Pythons Vs Boa for beginners?

[Machala2012]

So i had a Ball Python who was quite aggressive, took her to the vet who said she was severely Mal nourished, the people i purchased her from said she had been eating fine, and after all of my research it didn't seem too odd that she was off feed. Anyways i found a breeder that took her in [my vet gave me their name they do a lot of work around here for the zoo] So to the point of this posting is i still wanna get into the hobby, the right way this time by buying from a reputable breeder. Ive been researching and i found the Hog Island Boa, i know they are smaller then most of the subspecies in the family and was wondering compared to a Ball Python how are they for beginners? Im kinda nervous about being bitten but not enough that i would be afraid to deal with a few snaps if need be but i do have kids and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? Any input would be appreciated!

[Machala2012]

Oh and any input on feeding issues as well i know BP have alot of issues it seems with staying on feed.

[Aaron_S]

Oh and any input on feeding issues as well i know BP have alot of issues it seems with staying on feed.

They don't when housed correctly.

As for hogg islands or any other snake, they all can bite and may be nippy as babies. They do fine. However, most of the ones found in the pet trade now are mixed blood with their bigger cousins so they usually obtain a larger size.

If you want something that stays fairly docile and can handle the size of a hogg island adult I would consider a male BCI. They average 5 - 6 feet but are usually of calm nature.

Boas also eat ferociously.

I don't understand why or how your vet got "malnourished" due to "aggression".

[Machala2012]

Its not the fact that shes aggressive that he said she was Malnourished, it was after he examined her. It was her aggression that made we think to take her to the vet because it can be a sign or stress and i wanted to make sure that she didn't have and parasites as well that could have been contributing to her demeanor. I was trying to be a responsible pet owner. Her Enclosure was a 40 Gal long tank with a cool side of about 85 and a warm side of about 92, her humidity was kept at 55, she did shed when i got her in which i increased the humidity to about 70. She had 2 hides ones a little bigger then her the other barley big enough to fit her. She also always had fresh water in which i used reptisafe. I did alot of research before so i really don't know what i may have messed up. Not to say that it isn't possible) im also kinda new to the forum so what does BCI stand for? Thanks for your input!

Cheers!

[Aaron_S]

Its not the fact that shes aggressive that he said she was Malnourished, it was after he examined her. It was her aggression that made we think to take her to the vet because it can be a sign or stress and i wanted to make sure that she didn't have and parasites as well that could have been contributing to her demeanor. I was trying to be a responsible pet owner. Her Enclosure was a 40 Gal long tank with a cool side of about 85 and a warm side of about 92, her humidity was kept at 55, she did shed when i got her in which i increased the humidity to about 70. She had 2 hides ones a little bigger then her the other barley big enough to fit her. She also always had fresh water in which i used reptisafe. I did alot of research before so i really don't know what i may have messed up. Not to say that it isn't possible) im also kinda new to the forum so what does BCI stand for? Thanks for your input!

Cheers!

I doubt she was malnourished but meh I didn't see the snake. Parasites don't usually make aggressive snakes but that's here nor there and no point in discussing it as you no longer have the snake.

What's reptisafe?

BCI stands for Boa Constrictor Imperator. It's the latin name for the common Columbian boa.

Your best bet is to just buy the species of snake that you like the best. If you don't you'll care for and enjoy any other species less. Keep researching and you'll find the one that jumps out to you most.

[eminart]

Are you asking this because your bitey BP made you want to look into other species? You won't find many species that are easier to handle than a BP. Of course, you'll run across a few that are more apt to bite. But, that's the case with any species.

That said, I'm not a BP "expert" but I've had quite a few of them. I just got my first boa, a BCI, and so far, I have to say I prefer him to the BP's. He's just a baby though.

[Machala2012]

Not really more so because im weighing my options, as i said im not really to worried about being bitten [Sure beats getting bit by a dog or Cat] I more so was looking into Boas because i find them to be a more attractive snake, i do like some of the Ball Python Morphs but i dont have 500 Dollars to get one of the morphs i like. I originally decided against Boas because of their size but after a little more research i found some smaller breeds like the hog Island. But from what Aaron said above that may not be entirely true. Im still confused on what BCI is or what i should be looking for in the family. I researched and there is a few species and not really sure when are supposed to most docile or best for beginners.

[Minkness]

I'm new to BPs and saved up for a nice one. Turns out he's a total jerk that is turning into a problem child. Had feeding issues at first, now shedding issues, and has an attitude EVERY time I open his tub. I have stressed over making sure everything is 'right' so not sure how I got the one that seems to be uncommonly defensively other than the fact I got him from a breeder when he was almost a year old and probably only handled for cleaning as the breeder told me he'd just drop the rat in his tub and leave it.....took me over a month to get him on food again and now he only eats it if I tease him with it first x.x

Seriously looking at a possible baby boa myself....but I'm stuborn and love my little jerk so I'll probably be sticking it out with him unless he gets overly nippy. I'm no pro and didn't get into snakes for the thrill of the bite...

Anyway.....that's just my experience with BPs and I kinda stand behind the idea that BPs aren't really for beginners. Just my opinion of course.

[eminart]

The "red tail" boas in the pet trade basically fall into one of two categories - BCI, or BCC. BCI, is GENERALLY a little smaller. BCC, are the true red tails. They're usually a little larger, and they have the bright red tails. There are a ton of different localities when it comes to boas, and variation even within those localities. Also, as miller suggested, it can be difficult to find pure lines of any of them in the pet trade.

If you're seriously interested in boa constrictors, and you have about $45, I really encourage you to purchase this book: Complete Boa Constrictor: A Comprehensive Guide to the Care, Breeding, and Geographic Races: Vincent Russo: 9780978897925: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Boa-Constrictor-Comprehensive-Geographic/dp/0978897927/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430919470&sr=8-2&keywords=boa+constrictor+book) It does a great job of explaining all the different subspecies and localities.

[Machala2012]

Im incline to agree with that, not really based on anything to do with the aggression, i can see though for beginners how a snake going off feed would freak people that dont have as much experience out.

[Machala2012]

That books like a good manual to have on hand for any boa, which for someone like me would be awesome! Thanks for the suggestion! maybe ill see if i can find an e copy for cheaper until i can afford the hardcover! :P

[Machala2012]

I doubt she was malnourished but meh I didn't see the snake. Parasites don't usually make aggressive snakes but that's here nor there and no point in discussing it as you no longer have the snake.

What's reptisafe?

BCI stands for Boa Constrictor Imperator. It's the latin name for the common Columbian boa.

Your best bet is to just buy the species of snake that you like the best. If you don't you'll care for and enjoy any other species less. Keep researching and you'll find the one that jumps out to you most.



Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSafe-Water-Conditioner/dp/B0002568SG)

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P


Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

[Aaron_S]

Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSafe-Water-Conditioner/dp/B0002568SG)

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P


Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

Sounds like garbage products. Don't buy that stuff.

[trailblazer295]

Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSafe-Water-Conditioner/dp/B0002568SG)

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P


Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

If you want to remove chlorine just let it sit for 24hrs, it will evaporate into the air. This is often done for aquariums where people don't want to use chemicals. However if your local water company is using chloramine it doesn't evaporate that fast. I also used Prime for my tanks to remove chlorine and chloramine, which also removed heavy metals as well as ammonia and nitrites but don't treat my snake water. Buying distilled water is another option if you're that concerned about the chemicals in your water.

[Machala2012]

Yeah i may start using the distilled water for peace of mind.

[SoPhilly]

Why do you like GTP's? What about them?

[Machala2012]

Why do you like GTP's? What about them?

I find them to be beautiful, from their early colors of yellow and red to there amazing green color. I also like the way that they lay in the trees all coiled up. I do also love the Amazon Emerald Boas but i think that the head shape is cooler on the GTP's. I would love to have one but from what i hear they hate handling and they have very large teeth.:p

[Princess-dad]

Corn snakes are very good starter snakes .Are on the less expensive side and come in many different patterns and colors . They are not aggressive or mean for the most part.

[Machala2012]

Corn snakes are very good starter snakes .Are on the less expensive side and come in many different patterns and colors . They are not aggressive or mean for the most part.


Funny that you mentioned them, i actually think I've decided to get a Corn snake. I want a male and a Female [Not housed together] and name the male Osiris and the Female Isis. The male i would be Granite ( Anerythristic Bloodred) Cornsnake and for the female Gold Dust Motley Corn snake. What do you guys think?

[Princess-dad]

My son has what I just found out is a candy cane corn , hes bright red with white bands. Recently I added a hose from a reptifogger to the corns home plus a branch end . Since that time he/she has been out of the hides and more active . Climbing stretching up to climb , every time the fogger turns on he stretches his head up and puts it in the fog . Anyway the point is the little corn is a lot more entertaining then Prince my bci common boa . At least in the cage out Prince is very nosey likes to be carried from spot to spot to look at everything and taste all the air he can . So corns are a lot of fun to watch and raise .

[Sasha2]

Ive had 7 ball pythons in my lifetime, not a huge amount but still.I have 4 now and 3 previous(adopted out or rehomed). My first one was a wild caught from a petstore way back when. I have never had one that was a biter, or aggressive. Ive not had one that wouldnt eat either.
However I have had aggressive BCI(common boas). I had one that was just crazy bad or super sweet and never knew what was going on in her little pea brain.
Ive had a mix with cornsnakes, a couple fiesty little buggers that eventually calmed down and some that are just sweet from the get go.