Ball pythons vs. boa constrictors - key differences in care?

[Bogertophis]

I've heard of the dwarf variants, but I think I'd find the full size reasonably manageable, too. That temperature gradient sounds pretty much like what I do for my BPs, so I'm reassured that I should be able to maintain that for a boa as well. I've definitely seen others also mention the effort it takes to wrestle an adventurous boa back into its enclosure though, so I'll keep that in mind, haha. And, considering my current woe is how tired my hand gets while dangling a rat and waiting for Iggy to decide if he wants it or not, a robust feeding response sounds delightful to me! Especially if medium rats are enough to do the trick (not sure how reliably I would be able to supply rabbits, anyway). I have long feeding tongs with angled rubber tips, plus a snake hook (which I've never needed to use for the BPs), so hopefully I'd be able to figure out an approach for an "enthusiastic" feeder! Good to know about the slower metabolism, though.

Boas need (prefer) somewhat cooler homes than the ball pythons do (not as high as 90* & the cool end can be cooler). I really don't think you'd have one bit of trouble.

One sneaky way to get your large boa back into her cage: when I had mine out for play, she liked to hide in a soft-sided small dog carrier that I happened to have...I put
a towel in it, & while it's well-ventilated, to her it was a cave she happily entered. Then I just carried it back to her cage, to exit from at her leisure. Much easier than trying to make her let go of me. Don't wrestle with a snake, just out-smart them.

Yes, I'm with you...I love a good immediate feeding response too. I guarantee your hands won't get tired with a BCI.

In terms of care, I've only kept a BCI, but nearly everyone says they are easier (more forgiving in terms of care) than BCC.

As far as 'hook training' or curbing that enthusiasm, you won't have any trouble reading their thoughts & redirecting their first impression, as long as you aren't walking
around with a plate of f/t rodents or wearing "rat cologne"...'cause these snakes will KNOW.