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Considering a Boa...

sallydog77

sallydog77

RayRay the Party Midget
I posted here a month ago about my dad having a stroke. He is back home now, and his vision is permanently impared. We moved all his things upstairs and now that leaves the downstairs available for me to turn into a reptile room/apartment.

I'm really interested in getting a large snake. I don't want anything too large, and since settled on a boa constrictor. I will definitely have the space and time for one, since our basement is huge. My friend has a wonderful boa named Chavez. He is a little over 8ft long and is just wonderful to handle. He is really an amazing animal, and he will sit with us around the TV for hours. I've handled him many, many times, so I'm comfortable interacting with and handling one. I want a male like Chavez. All my reptiles are boys. I had a bad incident with a leopard gecko having an egg impaction, which she ulitmately died from, so I always acquired male reptiles after that. :p

I know a lot of people here keep different sorts of boas, so I was wondering if you could point me to some decent reading material, and possibly some breeders. I'm not really interested in morphs, but more about the different localities. I've tried looking up the difference between a BCI and a BCC and I'm still a bit confused. Different sources online say different things, so its been hard for me to discern what is real and what is not.

This is going to be a while down the road, and I don't want to jump into anything too quickly. I know there are a lot of different localities with their own special needs and temperments. I want to make the right choice for me and my household, and of course, find the right enclosure.
 
Oh don't consider it, just do it! Boas are IMO the epitome of a snake, not too big, not too small, docile, fantastic feeders and they are simply beautiful creatures (no matter what colour they are).

I recommend you buy The Complete Boa Constrictor by Vin Russo. It's a comprehensive guide to boas covering all aspects of husbandry, breeding, localities, genetics, morphs, natural environment and history of every known species of BCC and BCI.

To answer your question, BCC's are TRUE red tail boas. These include Surinams, Guyanas, Peruvians, Ecuadorians etc. These can be somewhat larger than BCI's with an average length of 7-9ft for females and 6-8ft for males (depending on the type). They will also be slightly more expensive than BCI's due to how beautiful they are, and the somewhat rarity of pure captive bred BCC's. Too many are wild caught each year :(

BCI's are common aka colombian red tail boas. These are your average pet shop boa and range within 5-7ft for males, 6-8ft for females on average. BCI's also include the many insular localities such as Hogg Islands, Corn Islands, Nicaraguans, crawl cays, El Salvadors etc. Some localites will always be far rarer and more expensive than common boas (Such as Corn Isles which will cost you about $500 each) and they tend to all be dwarf species. I am not sure on American market prices however baby common BCI's are not that expensive.

You may also want to consider other species such as BC Amarali (Bolivian boas) BC Longicauda (Peruvian long tails) which are absolutely stunning creatures. I keep Bolivian Amarali which are a dwarf species. My adult male is only 4ft and hes maxed out. These again tend to be more expensive due to short supply and high demand.

The great thing about dwarf locales is you can keep at least 2 in the same space as you could keep one BCI or one BCC. I keep dwarf locales because of this convience and I just think they are much prettier in compact bodies. Whichever you go for you will not regret it. I can't say enough nice things about boas. They are just perfect snakes in my opinion. Can you tell I'm the resident boa nut?

Heres a link to THE boa man himself: Vin Russo. He will have a fabulous list of available locale boas and morphs this year.

http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/boaconstrictorimperator/
 
I have no experience in keeping large snakes. However I handled a little under 10ft boa today for the first time, I even got her out of the tank by myself. She was amazing and if I had the time/money/space "all the things you claim to have" then I would get one! I'm going to go back to the pet shop tomorrow and ask to become a part time staff member or a volunteer, so hopefully ill get to spend more time with the big lass!
 
Dumeril's are my favorite, I could see myself getting one in the future. It will look good on my application for "official crazy snake lady" status.

off topic, rescues usually have one or two common boas kicking around, they're a bit hard to rehome (at least here). Sorry I have no suggestion on reading material.
 
Thanks, for the imput guys! Really, really appreciated!

And Tula, before I saw your post I actually just ordered that book on Amazon. I'm really excited for it to arrive. There are a lot of choices, and maybe down the line I will branch out and get a few localities. I will have tons of space. Those corn islands are gorgeous. I saw the photos of yours and was sold on getting any type of boa in general. They are all amazing and its going to be hard to chose my first one.

Chavez is definitely a BCI, although he's probably mixed. He doesn't have a red tail. My friend got him from a bad situation and he's just doing so well now. He's grown about 2 feet since he's had him. He is simply massive for a male boa. I've never seen a male as big as him in person yet. He's not powerfed, either. He is a male, though. I asked my friend if he maybe got a female instead of a big male.

I'll just have to read that book and see what my options are. I can't wait!
 
v_various said:
Dumeril's are my favorite, I could see myself getting one in the future. It will look good on my application for "official crazy snake lady" status.

off topic, rescues usually have one or two common boas kicking around, they're a bit hard to rehome (at least here). Sorry I have no suggestion on reading material.
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I would be more than happy to take in a rescue. I've been looking at ads on Craigs List for my area, and I'm not too happy with some of the ads I've found. Some of the posters don't seem too knowlegable on their snakes, and are trying to get rid of them. I have the time for a big snake, but not a sick big snake or an overly aggressive one. Believe me, some people are posting their snakes because they want get rid of a biter that they've neglected to tame. It's really a shame.
 
sallydog77 said:
I would be more than happy to take in a rescue. I've been looking at ads on Craigs List for my area, and I'm not too happy with some of the ads I've found. Some of the posters don't seem too knowlegable on their snakes, and are trying to get rid of them. I have the time for a big snake, but not a sick big snake or an overly aggressive one. Believe me, some people are posting their snakes because they want get rid of a biter that they've neglected to tame. It's really a shame.
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Ok here is your negative post.
I personally have to disagree with Elle, they are not the best snakes for everyone You will have to check your City's ordinances and see if they allow snakes that big. Your state might allow you to keep one but your city or county may not.

Do you have a local wholesaler that you are able to get Small Rabbits from or large rodents on a monthly basis? These animals do get big and require more than just rats after awhile.

They are a big commitment and require lots of work. The reason why you see so many on Craig's lists is because people realized how much food and time it costs to have an animal this big. I assume you are living with your parents, are you prepared to move out and bring a 6-7 foot snake with you? Do apartments in your area allow them? I know alot of places do not allow large snakes. You could get evicted.

I own 4 boas, never paid a dime for any of them due to the fact the owners wanted them gone. They are fantastic animals, I do agree but I feel they are animals not for everyone. But if you do get a snake buy an adult, work with it and yes even a messed up one is worth the chance and it is worth it. Plus if you get a beaten up animal, you will realize if you are up to owning a boa right off.
 
I have 18 boas.I wouldn't trade them for anything! They are by far my favorite. I have a few corns and some leopard geckos,but I will stick with the boas!
 
tricksterpup said:
Ok here is your negative post.
I personally have to disagree with Elle, they are not the best snakes for everyone You will have to check your City's ordinances and see if they allow snakes that big. Your state might allow you to keep one but your city or county may not.

Do you have a local wholesaler that you are able to get Small Rabbits from or large rodents on a monthly basis? These animals do get big and require more than just rats after awhile.

They are a big commitment and require lots of work. The reason why you see so many on Craig's lists is because people realized how much food and time it costs to have an animal this big. I assume you are living with your parents, are you prepared to move out and bring a 6-7 foot snake with you? Do apartments in your area allow them? I know alot of places do not allow large snakes. You could get evicted.

I own 4 boas, never paid a dime for any of them due to the fact the owners wanted them gone. They are fantastic animals, I do agree but I feel they are animals not for everyone. But if you do get a snake buy an adult, work with it and yes even a messed up one is worth the chance and it is worth it. Plus if you get a beaten up animal, you will realize if you are up to owning a boa right off.
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Points taken. This is why I'm doing my research before I dive into anything. I know boas can get big. I know some cities don't allow snakes that size. Currently I don't live in one. We are not allowed to keep venomous snakes, but there is no limitation on size for non-venomous. The ordinance states that all non-venomous snakes must kept in a secure, locked enclosure... which I do any way. The big boas are impressive, but I am also considering a dwarf boa to start out with if I can find a reasonably priced one.

I do live with my parents, but I don't see myself moving out in the near future. I stick around the house on my days off to help take care of my dad and my animals. I don't see that changing, either. My dad has a hard time remembering things sometimes and its looking like it will be long term, so he needs someone at the house. He is self-reliant but he still needs someone around to talk to, and he and I both are into reptiles. He'll often help me with my animals as a passtime. The only thing he can really do is watch TV or get on the computer. I think the animals give him something to else do, and we do it together most of the time.

When I'm ready to move out, I will take the time to find a place that will allow me to keep such a snake and I'll be up front about having one. I'm not going to dump an animal that I've taken into my care. I won't let it happen. If it takes me a year or more to move out, I'll wait. I also help quite a bit in paying the bills around here, so that helps too. I'm here by choice, not because I can't move out. I have a really decent job for my age, in the field I want to work in. It's my choice to stay here, help my dad, and help pay the bills.
 
I have 3 boas. 1 BCI and 2 Dumerils. If you do get a Dumerils as an adult, make sure that he has a good temperament. Some of them tend to have a bit of an attitude on them. I got my BCI as a re-homing, and she couldn't be a bigger sweetie. My two Dumerils I got as adults. One has a bit of a temper when he's inside the tank, but once you get him out, he's fine. As long as there's no one around he doesn't know. Once he sees someone else, he throws a "hiss"y fit. The female I got is a big sweetie, too.
 
There are several dwarfs that would be a good choice.I think the temperments are worse than columbians.I have an adult pair of Costa Rican boas and they are quite mean.The female is topped at 5' and the male is 4'. I would get a male columbian as your first boa.They get usually 5-6' but stay pretty thin.
 
Hmmmm

Ummm I have seen alot of 12ft boas average size,I have also seen one that was pretty close to 16 feet.So ya be prepared to be able to feed a animal of this size, the biggest one I have seen must have been fed adult pigs! ;)
 
stephen said:
Ummm I have seen alot of 12ft boas average size,I have also seen one that was pretty close to 16 feet.So ya be prepared to be able to feed a animal of this size, the biggest one I have seen must have been fed adult pigs! ;)
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Are you sure that wasn't one of your corns? :sidestep:
 
Looks like I'm in.

I've got a set up ready, and I decided on a "common" boa. I put down a deposit for one from Sharon Moore at the Boastore. They were really helpful, answered every question I had and were just pleasant to deal with. I told them this was my first boa and they said feel free to call if I ever have any questions down the road. They actually sold the snake I wanted, but they offered me one of their holdbacks, which is even nicer looking than the one I wanted. He won't arrive for another 4 months, which is good because the weather will be nice enough to ship.

This is MAGNI (named after a Norse God known for his strength) He was born in 06.
Rachel.jpg

Rachel6.jpg
 
Theres no doubt he has BCC blood in him. Big peaked saddles, clean pale colour and look at that big red tail! Nothing wrong with a fabulous looking mutt, you got yourself a stunning snake, congrats!
 
Thanks! I really love his red/gold/brown saddles. They said he would make a perfectly nice pet. I did some googling and other people that have gotten boas from her said they have all have remarkable temperments.

We're all really excited to have him. I can't wait until August/September.
 
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