Is this a good deal. . .and other ?s

[Willowy]

I've only had a BP for a year now. . .but I got bit by the snake bug and have been considering a boa or blood python. So I've done basic research and whatnot, but nothing serious yet. But now there's an ad on craigslist that seems tempting. . .https://siouxcity.craigslist.org/pet/5507606393.html

I was considering a locality boa like Hogg Island or Pearl Island so it would stay smaller. I'm sure this one isn't. What variety do you think this one looks like? How big do males (or mails, hehe) usually get? Would that cage be good for his whole life? I know you're supposed to have 2 people present when you handle a large snake, so that could be a problem for me; I'm single, and I don't want to have to call a friend if I want to get the snake out! I know they're pretty docile though.

And, um, redtail boas don't need misters, do they?

[GoingPostal]

A lot of people keep male boas in 4x2 so you would likely be ok with that cage for quite some time and maybe forever depending on how large he gets. A male columbian boa you are looking at probably 6-7 feet, hard to guess without a better look at him what morph/type but he may be. Would I buy that setup? No, I'm pretty picky when it comes to my snakes and cages and prefer to get exactly what I want but looks like a decent quality cage from the pictures and probably was expensive. The boa itself if a common bci is worth probably around $100 and I would be concerned about how wet that tank looks and checking the snake over for scale rot. Also can't tell if any of those heating sources are on thermostats.

[Rob]

If I were you I'd look more into getting exactly the animal you want. There are a ton of cool boas to choose from, and check out animal plastics for a nice enclosure made just how you want.


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[Albert Clark]

I've only had a BP for a year now. . .but I got bit by the snake bug and have been considering a boa or blood python. So I've done basic research and whatnot, but nothing serious yet. But now there's an ad on craigslist that seems tempting. . .https://siouxcity.craigslist.org/pet/5507606393.html

I was considering a locality boa like Hogg Island or Pearl Island so it would stay smaller. I'm sure this one isn't. What variety do you think this one looks like? How big do males (or mails, hehe) usually get? Would that cage be good for his whole life? I know you're supposed to have 2 people present when you handle a large snake, so that could be a problem for me; I'm single, and I don't want to have to call a friend if I want to get the snake out! I know they're pretty docile though.

And, um, redtail boas don't need misters, do they?

Hey you always have to be suspicious of wildlife on Craigslist. Buyer beware! Buy cheap get cheap. Go to a Expo or look for a deal from a decent breeder. You will probably wind up saving money in the long run.

[Willowy]

Haha, well, I got my first BP from a craigslist ad, and I always like to rescue animals when possible . I do think I'll hold off on a boa, though. . .but if anyone posts an ad for a blood python/bstp, watch out!

[Sauzo]

Well judging from the picture, the snake doesn't look skinny but cant really see it that well. Looks like a normal BI. Males can live in a 4x2 their whole life. Seems the cage is decently built. Says it has UTHs and light free heaters above which means either CHEs or RHPs. The one thing is the humidity is WAY too high. He has condensation on the front glass.

Boas don't need a mister or rain maker. Just keep their humidity around 50-70% using a big water bowl.

And as for needing 2 people to handle a boa, you don't. Boas don't get that huge. My 6' girl is easily managed by me alone and even when she gets 8', I don't imagine it will change. Boas generally are very laid back. Just don't use common sense and don't wrap a 6' boa around your neck. They can get startled and tighten up which can black you out before you have time to try and unwind/loosen its grip. I usually just drape her over my shoulder on 1 side and under my arm on the other side so she is still supported and feels safe.

Boas are much more interactive than a BP and also tend to hide a lot less. My girls are always out somewhere. The only times they are completely in their hides is when they are shedding or having a grumpy day. Otherwise I can reach right in and pet them on the heads while I change water or sling them on me in the summer time when I go outside.

As for CLs, you do need to be aware and alert but there are people out there who have taken good of their pets and just need to rehome them for whatever reason. Honestly this looks like a decent deal. The cage looks well made, it is a little sparse but the water tub looks clean and the snake doesn't look like a train wreck. Plus what he said about the heating seems pretty good. If you are interested and want a boa, its worth checking out Heck you try and knock some off the price by not taking the mister, who knows. Anyways good luck.

[dkatz4]

I am a new snake owner and started on craigs list b/c i just needed to start somewhere. Here's the interesting part: I saw an ad that looked very tempting but i held back b/c as we all know you have to be cautious with CL. A few days later i see a screenshot of the ad in question posted under a scam alert! I end up emailing the whistle-blower just to say thanks, it turns out she is a breeder (which is how she recognized the scam), we hit it off and i ended up with a wonderful healthy snake hand-selected by her for me at a very reasonable price and i just couldn't be happier. So i guess CL worked out for me but in a very roundabout way! Personally, i'm looking for expensive morphs, just cool pets (not that i don't appreciate them), so i'd say if you see ads by breeders for fancy expensive animals, email them to ask if they have any unadvertised normals.