difference between bcc and bci

[BiGBaLLiN]

i am looking into getting a red tail but what is the difference between bci and bcc? i saw it in one of the posts and was just curious. thanks

[Shelby]

They are different subspecies.

BCI - boa constrictor imperator. Tends to stay smaller, much more common as a pet. More forgiving of husbandry mistakes, tends to have a calmer temperament.

BCC - boa constrictor constrictor. Can grow much larger. less common, and more expensive. some can be high strung. The upside? They are drop dead GORGEOUS.

[frankykeno]

Thanks I've always wondered what the difference was myself. Could anyone posts pics though. I've googled the BCI's and seen pics but can't seem to find any decent ones of the BCC's and would like to know what the visual difference is.


~~Jo~~

[Sassafrass]

Easiest way to tell the difference is in the saddle shape. The BCC has 'points' in the saddle shape: } {} {



Where a BCI has a round saddle shape: ( )( )

[Shelby]

Sometimes though, especially peruvian BCCs do not have widow's peaks. I have seen colombians with peaks too.

This is an excellent website to see pics of all the different subspecies.. there's more than just BCC and BCI!

http://www.boa-constrictors.com/com/com.html

[frankykeno]

Thanks ladies! He's most definitely a BCI from those pics.

If things work out as we wish it, Mike and I will be "foster parents" for a 4.5 foot long, male RTB for a few weeks until it gets shipped to Becky (SatanticIntention). I have read up quite a bit on their care but any suggestions are ALWAYS appreciated or suggestions of good websites/caresheets.

We'll be keeping this fella in seperate room of the house (there goes my nice laundry room!) and in full quarantine from our exisiting ball pythons.


~~Jo~~

[kavmon]

hey jo, you can also check out http://www.ectothermics.com/ kevin and charlotte breed alot boas and can tell you anything you want to know about locales and subspecies. i have a few snakes from them and all are very nice.


vaughn

[BiGBaLLiN]

ok so bci has a better temperament and grow to be smaller than the bcc?
bci are more common right?

[ladywhipple02]

BCI are more common, correct. But don't get it wrong... BCC can have just as wonderful a temperament as BCI. They're just a little more specific in their needs. BCI are more forgiving of temps and humidity... BCC will go off feed. Picky, like BPs! Personally, I think some of the locality BCCs are so beautiful, like the true RedTail Surinames. But I love BCI too. It all depends on your preference, I guess. They're all great snakes.

[ladywhipple02]

Check out this Suri... their tails stay that red throughout their lives. BCI's tend to fade a bit. Not that I'm down on BCI... I'm getting one soon.