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remsin76
05-31-03, 12:52 AM
how difficult is it to care for a full size red tail boa? is it extremely hard to handle them at their full size?
the largest snake that i ever owned was a 5 foot ball python and from my knowledge red tails get to 10 feet max right?
i like boas cause i hear that they are easier to train to eating frozen/thawed rats.

any concerns i should ahve before thinking more into getting one? i dont want to get a pet that i cannot take care of and i want to prior plan before i do so. thanks

Linds
05-31-03, 08:30 AM
Well it all depends on which subspecies you are referring to. BCI are often referred to as redtailed boas, however this is completely inaccurate. <a href="http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11453">Click here</a> for a thread on the topic. Although temperaments can vary from completely docile to totally high strung in both subspecies (BCC & BCI), BCI tend to be more on the easy going side hence easier to handle. I find that often even the docile BCC are nervous in their movements which can become a bit awkward if the snake is quite sizeable. Typically BCI finish in the 6-8 foot category (males usually at the smaller end), though they have been known to reach 10'. The majority of BCC finish up in the 6-9 foot category, though 10' have also been found, more likely than in BCI. Most boas can easily be kep in cages measuring 4x2 or 5x2. BCI are more forgiving in their requirements, where as BCC have very precise requirements with little margin for error. Most BCI generally feed like piggies, though there are exceptions as well. Overall, it is easier to maintain a BCI than a BCC. Certain handling techniques help with their size... I find it easier when working with larger animal to keep a portion of their rear over one shoulder (never two shoulders or around your neck - this is very risky and how people end up getting killed) and having the front end in front of me to supervise. It isn't extremely difficult to handle large snakes if you know how to handle them. I am 5'7", 103 lbs and have no problems handling any of my animals or the ones at work (up to 12'). Below I am pictured with my full grown 7.5' female BCC for comparison. When handling anything larger than 7' it's wise to have someone nearby or assisting, the general rule of safety is to have 1 person for every 7' of snake, though this increases as you get up in size to 1 person every few feet after the initial 7 when snakes reach enormous lengths (this does not apply to any in the BC complex). If possible, try to setup a handling session at a zoo, store, ore friends with a full grown animal to get a feel for it. I would also recommend starting out with a baby so you can grow together and gradually get accustomed to the size. These do not handle like ball pythons, they are very strong and more active. If can provide them with the adequate space and environment, these can make for wonderful animals to keep :)

<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/513/22me-guyana1-med.jpg">

LdyDrgn
05-31-03, 01:02 PM
Agreed Linds, I do the same with my 8' female bci.