What type of RTB is best for me??? NEWBIE

[KJLegend]

Hi I am new here and I am looking to get either a ball or a RTB. I am learning a lot as I go but I want to get the different types of RTB's down before I decide which one I like best.

The smaller the better for me as I am new to snakes, but I am willing to learn everything I need to know before getting one so dont worry....newayz, I really like the looks of the surinam (BCC) ? especially, but the columbian is pretty and the brazilian. Someone told me that the surinam is a little bigger than the columbian is this a huge difference?

Also how much should I expect to spend on one of these? I've seen them around WI here for $150 plus or minus some.

What kind of home is best for one?...I am thinking of building a box type 4'x2' cage.
Any other important info would be great to know before sinking my teeth into my first snake!
THank you for all the help this forum is a huge help I love it!

[Shelby]

Well.. BCC boas can reach quite large sizes.. the biggest one I remember seeing was 10' long and about 55lbs. That is quite a bit bigger than average.. but females often reach 8-9' in length, males are always a bit smaller.

Colombian BCI can also reach those sizes.. the size difference isn't as big as some would have you think. There are other localities of BCI other than Colombian that are smaller, however. One of the most popular are hog island boas. They are considered a dwarf boa, and stay in the 4-6' range typically. Here's a picture of my 6' female hog island:



Brazilian rainbow boas are not red tails, they require different care. They are considered more delicate than many species. Too warm of temperatures (or too cool) will kill them, and they need very high humidity. I would not recommend one of these for a first snake.

As far as housing for red tailed boas, babies do best in small cages.. adults can live in a 4'x2' cage. Especially large red tails (usually females) may require a 6'x2' cage.

[KJLegend]

Thank you,
It must be the Peruvian version and the venezuelan one I am thinking of. I like the hog island but those bright colors are what I like a lot. The greys in the peruvian and the reds in the venezuelan. The same goes for the columbian and suri's. Do all of those get above 8 or 9' as well? As long as you think a first time snake owner can handel one of these (male not female snake) I will get one sooner or later. Otherwise I will start with a ball and see how that goes.

[Shelby]

Peruvian boas are known for being one of the larger of the BCC localities.. I have a picture of one that's well over 10' long. Peruvians are known for gaining yellow color on their bodies as they mature.. with red tails of course.

Venezuelan boas are not commonly seen for sale.. in fact I don't ever remember seeing one. Surinam, Guyanan, and Peruvian are the three most common BCC boas.

I can't tell you if you'd be ok with a boa constrictor as your first snake or not. If you can, handle and be around some large adult boas that belong to someone else to see if you feel comfortable with them. They are very strong, even though most are quite docile.

[SPJ]

Are you referring to the Brazilian Amarali?

They stay on the smaller side. Still larger than a hog or one of the insular BCI's.
As far as price goes, a normal Colombian will run about $150 with shipping and the Suri's, Guyana's, Amarali, and others can run between $200 with shipping up to about a grand.
Size, sex, pattern, type and color all determine the price.
Have you thought about a Central American boa?
They stay on the small side and you can find some for relatively cheap.
A 4x2 cage would work for most BCI and BCC except for the really large 10 foot plus ones (not as common but they are out there).
As far as temperament goes, on average, BCI tend to be more tame right off the bat than BCC but with gentle handling all can be tame.
When picking a RTB it all comes down to what "look" you want. If you want the true redtail (bright red) then go with a BCC. If not, a BCI would be a good choice.
For smaller size, go with a male but as far as what type to choose, that really depends upon what you like. Look at all the types and then pick the one you like best.
I prefer the smaller dwarf locale BCI's from Nicaragua. She'll never need a 4x2 cage. The 32 quart Sterilite tub is more than big enough for her.
This is a 2005 girl. She is not a true redtail like a BCC but she is a "redtail" Bluefields locale BCI.

[Shelby]

Oh whoops he probably was referring to amarali, not rainbow boas.. lol well what can I say, it's 1:00AM.

[KJLegend]

Oh yes! That is what I am looking for Im not to picky but something with that sort of look is perfect for me. If I dont feed it TONZ of food it wont grow that big right? I dont want to starve him of course but limiting food intake will keep it on the slim and short side i would think. I would get him as a baby so I can grow with him in my husbandry skillz.
What is the best way about finding one...Internet? if so what sites? for price and quality. Local pet store I have a few in town that have some snakes but they say they can order them as I please. This would be nice i think for handeling the snake before i buy or does that not matter?
Thank you again for all the help even at 1:30 in the morning! haha
Shelby I love your snakes you obviously have a love for these wonderful animals! Where in Il do you live? I hope your not a bears fan!!! Go pack!

[Shelby]

What type of boa is it that you decided you like? The bluefields boa SPJ posted a pic of?

And yes you can keep them on the smaller size by feeding them conservatively. My adult boas are fed every other week to every third week. It's good to feed young boas every week though.

I live in Gurnee (northeastern Illinois) and I don't care about football really.

[KJLegend]

Lol,
Yes the one SPJ posted. Or at least one similar to it. Basically the look of the real deep rich colors like the surinam or columbian. It just sounds like they might get way to big, but I think I could handle it. Its more so I dont scare my girlfriend right now. But if I get a baby it will grow on her I think.

Any suggestions on where to get one?

I would love to see your collection sometime! I come down from Madison to six flags in the summer quite a bit in Gurnee Il. Again thanks for the info...its late time for bed.

[SPJ]

Lol,
Yes the one SPJ posted. Or at least one similar to it. Basically the look of the real deep rich colors like the surinam or columbian. It just sounds like they might get way to big, but I think I could handle it. Its more so I dont scare my girlfriend right now. But if I get a baby it will grow on her I think.

Any suggestions on where to get one?

I would love to see your collection sometime! I come down from Madison to six flags in the summer quite a bit in Gurnee Il. Again thanks for the info...its late time for bed.

The only 2 Bluefields that I know of in the market right now are owned by Ed Clark. I don't know if he would sell a single. I think he wants to sell the 1.1 pair together and from what he is asking, they may be more than what you want to spend on your first boa.

As far as something similiar, you could try Gus Rentfro. He works with locality boas. Maybe a Costa Rican or a Crawl Cay would be good. They stay small. Also check out Kingsnake.com under the boa constrictor section. That would give you an idea of what is out there and prices.