Can't Decide - Need Help - Boa or Sumatran Short Tail Python

[artgecko]

Boa! Seriously fun and great snakes... I have three. If size is a concern, get a male and go with a smaller locality... a "Central American", Nicaraguan, hog island, BCL (longicauda), or Mexican (terrahumara or Sonoran) would be smaller than a common BCI. Most common male BCI stay around 6' or a little smaller, but some can get larger. With all of the localities I mentioned, make sure they have correct lineage... You don't want to think your boa will get 4' when it will actually reach 8' because it was in reality a cross with something that you didn't know about.

I personally have a hypo male BCI (common boa), a male BCA (amarali), and a male motley Central American. The motley CA is definitely staying smaller than either of the others (with regular feeding).

I would recommend buying from a breeder (not a store or re-seller) and asking for a calmer individual. Some of the smaller localities can be nippier at first, so it is best to ask if you are set on a calm easy-going snake. All 3 of mine are calm as can be (except on feeding night) and none of them even hissed at me when being unboxed.

Short tails are beautiful snakes, but are less active and need higher humidity. They can be tame, but are on the whole less tame than most boas. They are not as active and have to be handled correctly...don't like to climb, so it is best to support most of their bodies and hold them while sitting, etc. If you do get one, go CBB and preferably purchase from a breeder that has handled them some and can pick a calmer one for you... and a male would stay smaller / lighter.

Boa pics! (just because I can lol)

Kirby, Hypo BCI


Jax, south Brazilian BCA