaller, and has a lot of dark coloration and speckling in the. And some say true redtails, or BCC's, take a lot more to care for. I have BCI's and I love em, but they do take a bit more time out of my day than my ball pythons do, but that is mainly me watching them cause I think they are cool.

Also, there is so much variation in color and patterns in Boas without having to get into morphs. Some are dark, some are pinkish, some are light tan. They are fairly docile animals too.

As long as you decide from the start to do it right, and get the animals husbandry needs taken care of then you shouldn't have much problems keeping either one. Get some good books and learn. Never try to meet their needs halfway and you will have healthy, happy snakes with either pick.

[highqualityballz]

Bps are smaller and known to be more docile. Boas can get huge, take up more room and if agressive will be a pain in neck. IMO i would go for a Bp for your first snake. Dont get me wrong though i love boas but i dont think its the best beginner snake. I can give you a list of some reputable Bp breeders if that's what you choose to get!

[BWB]

I have one of each (so far) and each are great. The ball makes a super first snake - easy going, calm, and beautiful, she's sort of my older, calmer but adventurous girl. I enjoyed having her so much that I decided to get another snake and after much debate and investigation I decided to get a Hog Island Boa. She is beautiful as well, in many different ways but a bit more speedy and quite strong for her size. The ball is a bit slower at eating whereas the boa will rip the rat off the tongs before you are ready for it. I'm glad that I started with just the ball as they are very manageable and, in my case, so easy to deal with. I think that my next snake will be something a bit different again as I love the various morphs of ball pythons but around here they are quite expensive whereas I can get a smaller boa (or kingsnake, milksnake, etc) quite easily and cheaply.

[frostysBP]

Bps are smaller and known to be more docile. Boas can get huge, take up more room and if agressive will be a pain in neck. IMO i would go for a Bp for your first snake. Dont get me wrong though i love boas but i dont think its the best beginner snake. I can give you a list of some reputable Bp breeders if that's what you choose to get!

Post is from 2009

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[enginee837]

I am not sure what everyone is talking about ball pythons not being active or stressing out when being handled. Maybe we just got lucky but all 3 of ours let my daughter's hold them and when they do they are all over the place. Friendly and active.

On the other hand,not sure why people would say there are not many color options with boas. There are some gorgeous boas out there. I have had some Argentine boas that were nearly solid black and some Surinam boas that had an amazing pink base color.

The best advise would be for you to pick the species you cannot live without. Research husbandry for it and make sure it is a commitment you can live with. I would not recommend getting one you don't like just because it grows smaller or is less likely to bite. Any of the above species can he tamed and made safe to handle. These snakes live far too long to get one simply as a starter snake. Start with the one you want and are equipped to take care of. Just my 2 cents