Need help with next snake decision

[ArmedPT]

Many pictures you see online of BI's/BCI's are overfed Boas. People wanting to show how big their snakes can get.

A properly fed male BI could be 7FT, but likely, much less, and almost definitely thinner bodied. Read up on some of the feeding schedules/regimes for BI's. Slow growth is the way to go. A male BI that reaches 7FT, who is fed properly, would take a long time to get there. "Adult size" should be reached in 4-6 years (depending on individual, male vs. female, and feeding schedule). However, they grow their whole lives. So, I properly fed male BI probably wouldn't get to 7FT, if at all, for 6-9 years.

There are a few really good dwarf boa breeders out there. If you want to ensure a smaller size. However, when I spoke to Vin Russo about buying a dwarf boa from him, he said many were very temperamental and do not share the gentle nature of most BI's. There are exceptions to the rule, but in general, BI's are puppy dog tame (aggressive feeders yes, and should be hook trained, but when handled, a dream). Many dwarf species, not so much.

I ultimately worked with Tommy Carpenter (TC Reptiles) to get a "dwarf" Venezuelan BCC/True Red Tail from the Rio Bravo line. I believe only two breeders are working with these currently. The females max out about 6FT and the males 4-5FT. They are known for their docile nature. They are also not as prone to humidity issues and feeding issues (true red tails can get regurgitation syndrome while most BI's and this line of BCC tend not to). Not saying you need to get one of these guys, but I had a good experience with both Vin Russo and Tommy Carpenter. Both were honest about what they had and what would fit me best.

I would talk with Tommy or Vin if you want a locale/dwarf species. I believe Tommy is working with BCL as well, but I am not positive. No idea with Vin right now.

PM if you want an intro to Tommy, or just reach out through his webpage or FB. Vin responds well to the email on his page.

Getting back to what you should get. If you can handle a crazy food response, but reliable eaters (garbage disposals practically) get a BI (male) or locale or dwarf boa. In my experience, the BI's and the BCC tend to have the best personalities, and I haven't been as impressed with the few dwarf species I've handled (aside from Feliz and what I've heard of his line). However, I have limited experience and working with a good breeder who knows their animals is important. Dumerils are supposed to be very calm and I've handled adults before and they seem pretty chill. I cannot comment on feeding issues since I do not have direct experience.

STP's I have little experience with, but believe they are not as easy to handle. They like to be supported and get heavy. A Boa you can drape over your shoulders, or wrap up in your arms, etc. They like to climb and do a good job of supporting themselves.

My vote would be Boa (BI or dwarf/locale species). A male BI could live happily in a 4X2' or a 5X2' at the most for life. A dwarf/locale species, a 4X2' easy, or even a 3X2' possibly. With boas I add length and depth/width and want it to be the same size or bigger than the length of the snake.

The one thing I will ask is why your aversion to a 7FT boa versus a 5-6FT boa? Is it tank size? Intimidation?

As mentioned, Boas take a long time to reach size, and you will have time to get to know each other if you end up with a male BI, for example. I ended up with a female BI as my first Boa, not necessarily wanting a large animal, but Behira was at a local breeder, was a year old and established, and had one of, if not the best, personalities and temperament of any boa he had. That mattered more to me than getting a smaller animal. I also have room for her 6X2' Boaphile.

Regardless of what you choose, good luck, keep doing research, and keep us in the loop.

P.S. Be extra careful with the temp and humidity requirements with whatever you choose. BI's and many locale boas like reasonable humidity most of the time and for a good shed. Also, they tend to prefer slightly lower temps than BP's on the hot side. Dumerils, I believe, even more so.

Also, my boas tend to use the bathroom every 2-3 weeks, depending on feeding schedule, often with a urine and urate in there somewhere in between. Feliz eats every two weeks now and goes once every two weeks with a urine in between usually. Behira eats every 3 weeks and goes every 3 weeks. So, I usually have to clean her tank and change paper (I use printless newspaper as substrate) every week or two. Keep in mind, she is 3 years old, 5FT and 1,600G and eats a medium rat (105-115G on average) every 3 weeks. So it's not like I am stuffing her. I believe she is happy and healthy and she is growing well on this diet and duration of feeding currently.

Wow! Thank you for the excellent feedback! Really, it is more of a matter of space. I want to ensure that I have a happy, healthy animal. I will definitely take a regular mail BCI into consideration, I didn’t realize that many of the oversized ones are simply overfed.


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