Thinking of getting a RTB

[mikeraach]

My friend has a friend of a friend that will be having some RTB babies soon and is giving them away. I always liked and wanted a bigger snake and when I got my ball python I was hoping he would grow a little bigger but he stopped at 3'.

The parents are 6' and 9' (female/male) and thats all I know about them. Is there a sex that tends to get larger than the other? A 6' RTB would be perfect and a 9' being the max I would ever want. How often do they get this large? What size do they normally get?

When my BP was a baby I held him quite a lot but sometimes recently I only handle him maybe once a week (sometimes once every 2 weeks) and he remains docile and mellow. Are RTB the same in this aspect?

Like BP I know there are morphs for RTB, but are there sub species that get larger than others, or ones that are more aggressive than others that I should watch out for?

How fast do they grow? How big will it be in approx 2 years? I have a 20gal and 40gal tank. I normally keep my BP in the 40gal tank so the 20gal would be perfect for the RTB while its small. I'll be in college for another 2 years and I'd like to be able to use what I currently have as I have no room for another cage. I was planning on getting a RTB when I was out of college so I didn't have to worry about space but this opportunity came about. I read a rule that you should have a tank 2/3 the length of the snake, is this true?

[darkangel]

I can't answer all of your questions but a few. Females do tend to be larger. If the 6-9 foot range is what you're looking for, you'll want to look for a BCI, instead of a BCC.

I could handle my baby RTB almost every day and he will still eat f/t or live flawlessly... But he can be defensive when you're reaching into his tub, so some days he makes it quite clear that he doesn't want to be messed with. Besides this defensiveness he sometimes shows, he's incredibly inquisitive and curious, not a bit as shy as my BP.

As far as tank size, I'm really not sure, because I'm going with tubs, which you may want to consider because of price and ease.

[JimiSnakes]

Female Rtb's usually hit around 7-8 feet. Go with a male just to be safe, 5-6 feet is the norm. A tank is not a prime house for a boa, trust me...please. The best bet is to go with a rubbermaid or sterilite enclosure until you can either build or buy his/her permanent home. 4ft x 2ft x 1ft is the prime size for most to all Bci's.

Boas tend to be very "friendly" snakes. They are not calm though, they love to roam and explore and rarely stay still, lol. They are not nearly as shy or easily excited as most other snakes. The biggest problem I have with all my boas is putting them back into their home! haha

[mikeraach]

Sounds like they got a BCI then (which is what I want). Also sounds like a male is a good bet as well. I haven't sexed a snake, but is it even possible to 'pop' a new born (or a month old)?

Why are tubs more preferable than tanks? Do they not like fast movements around them all the time? The only thing about tubs is you can't really see the snake while they are inside, but I guess thats why you take it out

[hardball]

I just got a tub that is pretty clear. Its not as visually appealing as a tank but holds humidity and heat better than my tank and I can still peak in on my boa and what not. Its more convenient and about 500 times cheaper than the big tanks. Not to mention I have read that an adult boas feeding strike can crack and break the glass of a tank. FYI.

[snakedude56]

Breeders check the sex of the snakes before they sell them so you are sure of what you're getting. If the person you are getting them from dosn't sex them I'd suggest taking the snake to a vet to have it sexed and just looked over to make sure its in the best possible shape. Boas are definitely a fun snake to have, and like Jimi said they love to roam around and explore.

[Shaun J]

My friend has a friend of a friend that will be having some RTB babies soon and is giving them away. I always liked and wanted a bigger snake and when I got my ball python I was hoping he would grow a little bigger but he stopped at 3'.

The parents are 6' and 9' (female/male) and thats all I know about them. Is there a sex that tends to get larger than the other? A 6' RTB would be perfect and a 9' being the max I would ever want. How often do they get this large? What size do they normally get?

When my BP was a baby I held him quite a lot but sometimes recently I only handle him maybe once a week (sometimes once every 2 weeks) and he remains docile and mellow. Are RTB the same in this aspect?

Like BP I know there are morphs for RTB, but are there sub species that get larger than others, or ones that are more aggressive than others that I should watch out for?

How fast do they grow? How big will it be in approx 2 years? I have a 20gal and 40gal tank. I normally keep my BP in the 40gal tank so the 20gal would be perfect for the RTB while its small. I'll be in college for another 2 years and I'd like to be able to use what I currently have as I have no room for another cage. I was planning on getting a RTB when I was out of college so I didn't have to worry about space but this opportunity came about. I read a rule that you should have a tank 2/3 the length of the snake, is this true?

Well, you can't guarantee the size of a snake. Generally, females get bigger than males. Yes, I do believe that there are sub-species of RTBs that are generally fiestier, can get bigger, or smaller. If you want a generally docile snake, then I would go for the Columbian BCI, they range from 6-9 feet.

These snakes can grow VERY rapidly. They reach up to 3-4 feet in the first year. I suggest a plastic tub if you want a BCI. You can keep it in a Sterlite 1960 for a whole year. It is much cheaper, but also it saves space and might make it easier for you to heat the enclosure. If you don't think you have room now for a 4'x2'x2' cage that you will need by the end of next year, then don't get the snake. Wait until you have enough money, space, and time for it before you go make the purchase...

[mikeraach]

So glass tanks aren't so good cause when they are big if they strike they can shatter the glass and cut the snake up. Makes sense. I use a separate feeding enclosure for my BP so he doesn't see food coming into his home. Do you guys feed your RTB's in their enclosures? Or are the striking into glass problems just when the snake is in a bad mood?

I've seen sterlite recommended a couple of other places as well. Got any links or size suggestions? I really do like the idea of not buying another glass tank (my 40gal was only $100).

[Shaun J]

So glass tanks aren't so good cause when they are big if they strike they can shatter the glass and cut the snake up. Makes sense. I use a separate feeding enclosure for my BP so he doesn't see food coming into his home. Do you guys feed your RTB's in their enclosures? Or are the striking into glass problems just when the snake is in a bad mood?

I've seen sterlite recommended a couple of other places as well. Got any links or size suggestions? I really do like the idea of not buying another glass tank (my 40gal was only $100).

Actually, the tub is better (IMHO) because it's easier to keep up your temps and humidity. There is no real reason to feed your snake out of his enclosure unless the enclosure has loose substrate. The thing about the snake mistaking your hand for food is a myth. It can actually stress out the snake if you feed it in a different enclosure and move it back. A sterlite tub that can last it for a year is the Sterlite 1960, which is only 7 dollars. You can buy it from Wal Mart or Target. I believe it is a 41 Qt tub. After that, you will probably need to make an enclosure or buy one from a plastic cage maker. Boaphile makes plastic cages.

[frankykeno]

If you are more comfortable with a bit smaller boa then do make sure it's been popped or probed and confirmed that it is a male. Some female BCI can get quite large. One female we fostered is now in the 8 foot range, Jamie's BCI female I believe is in the 8 to 9 foot range. We currently have two male BCI's (one is our son's snake, one is a snake we are caring for over the next three months for it's owner). Both boys are 05's and are just lovely snakes. Our son's snake in particular is fantastic to handle as he's been treated carefully and knows by now that handling is nothing to fear. Do remember though that these are bigger, very strong snakes with impressively long strike ranges. They are nothing to play with when you are feeding them and they love to eat!