!boa bonanza!

[WrongPython]

Thanks for the kind words, jmcrook.

While I'm very tempted to leap into the world of larger snakes to keep those snakes/localities that really interest me, I'm also very mindful of that potential "reality check" and staying within my means for the next 20-30 years. The me of 20-30 years from now won't be as physically fit and able to handle a large, grumpy snake as well as the me of now. Since I'm looking to keep my snakes for at least 30 or so years (to match a colleague's personal age record with their oldest snake), that's quite a consideration. I think working with horses is what instilled the awareness of the "reality check" in me. Yes, they're sweet and manageable most of the time... but one bad moment is all it takes to seriously mess you up, if not worse.

While my python-keeping isn't as extensive as others', I'll agree that boas are generally more manageable than pythons. My little carpet (Pandora) is leagues faster than my fastest boa (Kuzco). Whereas Kuzco just actively slithers in the direction of something that interests him, Pandora can launch herself! Food for thought for those who may be debating taking up a boa versus a carpet for their first large (or larger) snake. Both are very rewarding snakes to keep and share your life with, but their overall manageability and is-this-the-best-snake-ness comes down to personal ability, experience, and preference.

On a tangential note, for readers who may be debating taking up a SD retic as your first python or larger snake: I would 100% recommend taking on (or working with) a carpet or centralian python first. If you can't handle a carpet or centralian, DO NOT get a retic! Retics of any size are advanced-level snakes. I was personally saving room for a pure SD retic a while back, but have since decided against it for multiple reasons.

Slàinte!