red tail boa vs ball python care

[kiiarah]

My S/O has a red tail boa and I have a ball python so I may be able to help. The biggest thing is probably the size as the previous reply mentions. Ball pythons will do well as adults in a 50+ gallon enclosure (depending on gender, females of course do get larger than males) while boas will need a great deal more space. They both start out small but you have to plan for that size increase with boas, as it is not cheap to house or feed them as adults.

Humidity requirements are the same, both do well with around 50% standard humidity upped to 70% or so while shedding. Both are fed weekly on appropriately sized rats, though boas can get large enough to need rabbits as adults. Hot spots for both should be 90 degree floor temps in the hot hide, generated by a UTH (under tank heater) and regulated by a good quality thermostat (stay away from those cheap ones they sell in big box pet stores), and both require an ambient temp around 80.

In my experience ball pythons tend to be more placid, but not by much. I find boas to be a bit more skittish at least when they are young. Both are very tolerant snakes, though I have heard of a greater number of feisty boas than ball pythons. With any snake temperaments can differ. There are grumpy royals and extremely docile boas.

In the long run, it really comes down to whether or not you are comfortable with a snake that will get as large as a red tail and whether you can commit financially to its care for life. Both species will live for 20+ years if kept properly. Whichever you choose to go with the folks on here can give great recommendations on care and equipment, as well as help with any issues that come up along the way. Both are delightful species to keep.