New snake keeper

[tofutedm]

I'm relatively new to the world of snakes, my first is a ball python. I've become interested in red tail boas. I know they are significantly bigger than BP's and am prepared for that. But.......are they as docile and easy to keep??

[bigmitch]

Re:New snake keeper

Welcome to the forum. Of course in my honest opinion I think RTB's are a lot easier to keep then Ball Pythons. Due to the fact that many BP's refuse to eat . RTB's are very docile and are easy to convert to frozen/thawed or prekilled rodents. My best advice is to do your homework if you want to get a boa and your already taking a step in the right direction by joining the forum..anymore questions you have feel free to ask...

jAySoN

[sclark]

Re:New snake keeper

Hi tofu,

Welcome to the forum..

Boas can be as tame as ball python. Just like with balls, they need proper care and feeding as well as weekly handling to keep them puppy tame..

Good luck, and keep us posted if you get a RTB

Steve

[tofutedm]

Re:New snake keeper

Right on, that's what I was hoping to hear 'cause they're beautiful. Hmmmmm.....I wonder if there are any breeders in Oregon so I don't have to spend 175 bucks at the pet store.

[bigmitch]

Re:New snake keeper

Hey Look around for reptile swaps in your area. You can find a good boa at an awesome price! $ 150 is a standard price but, you can get a real good deal at a swap. Good Luck

[BMoore]

Re:New snake keeper

Welcome to the forum........ Boa's are an excellent chioce Tofu! I hope you get one! Good Luck!

**Beth**

[WeLsH]

Re:New snake keeper

Like everyone else said, RTB's are the best. Shoot buy one from Clay!

[sclark]

Re:New snake keeper

ToFu,

You looking for a baby or an older one?

Steve

[sclark]

Re:New snake keeper

Meant to add.. When shopping for a boa, get yourself a BCI (columbian redtail boa).. Much easier to care for then a BCC and they are calmer in general..

Great Luck
Steve

[Doug]

Re:New snake keeper

HI,
Before you get a boa, try and find a good cage for your boa many people are going with the Boaphile cages for their first snake. a forty critter may be perfect for a BP but most boa's will out grow that in a couple years.
as you know from keeping BP's reptiles need heat and humidity so your cage is probably one of the most important aspects of keeping Boa's they tend to be alot bigger than most bp's rather quickly, I have a female hog who is approaching 6 ft she's only three many boa's breeders are breeding Jumbo females and keeping the largest and best looking boa's from their clutches of snakes, I believe we are going to see agradual increase in the average size of boa's over the years to come.
here's a 3y/o hog island female in a 2/6 ft cage.

they are some of my favorite boa's species hog islands and a little smaller on average than common BCI.

Clay was the breeder of this hog so if you want a beautiful animal that is worth the investment in food and cages over the years I would also reccomend Clay as a source of really nice boa's,, this one was shipped to my door three years ago.. Very happy ..doug
the dates wrong on the picture's i took them today 08/08/03

[bigmitch]

Re:New snake keeper

;D I have to agree You will get a quality boa from clay...Hes got some really nice ones.. ;D

[Red]

Re:New snake keeper

I think it more important that you get a snake you are interested in... Like if you want a bcc then you should get one... Just be prepared..
My theory on miss treated snakes and such is that people get tired of them and don't give a hole lot about them... so they don't take care of them...
I say get a snake that totaly intrest's you...
Like I would have bought a suri... if I would have been informed on the different types of boas.. But I have a bci columbian... Not that it is that much of a big deal.. I just like the look of the suris better....
So make sure you get a snake that is very interesting to you... Take your time... buy the first and last cage the snake will have before you get the snake... Make sure you know all about the type of snake before you get it and that way you will not have a problem right off the bat....
Good luck...
Eric aka....Red

[XzyluM]

Re:New snake keeper

I agree with the others. BCI make pefect beginner snakes and are docile as a ball python. I would second getting one from Clay. You could also look around and order one from the many breeders and stores available online. Red, I disagree with you. Getting a BCC as a first boa or even close to the first is not a good idea. We all know that there is a lot of knowledgable first time hobbyists around, but the fact is they have not had any prior experiences with such snakes. BCC do not take mistakes well and can be worse than the typical finicky ball python. I would prefer sometime with a some experience and knowledge with such issues that can and will happen.

[Red]

Re:New snake keeper

Ya' I agree with a person that has not had a snake.. yes.. but sombody that has kepted snakes... It is a lil' different...
So sombody that has had one begginner snake and the hardest one to boot...
They I would have to say giving a snake a lil' higher temps and humidity would be perty easy...
It is not like this person has no experence... My suggestion is put up for the informed... not the total begginer...
I see so many snakes that have people that are bored with them... and that is how most if not all abuse is started... the person getting board...
Eric aka...Red

[tofutedm]

Re:New snake keeper

Being a very mild tempered person myself, I'm a bit more inclined to get a very mellow snake as well. People tend to get pets that have a similar personality to themselves and I'm no exception to that, so I think I'll probably go with a BCI (although the hog island boas are beautiful as well). At this point I just need to have a little spare pocket cash for a good enclosure. Thanks for all your advice, and you'll be seeing me in the forum more often. BTW, my ball python, Spot, tends to eat better than I do. In fact, he will even eat when he's getting ready to shed. Guess I got lucky with this one.