this is a really interesting thread. As i contemplate my 2nd boa, its sex has been one of my main concerns. Would a co-ed situation (i have a male now) create some sort of breeding responses in either animal as alluded to above (i have absolutely no interest in breeding)? Also i am looking for size; i adore my little Central American, but yearn for length and heft, and yet i have seen some females who seem to be disproportionately girthy in the middle (not gravid) and aesthetically that does not appeal to me. with regard to overall body shape, i was thinking about carpet pythons although the consensus seems to be that they are generally not as chill as boas and i have young kids, one of whom is still learning to be gentle; thus far my boa has had the patience of a saint. I think about BCC's as they have the rep for getting bigger, but again, the temperament issue comes up. I suppose the BCC vs BCI thing is for another thread, but in the battle of the sexes i am still undecided and am really enjoying the insights here.