Sugar, I have a 6'+ BCI and she is a super sweetheart....kids can pet her. They make great pets, but just like Jamie said, they get big...everything about them is big. You need a big cage, big rats, and they make BIG poops. Babies grow very quickly, so be prepared if you decide to get a BCI. Other than size, there really are no major disadvantages of choosing one over a BP, for a first snake. Good luck!