Recommend me a BOA?

[MCB]

Hi Guys

I will soon have a spare 4 x 2 x 2 viv and want to get dwarf Boa. Are there any youngsters or yearlings that would go quite happily into a viv that size? Or am I looking at nearly adult.

I have been looking at either Hogg Island or Salvador, wanted something that would climb and wouldn't hide away all the time.

:)

[Mikoh4792]

You made another thread with basically the same question. Already gave an answer there.

But to address the latter part of your question, in my experience with cay caulker boas and sonoran desert boas, they hide most of the time during the day, and only "chill" outside occasionally.

I could see them hiding less often as adults when they aren't so small and vulnerable.

[MCB]

You made another thread with basically the same question. Already gave an answer there.

But to address the latter part of your question, in my experience with cay caulker boas and sonoran desert boas, they hide most of the time during the day, and only "chill" outside occasionally.

I could see them hiding less often as adults when they aren't so small and vulnerable.

Apologies :sorry: I wasn't sure if it would have been a more specific question to ask in the Boa section.

Thanks for your suggestions though :)

[Mikoh4792]

no problem.

Also a great book to have before making your purchase would be "The Complete Boa Constrictor" by Vin Russo and Gus Rentfro.

Goes over care, breeding, and all the different types of boas(or most of them at least).

You could also visit cuttingedgeherp just to check out Vin's different types of boas as well.

[MCB]

no problem.

Also a great book to have before making your purchase would be "The Complete Boa Constrictor" by Vin Russo and Gus Rentfro.

Goes over care, breeding, and all the different types of boas(or most of them at least).

You could also visit cuttingedgeherp just to check out Vin's different types of boas as well.

Thanks, I did order a Boa book off Amazon last night, not that particular one but looking forward to the read.

[Mikoh4792]

Which one did you order?

[MCB]

Which one did you order?

The 'Boa Constrictor Manual' by Philippe De Vosjoli.

Its on back order so might have to wait awhile :(

[Mikoh4792]

Seems like a good, indepth book that covers most things a keeper/breeder would need. I've never read it but you can't go wrong with the other one I suggested as well.

[MCB]

no problem.

Also a great book to have before making your purchase would be "The Complete Boa Constrictor" by Vin Russo and Gus Rentfro.

Bought it, managed to locate a copy of the "The Complete Boa Constrictor" :D should be with me in two days.

[Mikoh4792]

Bought it, managed to locate a copy of the "The Complete Boa Constrictor" :D should be with me in two days.

You won't regret it! The pictures alone make it worth it. The two books mentioned in this thread are a bit pricey but well worth the money.

[Terranaut]

When people ask me what kind of boa I recommend I answer " carpet python" ;)
and a 4x2x2....perfect cage for one :)
Seriously though what are you looking for in a boa ? This will definitely influence what you should get.

[Mikoh4792]

When people ask me what kind of boa I recommend I answer " carpet python" ;).

That's my answer for any "what kind of snake" question. haha

[MCB]

When people ask me what kind of boa I recommend I answer " carpet python" ;)
and a 4x2x2....perfect cage for one :)
Seriously though what are you looking for in a boa ? This will definitely influence what you should get.

Something smaller (dwarf) and one that will hopefully like to perch & climb. My local dealer has a stunning little sunglow in stock but I don't want another 'biggie' in the collection.

[Mikoh4792]

Something smaller (dwarf) and one that will hopefully like to perch & climb. My local dealer has a stunning little sunglow in stock but I don't want another 'biggie' in the collection.

Cay Caulker boas are more arboreal than the other subspecies. They grow to about 4-5 feet, and can breed at as little as under 4 feet.

"Caulkers Cay Boas are very small boas and adults max out at around 5 feet in length. I have had Females produce litters of 10 or more babies at as little as 45 inches and 3 years of age. They are lean boas and adults may be a thicker than a broom handle. They are more arboreal than most other Boa constrictors because they must take to the trees to avoid predators such as crabs at low tide."
Boa c. imperator Cay Caulker | Stöckl - Die Nr.1 Boa constrictor Seite im Internet (http://www.boa-constrictors.com/en/boa_constrictor_imperator_belize_cay_caulker)

[MCB]

Cay Caulker boas are more arboreal than the other subspecies. They grow to about 4-5 feet, and can breed at as little as under 4 feet.

I'll certainly look into those, thanks. And they'd take to a 4ft viv ok?

[Mikoh4792]

I'll certainly look into those, thanks. And they'd take to a 4ft viv ok?

A 4 foot viv would be great, I think they'd be fine in a 3x2x2. They are very small boas and usually stop growing after 4 (5 is just a max).

This is a pretty much full grown cay caulker.

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[limey]

Hog Islands can get big(ger) than what would be considered true dwarfs (4-6ft range).

Mikoh has some great ideas on boa localities that she already mentioned, so I will second those.

- Caulkers Cay (pronounced "key")
- Tarahumaran boas (very nice looking)
- Sonoran desert boas are nice
- Leopard boa (an unnatural but very beautiful morph of the sonoran desert boa)
- Nicaraguan boas

These are all true dwarfs, and there are a few more too.

Part of the issue will be not just what you are seeking, but what is available out there. Right now, the true pure dwarfs perhaps dont get as much coverage as other sorts of snake.

[MCB]

You won't regret it! The pictures alone make it worth it. The two books mentioned in this thread are a bit pricey but well worth the money.

Got my book today 'complete Boa Constrictor'. Looks awesome, can't wait to get stuck in!

[limey]

Got my book today 'complete Boa Constrictor'. Looks awesome, can't wait to get stuck in!

It's a staple. You will learn lots. Enjoy.

[MCB]

Went to look at a salmon x hogg island boa this afternoon. She was a really nice, about 4ft I'd say with lovely markings. Trouble is there was a stunning sunglow in the viv next to her, a yearling female that stole my heart on valentines day and looks like we fell for each other ;)

I am still looking at getting a Caulkers Cay or Nicaraguan for my boy though :)

[Tsubaki]

Your boy is a 6 year old right? my experiences with Nicaragua's are that even though they stay small, they are not fit for children or faint hearted people. 99 out of the 100 Nicaragua's i met were real nasty. They really feel the need to make up for their size!

If you look at post #9 on this topic, you will see 2 i filmed. And yes they would bite if i moved to quickly or came to close :D
They never gave me an empty threat, My new guy Renji (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/boa-constrictor/104260-my-new-guy-renji.html)

Never owned Caulkers Cay's, maybe they are different i.d.k.!

[MCB]

Your boy is a 6 year old right? my experiences with Nicaragua's are that even though they stay small, they are not fit for children or faint hearted people. 99 out of the 100 Nicaragua's i met were real nasty. They really feel the need to make up for their size!

If you look at post #9 on this topic, you will see 2 i filmed. And yes they would bite if i moved to quickly or came to close :D
They never gave me an empty threat, My new guy Renji (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/boa-constrictor/104260-my-new-guy-renji.html)

Never owned Caulkers Cay's, maybe they are different i.d.k.!

Your right, we've discussed it with him and Mum. We're going to look to get him a male ball Python to go with his girl (separate tanks of course ;) ) Maybe wait a couple of years until he's a bit older for anything else. Besides I've gone for that Sunglow girl :D

[Tsubaki]

Very nice :D want to see pics of your new girl when you have any !

[Mikoh4792]

Never owned Caulkers Cay's, maybe they are different i.d.k.!

I own a pair. The female came without an attitude, the male came pissy as hell...but over time they are both getting calmer. I haven't been bitten by my male in months.

[Tsubaki]

Nice! Never had the opportunity to buy a good pair here, never saw any for sale (without having to ship them). I think they look awesome though, would love to see pictures some time!

[Mikoh4792]

Nice! Never had the opportunity to buy a good pair here, never saw any for sale (without having to ship them). I think they look awesome though, would love to see pictures some time!

These are of my male, never had the time to take pics of my female

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/boa-constrictor/103973-cay-caulker-photos.html

[Tsubaki]

Thx!!! He looks very nice