rtb

[camb]

hey im looking into getting a rtb and i was wandering what kind of boas they sell in the average pet store and label it boa constrictor and how big would a male of that species get and what would be smaller species of boa would stay smaller around 5-6 feet and wouldn't be to hard to find or expensive.

thx

[Shelby]

Well, most pet stores sell Colombian BCI (Boa constrictor imperator). They are the most common locality and subspecies of boa constrictor. Males can reach 5-7'. I'd recommend getting one from a breeder over a pet store though.. you'll get a healthier animal if you find a good breeder.. and for less money. Colombian BCI can be had for $75.

[waltah!]

You can also check out Dumeril's boas. They are gorgeous and generally stay within the size range that you are looking for. You will have to go to a breeder for one as most pet stores will not have them. They probably run between $150-$200(rough estimate) Male Colombians tend to be within your size range, but can get larger. The other problem with pet stores usually is that they have no idea what sex their Colombians actually are.

[Shelby]

Yeah dumerils are an excellent suggestion. as are hog island boas (they are a different locality of BCI.. they tend to stay smaller than Colombians)

[camb]

thanks so much for the info il look into dumerils.

and i must sound like an idiot but what does BCI stand for

[starmom]

Don't they all have different personalities though? I'm getting a BCI from Mike (http://www.basicallyboas.com/index.html) and I chose a Columbian, over a Surinam, due to the Columbia's more forgiving husbandry and typical calmness. However, this being my first boa (and having 14 balls) I have entered the steep learning curve!

[Shelby]

BCI (Boa constrictor imperator)

[slither9192]

Don't they all have different personalities though? I'm getting a BCI from Mike (http://www.basicallyboas.com/index.html) and I chose a Columbian, over a Surinam, due to the Columbia's more forgiving husbandry and typical calmness. However, this being my first boa (and having 14 balls) I have entered the steep learning curve!

Really the only difference is is the Suriname are more prone to regurgitation. As long as you get a healthy snake to start you should be good.

[JimiSnakes]

Don't they all have different personalities though? I'm getting a BCI from Mike (http://www.basicallyboas.com/index.html) and I chose a Columbian, over a Surinam, due to the Columbia's more forgiving husbandry and typical calmness. However, this being my first boa (and having 14 balls) I have entered the steep learning curve!

Hey! Mike is an awesome guy. You won't be disappointed with buying off him. Did you grab that Aby line girl you were talking about? She's one sweet looker! Good luck!

I'd go with a male colombian, just my 2cents though. Start out with a nice normal colombian and then go from there. Colombian attitudes and generally/usually more tolerant and more laid back than other boas.

[starmom]

Hey! Mike is an awesome guy. You won't be disappointed with buying off him. Did you grab that Aby line girl you were talking about? She's one sweet looker! Good luck!

I'd go with a male colombian, just my 2cents though. Start out with a nice normal colombian and then go from there. Colombian attitudes and generally/usually more tolerant and more laid back than other boas.

I *did* get her and I am really excited! Big change from balls, but I just fell in love with her when I saw her!! I was looking for a normal Columbian female, but my heart just stopped when I saw Mike's girl and I knew she was the one (that sounds rather corny, doesn't it?!) Anyway, yeah, I sure hope that she'll have the nice and calm personality; Mike seemed to think so though right now she's a bit pesky from lack of handling. That'll change though...!