BCI Good Starter Snake?

[trollianlove]

I've been interested in getting into snakes and, and I have been doing research on some common snake pet breeds. Was wondering on opinions about starting off with a boa constrictor (BCI), and if so, would a reptile expo be the place to buy? I've looked at numerous care sheets for them, and I feel like I can handle caring for a boa, just looking for a more experienced opinion about them for a starter snake. Thank you!

[Cyclops]

Well, it depends on the boa for how good it is as a beginners pet. I personally think sand boas are the best beginner boa but some people might think otherwise. As for where to but one from, reptile expos are usually a good place to buy from, but you should always to our research on the vendors first.

[TRD]

Depending on your commitment, BCI can be fine to start with. They get big though, so think 10+ years down the road when you get something like that.

It may be more comfortable to get used to dealing with snakes, to get something else first. Sand boa is nice, but you won't see them crawling around much :) Kingsnake might be a better choice there.

[Jeffco]

If you've done your research and can properly care for one I think a bci is reasonable. I would recommend at least hanging out with someone's full sized one and making sure you like it. The good thing about boas is that properly fed they don't grow super fast.

[BillyCostume]

I think a bci could make a great first snake as long as you're prepared to deal with a somewhat larger snake. For the most part they're docile and great feeders. If adult size is a limiting factor you could always go for one of the Central American or island localities. They stay a more manageable size. Expos are a great place to buy snakes. Great variety and you'll be able to talk to the breeders directly, not to mention you'll get a bigger bang for your buck. Welcome to the hobby :)

[Santy1129]

I do not think big snakes are good for beginners. You can start with a corn snake or a king snake. Even a hognose

[trailblazer295]

If you are okay with the adult size I would get a baby our juvi so you can grow with it. BCI are very slow growers so you'll have lots of time to get used to the increased size. My first snake was a BP and my second a BCI. By 2years old my BP is bigger then my boa. They are equally as easy to care for, same temps, slightly higher humidity for my BCI. Handling each one is the same.

I would recommend buying one form a breeder, ask how big the parents are etc. This will give you a good idea how big yours will be.

[Tsubaki]

I do not think big snakes are good for beginners. You can start with a corn snake or a king snake. Even a hognose


Not all boas are big snakes, my 8 year old BCI Nicaraguan male is barely 3ft.

[bigsnakegirl785]

BCI are great beginners so long as you do the research, as mentioned. If you don't think you'd like a 6'-8' boa, there are dwarfs that should stay under 6'. Nicaraguans, Crawl Cays, Tarahumara, etc. are all good choices. Hog Islands are often recommended, but they are not truly a dwarf and will get the same size as the average Colombian.

[akane]

I would say a sand or rosy boa because they are so easy to handle even in the more nervous young stage, don't get big, and can withstand a lot of conditions so their caging requirements are quite simple but if you are prepared for the eventual size there are many snakes that are good. Personally I'd get an older, handled king or corn snake if I was getting one as my first snake. I find the young ones jittery and fast to handle in comparison to the bigger snakes or the rosy boas.

[sattva]

Not sure where ya live there but I have bought a snake from this guy and I trust him... But I don't know if he would ship... You can ask him if interested...
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pet/6039482397.html

[dannybgoode]

No reason it wouldn't be a good starter snake taking in to account much that has been put above.

They're hardy, rarely have issues feeding and even The Colombian bci's rarely pass 8, males usually smaller still (yes there is the odd exception). Generally (and again exceptions apply) they're very laid back animals as well.

They're also exceptionally beautiful.

Why people think you need to start with a corn or a royal (ball to you lot state side ;) ) is beyond be assuming proper research is done. Sure some snakes are much less suited to beginners than others but not a bci...

[trollianlove]

Thank you all for your insight! I really appreciate it.