I have a normal ball python and a Hogg Island boa - both great snakes although the ball is not eating right now which is very frustrating. She is wandering around as if on the hunt but the last time I attempted to feed her she crawled out of her hide, over the rat and later went back in her hide past it. The next morning (left it for her overnight) the rat was partially in her hide, not eaten. In the past I have fed the uneaten rat to the boa but last week he had started to shed and I hold off feeding until the shedding process is complete. Balls are great pets and easy to handle - mine loves to explore so you have to watch her. The boa is a bit faster/squirmier when I first get him out but calms down when he gets a grip on me. He'll hang onto me and doesn't venture too far away. The boa is about 4 feet long but slim whereas the ball is about 40 inches long and a bit chunkier. The boa will always eat and requires very little prompting whereas the ball has to have the rat left at her hide entrance and have a quiet dining experience!