Quote Originally Posted by recycling goddess
okay, so i'm thinking of delving into the world of larger snakes... and i think we've decided on a hog island boa.

Good choice!

so, i need some real info and i find asking the ones who have them works the best.
I'll try my best
 how much time do they need you to spend with them a week? (i know my ball doesn't care if he sees me a week, month etc. although i do try to spend some time with him bi-weekly - if HE'S in the mood that is )

Hoggies are more tolerant of handling than BPs. I have mine out for anything ranging from 15mins-1hour as often as I can. Sometimes that is once per week, sometimes a few times. Sometimes my fiance takes him in the bedroom and hangs out with him while watching TV and he lays under the blanket.
as they grow and get more strength to them... are they typically harder to handle?
Not particuarly. They become stronger but keep in mind, they are not a big boa like a red tail. Females get bigger than males.
i've heard people say, "if you work with them... " what exactly does that mean? hold them daily, weekly etc?
Spend some time handling them and letting them get to know you and be comfortable with you.
i want to make sure i'm the right kind of person to own one before i get it. because IMO it's easier to rehome a ball which stays small than a boa who gets much larger... so i want to make sure i can care for him for life.

how long do they live in captivity?
If taken care of they can live upwards of 30 years (dont quote me on this but I believe this to be the number)
what do you feed them as adults?
They can eat rats forever. My adult male eats smalls (sometimes 2) every 7 days
i think that's all my questions... although i may have more depending on how well this cup of coffee does with my awakening brain cells LOL
Hope this helped a bit!