Boa & Python Sizes?

[DDW]

I was researching some stuff the other day and I'm curious, just how many boas/pythons stay short (as in around six feet) I was surprised to fid that the royal/ball python wasn't the only short one.
what about temperaments and is there anything else you'd like to tell me? Or maybe enclosure needs. I'm just curious. Thanks^.=.^ pictures are welcome.
I posted this here because there is no boa and python forum combined. Thanks.

[lady_bug87]

Hog island boas/ centrals, blood pythons, Amazon tree boas, rosy boas, rubber boas, Angolan pythons....

[DDW]

Hog island boas/ centrals, blood pythons, Amazon tree boas, rosy boas, rubber boas, Angolan pythons....

Thank you^.=.^ there are species here that I haven't even heard of.

[lady_bug87]

There are soooo many that are 6ft and under. You could even keep green trees

[DDW]

Wow, I never realized there were so many.

[reptiledude987]

sand boas as well

[prairiepanda]

Savu pythons, children's/spotted pythons, woma pythons, brazilian rainbow boas(womas and BRBs have been reported to sometimes get longer than 6ft but they're pretty lean snakes so still seem small even if that happens)...the list goes on and on.

[DDW]

Savu pythons, children's/spotted pythons, woma pythons, brazilian rainbow boas(womas and BRBs have been reported to sometimes get longer than 6ft but they're pretty lean snakes so still seem small even if that happens)...the list goes on and on.

Wow, Brazilian rainbow boa? Those are beautiful snakes. (Wants one very much ) I'm looking for something I can handle myself when I'm alone are these in that catagory? I know they are super thick and strong even in short lengths.

[DDW]

sand boas as well

I've heard of those :) thx

[ARCH3R]

You know I've thought about this, there isn't really a list by length that I've seen. So I'll try my best, but I haven't kept a lot of these so I am going off word of mouth for many.
XXX Represents about six feet

Boa's increasing size- Rosy, Rubber, Sand (All grouped together), BRB XXX ATB, Dumeril's / Madagascar, BCI, BCC
Python's increasing size- Pygmy, Children's, Stimson, Spotted, Savu, Ball, Chondros, Blood, Savu, Woma XXX Angolan, BHP's, White lipped, Carpet's Burm's, Rock, Retic's

Thats all I got off the top of my head, some may be misplaced but it should be close. Length only not width. Hope this helps!

[prairiepanda]

Wow, Brazilian rainbow boa? Those are beautiful snakes. (Wants one very much ) I'm looking for something I can handle myself when I'm alone are these in that catagory? I know they are super thick and strong even in short lengths.

I'm not sure where you heard that Brazilian rainbows are super thick and strong? They are very lean boas, and certainly easy for one person to handle. You must be thinking of boa constrictors, which are even pretty thick at birth. Rainbow boas are skinny, like very large colubrids.

[DDW]

I'm not sure where you heard that Brazilian rainbows are super thick and strong? They are very lean boas, and certainly easy for one person to handle. You must be thinking of boa constrictors, which are even pretty thick at birth. Rainbow boas are skinny, like very large colubrids.

And this is why I don't give advise for things I've never really had experience. Thanks for correcting me. Rainbow boas are now officially on my future want list.

[toddnbecka]

Add Dominican (or Haitian, depending on the reclassification debate) mountain boas to the list. They're also slender built, similar to a carpet python or rat snake, and aren't likely to grow much more than 6'. Very mellow dispositions, never strike or bite, worst they'll do is musk.
Here's pics of 3 of my 4'+ sub adult males, colors are pretty variable among different individuals, the high reds are the most popular variant:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060643_zpsxgu9oq2x.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060643_zpsxgu9oq2x.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060623_zpsjkjdnmne.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060623_zpsjkjdnmne.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060655_zps3q3cjguw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060655_zps3q3cjguw.jpg.html)

[DDW]

Add Dominican (or Haitian, depending on the reclassification debate) mountain boas to the list. They're also slender built, similar to a carpet python or rat snake, and aren't likely to grow much more than 6'. Very mellow dispositions, never strike or bite, worst they'll do is musk.
Here's pics of 3 of my 4'+ sub adult males, colors are pretty variable among different individuals, the high reds are the most popular variant:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060643_zpsxgu9oq2x.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060643_zpsxgu9oq2x.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060623_zpsjkjdnmne.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060623_zpsjkjdnmne.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/toddnbecka/Snakes/P1060655_zps3q3cjguw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/toddnbecka/media/Snakes/P1060655_zps3q3cjguw.jpg.html)

Thank you, these are pretty and I didn't realize how skiny they are. Btw, I love that play set. Pvc is so easy to work with lol what kind of glue did you use to keep it together?pls, I noticed the end isn't capped, do you ever have a problem with them trying to go into it?

[SnakeyJay]

BRB's are a good option.. My female is 7yrs old now and about 6-6.5ft.. Still easily handlable for a single person and a great species to keep. ��

[DDW]

BRB's are a good option.. My female is 7yrs old now and about 6-6.5ft.. Still easily handlable for a single person and a great species to keep. ��

Thanks. How are they for beginners? What about prices? (I'll be on a budgetXD) husbandry?

[Moreau]

Irian Jaya carpet pythons, Jungle Carpet pythons, male boa constrictors

[DDW]

Irian Jaya carpet pythons, Jungle Carpet pythons, male boa constrictors

Thankyou, I've heard a lot about the carpet pythons. :)

[reptiledude987]

Thanks. How are they for beginners? What about prices? (I'll be on a budgetXD) husbandry?
Theyre not bad for beginners. they have a good temperment, stay a reasonable size. The biggest challenge with them is maintaining their humidity. However if youre using a pvc enclosure thats much easier than maintaining it with a screen top.

[AndrewM1217]

As some other people mentioned, spotted pythons fit your criteria. I've got one myself, although he's still a baby, they don't get more than 4ft long from what I've heard/read. He's super easy to care for and he's usually out exploring his enclosure for at least a few hours every evening. Always eager to eat as well, and very calm when handled.

[DDW]

As some other people mentioned, spotted pythons fit your criteria. I've got one myself, although he's still a baby, they don't get more than 4ft long from what I've heard/read. He's super easy to care for and he's usually out exploring his enclosure for at least a few hours every evening. Always eager to eat as well, and very calm when handled.

Hmm, a good one to keep in mind but I'm also looking at the markings and morphs, I don't care for the spotted but sounds like a great personality.

[SnakeyJay]

Thanks. How are they for beginners? What about prices? (I'll be on a budgetXD) husbandry?

If your half decent at maintaining temps and humidity then you'll be fine.. I personally use wooden enclosures but as long as the wood is sealed then you shouldn't get any warping. Holds temps great and offers more security.

As for temperament, the babies can be a little nippy but nothing major and soon calm down.. I find my female is fine in day time but can be a bit touchy once the sun goes down 😃 If not getting bitten is a priority, fish are a good option lol.. Sooner or later you'll get tagged...

Prices vary from breeder to breeder but you get what u pay for generally in terms of quality. As I'm from the UK, I couldn't give you an average price unless your from here 👍

[toddnbecka]

Thank you, these are pretty and I didn't realize how skiny they are. Btw, I love that play set. Pvc is so easy to work with lol what kind of glue did you use to keep it together?pls, I noticed the end isn't capped, do you ever have a problem with them trying to go into it?
Even at their full adult size they won't be difficult to handle. I really like their temperament. Even though they aren't handled often or long they're quite mellow and calm for the most part.

There is actually something plugging the end of that piece, but they've never tried to go inside. They're much more interested in climbing than exploring small spaces. The pieces aren't glued anyway, so it would be simple to remove a snake that did go in if it happened. The pvc is just a support base for the wood, a couple zip ties hold it in place.

[DDW]

Even at their full adult size they won't be difficult to handle. I really like their temperament. Even though they aren't handled often or long they're quite mellow and calm for the most part.

There is actually something plugging the end of that piece, but they've never tried to go inside. They're much more interested in climbing than exploring small spaces. The pieces aren't glued anyway, so it would be simple to remove a snake that did go in if it happened. The pvc is just a support base for the wood, a couple zip ties hold it in place.

Lol I was talking to my mom about it (I think either I'm annoying her to the point of not sayING anything or I'm getting her to the point where she is getting a little more open. I hope it's the latter though she did say I am obsessed about it :/ ) (rough quotes)her:how would you have it out in the open on that? Me:supervise it. her: supervise how? me: like any other animal.

That is cool, I've never seen something like that for SNAKES XD

[DDW]

If your half decent at maintaining temps and humidity then you'll be fine.. I personally use wooden enclosures but as long as the wood is sealed then you shouldn't get any warping. Holds temps great and offers more security.

As for temperament, the babies can be a little nippy but nothing major and soon calm down.. I find my female is fine in day time but can be a bit touchy once the sun goes down 😃 If not getting bitten is a priority, fish are a good option lol.. Sooner or later you'll get tagged...

Prices vary from breeder to breeder but you get what u pay for generally in terms of quality. As I'm from the UK, I couldn't give you an average price unless your from here 👍

Thanks^.=.^ I don't mind getting taggedXD I think know I'm prepared for that(I've handled many skitish and rough playing kittens lol. Those hurt. And I've been "punched" by a great Dane several times in the face, the dog jumped up while playing and he tagged me in the face, nicked my glasses off. And another time scratched my arm with his dew claw. I still have THAT scar) I'm pretty sure I can handle a few nips XD

I might end up be using a modified fish tank, I've heard I could use card boar covered in foil on either side of the tank can aid in humidity and heat. Is this okay (I will have a thermostat on any heating implements I have in there and a humidity gauge)

[prairiepanda]

Thanks^.=.^ I don't mind getting taggedXD I think know I'm prepared for that(I've handled many skitish and rough playing kittens lol. Those hurt. And I've been "punched" by a great Dane several times in the face, the dog jumped up while playing and he tagged me in the face, nicked my glasses off. And another time scratched my arm with his dew claw. I still have THAT scar) I'm pretty sure I can handle a few nips XD

I might end up be using a modified fish tank, I've heard I could use card boar covered in foil on either side of the tank can aid in humidity and heat. Is this okay (I will have a thermostat on any heating implements I have in there and a humidity gauge)

Getting mauled by a kitten can certainly hurt more and do more damage than a bite from most of the snakes listed here. A bite in itself usually isn't a problem for anyone, but the hard part is training yourself not to instinctively pull back when you get tagged, as that can end up harming the snake(ripping out teeth or throwing the snake across the room etc)

The foil on cardboard trick generally works well. You'll want to tape the foil on so that no moisture can get through to the cardboard as it will get moldy. Maintaining high humidity is actually pretty easy; the difficulty is in having enough ventilation to prevent mold and RIs while still retaining that humidity. Having isopods and springtails in the substrate will prevent mold growth, but you have to be careful not to let the air in the enclosure get stagnant as that will become a bad situation for RIs.

As for prices, I've seen rainbows go for anywhere from $200 to $1000 in Canada depending on the breeder and the morph. I haven't seen US prices but I would expect them to be similar to or less than Canadian prices. BRBs can be red, orange, anery, or albino. The reds and oranges are at the low end of the price range, with more vividly coloured animals costing more. The cheapest ones would be a "dull" red(dull compared to selectively bred high red ones, but still very red!)

[DDW]

Theyre not bad for beginners. they have a good temperment, stay a reasonable size. The biggest challenge with them is maintaining their humidity. However if youre using a pvc enclosure thats much easier than maintaining it with a screen top.

Hmm thanks^.=.^ I'm not sure what to do about a PVC enclosure. Do I make it or do I buy it? If I buy it, what's the best brand? And are they expensive to make/buy? (I'd be most likely using a modified fish tank or an Exo Terra

[DDW]

Getting mauled by a kitten can certainly hurt more and do more damage than a bite from most of the snakes listed here. A bite in itself usually isn't a problem for anyone, but the hard part is training yourself not to instinctively pull back when you get tagged, as that can end up harming the snake(ripping out teeth or throwing the snake across the room etc)

The foil on cardboard trick generally works well. You'll want to tape the foil on so that no moisture can get through to the cardboard as it will get moldy. Maintaining high humidity is actually pretty easy; the difficulty is in having enough ventilation to prevent mold and RIs while still retaining that humidity. Having isopods and springtails in the substrate will prevent mold growth, but you have to be careful not to let the air in the enclosure get stagnant as that will become a bad situation for RIs.

As for prices, I've seen rainbows go for anywhere from $200 to $1000 in Canada depending on the breeder and the morph. I haven't seen US prices but I would expect them to be similar to or less than Canadian prices. BRBs can be red, orange, anery, or albino. The reds and oranges are at the low end of the price range, with more vividly coloured animals costing more. The cheapest ones would be a "dull" red(dull compared to selectively bred high red ones, but still very red!)

I've learned not to pull away from the kittens because if they got their claws in yah, pulling away hurts way MORE XD I do think think it would be too hard to train myself not to react that way:)

Good tip:) I'll have to remember that hat if I do end up using a modified fish tank (plus, it goes on the inside or outside? I would think outside but I'm not sure)

Wow, I understand those prices but I'll probably save up for it a while lol ill probably stick to a MBK (or any king or milk for that case) for my first snake XD

Thanks^.=.^

[SoPhilly]

Around $150 for a "normal" BRB in the states. A Colombian Rainbow Boa is around $40-60, and stays a little smaller. They don't have that bright orange color though, so if you're not into the spotted python you might not be into them. Still have that awesome iridescence, tho. I have a colombian, and she's the best. Super chill, super holdable, super shiny. She's the snake that my autistic 7 year old can hold with no worries. (supervised!)

Good plastic cages are a couple hundred, as well. Or you can use rubbermaid tubs to keep humidity up, but then you can't see the snake as well. A converted aquarium will work, but you will have to cover a screen top almost completely, and possibly insulate the sides.

Keep in mind that most of the initial cost of the snake will be your setup, cage, heating, thermostat, temp gun, hygrometer, substrate, hides, bowl... that all adds up. After that though, cheapest pet in the world. 50 cent mouse once a week (avg), replace substrate every so often as needed.

Have you checked out Savu pythons? Also around $150, but less demanding husbandry-wise. Still might be out of your price range, but if you like the look of MBKs you may fall in love :). And they stay 3-5'.

Savu Eggs! - Morelia Pythons Community (http://www.moreliapythons.com/forums/forum/other-australian-pythons/liasis-species/33509-savu-eggs?36909-Savu-Eggs!=)

[DDW]

Around $150 for a "normal" BRB in the states. A Colombian Rainbow Boa is around $40-60, and stays a little smaller. They don't have that bright orange color though, so if you're not into the spotted python you might not be into them. Still have that awesome iridescence, tho. I have a colombian, and she's the best. Super chill, super holdable, super shiny. She's the snake that my autistic 7 year old can hold with no worries. (supervised!)

Good plastic cages are a couple hundred, as well. Or you can use rubbermaid tubs to keep humidity up, but then you can't see the snake as well. A converted aquarium will work, but you will have to cover a screen top almost completely, and possibly insulate the sides.

Keep in mind that most of the initial cost of the snake will be your setup, cage, heating, thermostat, temp gun, hygrometer, substrate, hides, bowl... that all adds up. After that though, cheapest pet in the world. 50 cent mouse once a week (avg), replace substrate every so often as needed.

Have you checked out Savu pythons? Also around $150, but less demanding husbandry-wise. Still might be out of your price range, but if you like the look of MBKs you may fall in love :). And they stay 3-5'.

Savu Eggs! - Morelia Pythons Community (http://www.moreliapythons.com/forums/forum/other-australian-pythons/liasis-species/33509-savu-eggs?36909-Savu-Eggs!=)

Thanks for all this info^.=.^ I love the Brazilian Rainbow boa because of the bright coloration combined with the iridescence(the spotted python is a bit dull to me. The MBK is sleek and the spotted have generally dull, light contrast colors. That is the only way I can explain it) the set up might be a bit too expensive, the needed humidity could set back being able to keep this pet a bit farther than the MBK. I can't aford to get a "high end" snake and prefer lower cost for a fort time snake(my first dog was free (Walmart parking lot) and so was my first cat(one of my sister's cats had kittens) lol dispite te iridecence, the Colombian also seem duller and significantly less attractive to me(also don't care for so much brown in a snake, brown seems like a boring color if it's the main color) Though that low price seems good for the snake but I'm still concerned with initial enclosure set up. The MBK seems to require significantly less humidity and would fair better during the drastic weather changes in my area. (Gets ip to the 90s in summer and as low as 30 in the winter both during the day maybe around the teens at night)

So although space for said snake would be do-able, the needs is something I'd be cautious to dedicate my money too if I got that snake(if I do get the snake I will take proper care of it)

[prairiepanda]

Indeed, a king snake would be waaaay more forgiving of husbandry errors and much cheaper to set up. A BRB could easily be your next step up after that, though ;) It's great to see you asking all these questions to get a realistic idea of what would be required of you if you were to commit to a certain species. Love to see that mature approach, rather than jumping into something and then asking questions later when things don't go so well.

[DDW]

Indeed, a king snake would be waaaay more forgiving of husbandry errors and much cheaper to set up. A BRB could easily be your next step up after that, though ;) It's great to see you asking all these questions to get a realistic idea of what would be required of you if you were to commit to a certain species. Love to see that mature approach, rather than jumping into something and then asking questions later when things don't go so well.

I agree from what I've read, thanks:)

Thankyou, I'm often told I act more mature than my age (I see maturity as an attitude rather than age) I always like to know these kind of things, especially since I've had experiences with all types of emergencies. I like to know and be prepared and prevent if possible (I keep lead ropes inside the house in case my horses get out, I know how to mend a fence and how to get them back in the pen from which they escaped. and have done too with no injuries to horses or myself) I am very glad there are patient people like you who will answer my continuous questions (I've learned a lot from browsing the forum too. Like humihides, mites, stuck sheds, ect. I learn from other people's mistakes as well as my own. Preferably from others lol) I find the most common problem is stuck shed and that it isn't very bad if it is not constricting anything or blocking the eye, and often caused by low humidity. I've also learned that in the case of a snake lost for a long time, in addition to checking everywhere (contrary to many suggestions from people that don't know better) is to not use tape to find a lost snake but to sprinkle flour on the floor and watch for slither marks, a day it also helps if you cool down the house, and make a hot/ warm spot with maybe a prey item as well.

I figure that I'm not going to have one for a long time (unless there is a miracle) until I have a snake to I think I'll continue learning and figuring out what snake is best for me. Again, thanks for tolerating long replies XD