Hi guys!

[Bijan]

Hey y'all.
I'm a student in San Jose, California. I recently moved here from Chicago.

I'm interested in getting a boa down the road. I have never had a snake before but have a lot experience with other pets, specifically large birds.

Thank you for providing this community for me!

-Bijan

[infernalis]

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[pythonman]

Hi Bijan, welcome to the forum, and hopefully welcome to the wonderful world of snake keeping, what sort of boa you thinking about. The sand and the rosy boas are a good group, the medium sized rainbow boas, up to the larger red tails and the big mammas the anacondas, a great deal of choice awaits you..... do your research, bare in mind snakes grow, food requirements vary, and make sure you can accomodate it in a favourable manner and you will have many happy years with your new aquisition.... Trouble is its hard to stick at one, the boas are a big family easy to add new additions. Happy snakekeeping:)

[belovedboas]

Welcome!!! Well said python man

[marvelfreak]

Hello and welcome! Any question you have feel free to ask we have a really great bunch of helpfully people here.:)

[Bijan]

I said boas but there are many really.
I did some volunteer service at a reptile zoo a couple years ago and I fell in love with a JCP that was just adorable. I also like that they're a bit more active than your typical BC. But I know that nothing beats the temperament of a BC.

I haven't decided yet, but I guess that's what I'm here for.

[Xanafein]

if you only want one snake dont get anything in the morelia family, i bought a beautiful jungle 2-3 months ago, and two days ago i bought a gorgeous coastal jag

[Freebody]

if you only want one snake dont get anything in the morelia family, i bought a beautiful jungle 2-3 months ago, and two days ago i bought a gorgeous coastal jag
hes right, morelia are the most addicting snake on the market lol like potatoe chips, you cant just have one lol

[Nafun]

For your first snake, I recommend something small. If you're set on a boa, I would recommend a sand, rosy, or rubber boa.

Boa Constrictors have a good reputation for being docile, but they are thick bodied and can easily pass 10 feet. It could be the most docile and friendly snake in the world, but that won't make a difference if you find yourself moving into an apartment building that doesn't allow pets. A garter snake is a heck of a lot easier to hide (or to get special permission to keep) from your landlord than a 12' 50lb beast.

[percey39]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Bijan]

I am not interested in something as small as a sand boa to be honest. I believe that my experience with other pets, as well as zoo mentorship classes at a reptile zoo is more than enough especially compared to first-time other owners of large snakes.

[presspirate]

For a first time Giant, IMO you can't really go wrong with a boa. Just remember to follow all of the safety precautions. Best of luck and welcome aboard!

[Xanafein]

i wouldn't really call most boa's giant, large certainly but giant always makes me think retic, burm and rock pythons, as well as the anaconda

@ Bijan, I highly recommend morelia, they are addictive for a reason, even my feisty new jag (who bites me frequently) is a treat to work with, i enjoy his taming sessions greatly

and my jungle is already becoming one of the most docile snakes ive handled, shes so damned curious, since shes small i let her chilll out on my shoulders and head, and once she got from my head to the metal shower bar, she refused to come down to, was wrapped real tight around it, was adorable, she finally came down though and then had to go back into her viv for the rest of the day as i was busy

[Bijan]

I would love a Morelia!
I think (this was a while ago), they were the species that made me fall in love with snakes.

I am really eager to adopt or buy from Craigslist if I can though. I don't know, I guess just ethically I feel more comfortable than buying from a breeder.
Unfortunately, I only find BCs & Bps available this way. I may buy if a hatchling Morelia is just that much worth it.

Btw, I remember reading somewhere that Morelia is unique because of the way they target prey? -Somehow it increased the likelihood of being struck in the face. I'm not taking this seriously b/c w/ regular handling I know they become docile, but do you guys know what I'm talking about?

Thanks

[Xanafein]

I would love a Morelia!
I think (this was a while ago), they were the species that made me fall in love with snakes.

I am really eager to adopt or buy from Craigslist if I can though. I don't know, I guess just ethically I feel more comfortable than buying from a breeder.
Unfortunately, I only find BCs & Bps available this way. I may buy if a hatchling Morelia is just that much worth it.

Btw, I remember reading somewhere that Morelia is unique because of the way they target prey? -Somehow it increased the likelihood of being struck in the face. I'm not taking this seriously b/c w/ regular handling I know they become docile, but do you guys know what I'm talking about?

Thanks

uh not really, mine both hunt from perches but thats about it, also, i Have a Morellia breeding program im hoping to start up, so when i have hatchlings a year or more from now, and you are addicted to the species from that hatchling you bought, ill hook you up :P

[Cor8et]

I said boas but there are many really.
I did some volunteer service at a reptile zoo a couple years ago and I fell in love with a JCP that was just adorable. I also like that they're a bit more active than your typical BC. But I know that nothing beats the temperament of a BC.

I haven't decided yet, but I guess that's what I'm here for.



Welcome to the site Bijan............. go on get the JCP :yes:

[Nafun]

I wasn't suggesting something small because you haven't had snakes before. I was suggesting something small because you're still young. You've recently moved across country and you're a student. Having to give up a pet because of a move is terrible, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I personally had to give up my Macaw when I went away to college. BCs are great, as far as reptile enthusiasts are concerned, but to about 90% of the population, a BC is a monster. I would hate to see you (or anyone) adopt a snake, and then have to give it up because you have to move and your new place won't allow you to keep a snake. If you peruse craigslist for adoptions, there are a disproportionate number of animals being put up for adoption because their owner is moving. You could always start with something more manageable, and then get a BC when your future is more predictable, Most of us have more than one snake, and it's really not any harder to take care of 10 snakes than 1 snake (except on cleaning and feeding day).

If you're interested in a JCP, I would personally recommend you get an adult or sub adult whose temperament you can observe beforehand. Some JCPs are just mean and will continually bite the hand (and face) that feeds, regardless of how much you handle them.
"Animals are like people,... ...,some of them act badly because they've had a hard life, or been mistreated. But, like people, some of them are just jerks." - The Simpsons

[Bijan]

Oh np Nafun, I really appreciate the advice.

[Freebody]

this happened yesterday while feeding my adult bredle, shes about 7 feet of so, she missed the rat and grabbed my hand and coilded it up for a few seconds before she realized it was me she had and lets go :P some aim she has lol

[marvelfreak]

11257 Tag your it. 11257

[shaunyboy]

I am not interested in something as small as a sand boa to be honest. I believe that my experience with other pets, as well as zoo mentorship classes at a reptile zoo is more than enough especially compared to first-time other owners of large snakes.


hello and welcome

as long as you do ample research most snakes will do just fine as a first snake

if you want a large snake thats not so thick girth wise you might want to consider a carpet python

easy to keep,great feeding responses,most days they are out hanging off a branch on display,come in all sorts of beautifull colours and patterns.

all in all a nice looking hardy species

you also have the bonus of a reptile zoo providing mentorship

all we need now is some pictures of whatever you get

cheers shaun

[Freebody]

i agree as well, carpet pythons are great! active and a good size snake, not so big you need someone with you while you hold it, but big enouph to fill that, i want somthing large mentality <<< thats me too :) but now that i have my larger snakes, im looking at the smaller ones now, go figure lol hey chuck, i wasnt about to get my head close enouph to tag her back so looks like she win this round lol

[red ink]

Welcome mate hope you like it here,

I'll leave the species suggestions to the folks on your side of the big water as I'm very bisaed towards Australian species.