Questions from a RTB newbie

[NinaCaliente]

I'm considering purchasing a baby boa. The snake in question is a male, and is advertised as a "common boa". Question #1: Does this label indicate a particular species of RTB, or should I ask the seller for more details?

Question #2: I was told this snake will require a 4-6 foot cage as an adult. I currently own a Boaphile cage for my ball python, and if I purchase this boa I will probably order another for the new snake. WWYD: Is it probable that a 4 foot cage will be sufficient for the life of the snake? Or would it be better to order a cage with an expandable end option (and possibly start with a 3 foot cage for now)? How long would a 3 foot cage house an 08 boa before I would need to expand?

Thanks for your input!

[starmom]

A common boa is a Columbian Bci.
As for housing, many people keep male Bci's in 4 foot cages for their lifetime.
For my Bci's they have outgrown their 3 foot cage after 1.5 years

[frankykeno]

When it comes to boas I would insist on confirmation that it is indeed a male since the females can be considerably larger. Our 16+ year old female BCI is almost 9 feet in length and certainly would not fit in some caging options that would be perfectly wonderful for a male her age. Boas are wonderful snakes btw the way and generally grow into beautiful adults if handled correctly as babies. Just mind their longer strike range and remember that most boas are aggressive feeders that enjoy their mealtime.

[starmom]

...Just mind their longer strike range and remember that most boas are aggressive feeders that enjoy their mealtime.

So very true!!!

[NinaCaliente]

Thanks very much for your responses! DH and I haven't decided for sure if we are going to take the plunge yet, but I appreciate the information.

[starmom]

Awww, take the plunge!! And, look on the net at pictures to see what type of Bci really catches your eye.

Boas are very cool snakes and a lot of fun to care for! I would recommend looking at http://www.jimisnakes.com. He is an excellent breeder of healthy and beautiful boas and a great source of info

[NinaCaliente]

Thanks for the link! I am still not sure what we are going to do. The snake we are looking at is an albino (GORGEOUS) but the price tag is really giving me pause at the moment. We'll see what we decide.

[NinaCaliente]

Okay, we decided to go for it! Here he is:

[tweets_4611]

Congrats!! He's a beauty! I've been waiting for the room so I can take the plunge....have fun with your new boy! ^_^

[ohyeahnow]

Beautiful snake. I would go with the cage you can add sections too. My general rule is the cages perimeter equals twice the snakes lenght. Remember boas like to climb.

Many different boas, even red tails come from different areas. Being an albino this shouldn't matter much.

Beautiful snake! Congrats!