First time snake buyer. Please help!

[Honey215]

Hi I want to buy a snake and have taken a liking to boas. However I don't want one that will get too big. So I've been looking into dwarf boas. Something that would top out at like 5 feet. 6 feet and up is to large. Also one that would be docile. Please help me. Any breed recommendations and any other advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Terranaut]

First off welcome.
Typicaly when I read about people who like boas but don't want a big snake I try to steer them away from boas period. Buying a dwarf anything is a bit of a gamble because by the time you realize you bought a normal one you have had it to long to return it because you are attached to it.
Boas are great snakes. I have 2 and both are over 6 ft. If you buy a baby you will be use to handling it and by the time it hits 6+ft you will be comfortable with a snake that size. So my advice is to just get a normal size boa or get something smaller. Either way get a male. They are smaller.
Have you looked into a carpet python or a royal(ball python). If size and power scare you these are also great snakes and will stay within your size limits. Carpets are my favorite snakes period and crazy fun to own. Before you buy have a look around and handle the different breeds. Don't just buy the one that looks cool. Check them right out. Take a test drive so to speak.
Good luck. Keep asking questions!!!

[SidewaysAt100]

Hi, I have had my first snake for about a month now (wow time flys!) it's a Dumerils Boa, the males are smaller, they max out at 5 to 6 feet. Don't get a female I have heard there can sometimes be the rare female Dumeril that reaches over 7 feet, more like 9 feet, but its very rare I think. Maybe if you get a baby from someone who knows what they are doing they can sex the snake for you without probing or hurting it. I love my dumerils boa, it is everything you mentioned you wanted, its so good I trust my niece holding it even though I have barely had the snake that long, you can just tell his personality is perfect, non-aggresive, friendly and curious. I think every snake has their own personality, but from what I have heard Dumerils are good over all. Someone may think I'm crazy owning my first snake for a month and saying I know all about its temperment, but thats ok, I just know 100% years from now I will look back and be right about this particlular snake, I hope most Dumerils are like mine, but I don't know, sometimes you can just tell sort of like a 6th sense, its just so obvious this snake is friendly 100%. Ask other Dumeril owners if their snakes are friendly as well? You might also want to see what some more experienced keepers have to say, maybe there are boas I don't even know exist because I'm so new to snakes, that would be a good fit for you, but honestly I don't think you could go wrong buying a 1 year old or baby Dumerils like I did.

Here are a few pictures of my Dumerils Boa.

Right after his first shed with me.
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/Dumerils%20Boa%20First%20Shed%20With%20Me/eac706f8.jpg

Feeding
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/1%20Year%20Old%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Feeding%20Pictur es/6d5f36c6.jpg

First time outside
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/Baby%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Outside%20Summer%20Time/09e44b85.jpg

[alessia55]

I know you said you want a boa, but taking into account that you'd like the snake to stay under 5 feet... Have you considered a ball python? Females can reach up to 5ft sometimes, and like boas, they have some girth to them. They are also typically very docile and great for beginners and first-time snake owners.
You could also look into smaller boas like rosy boas, and colubrids (corn snakes and California king snakes). What made you decide you like boas?

[stuka1166]

I am also a first time snake buyer/owner...I recently purchased a baby ball python. I did a LOT of research, talked to a lot of people, joined numerous forums, went to reptile shows and held a lot of snakes. In my opinion, for I wanted...The ball python won hands down. Extremely timid...Good eater...Perfect snake for anyone to enjoy :)

[Honey215]

First off welcome.
Typicaly when I read about people who like boas but don't want a big snake I try to steer them away from boas period. Buying a dwarf anything is a bit of a gamble because by the time you realize you bought a normal one you have had it to long to return it because you are attached to it.
Boas are great snakes. I have 2 and both are over 6 ft. If you buy a baby you will be use to handling it and by the time it hits 6+ft you will be comfortable with a snake that size. So my advice is to just get a normal size boa or get something smaller. Either way get a male. They are smaller.
Have you looked into a carpet python or a royal(ball python). If size and power scare you these are also great snakes and will stay within your size limits. Carpets are my favorite snakes period and crazy fun to own. Before you buy have a look around and handle the different breeds. Don't just buy the one that looks cool. Check them right out. Take a test drive so to speak.
Good luck. Keep asking questions!!!


I'm just like boa look and behavior. I've been looking at pet stores all testing all types of snakes out. I'm not exactly keen on the king corner milk snakes etc because a lot of them stay skinny and there isn't much destinction between their heads and bodies. Pythons. Seem to only roll up in a ball or hide every place I went. Boas, I just really like them so don't know

[Honey215]

Hi, I have had my first snake for about a month now (wow time flys!) it's a Dumerils Boa, the males are smaller, they max out at 5 to 6 feet. Don't get a female I have heard there can sometimes be the rare female Dumeril that reaches over 7 feet, more like 9 feet, but its very rare I think. Maybe if you get a baby from someone who knows what they are doing they can sex the snake for you without probing or hurting it. I love my dumerils boa, it is everything you mentioned you wanted, its so good I trust my niece holding it even though I have barely had the snake that long, you can just tell his personality is perfect, non-aggresive, friendly and curious. I think every snake has their own personality, but from what I have heard Dumerils are good over all. Someone may think I'm crazy owning my first snake for a month and saying I know all about its temperment, but thats ok, I just know 100% years from now I will look back and be right about this particlular snake, I hope most Dumerils are like mine, but I don't know, sometimes you can just tell sort of like a 6th sense, its just so obvious this snake is friendly 100%. Ask other Dumeril owners if their snakes are friendly as well? You might also want to see what some more experienced keepers have to say, maybe there are boas I don't even know exist because I'm so new to snakes, that would be a good fit for you, but honestly I don't think you could go wrong buying a 1 year old or baby Dumerils like I did.

Here are a few pictures of my Dumerils Boa.

Right after his first shed with me.
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/Dumerils%20Boa%20First%20Shed%20With%20Me/eac706f8.jpg

Feeding
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/1%20Year%20Old%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Feeding%20Pictur es/6d5f36c6.jpg

First time outside
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/B
aby%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Outside%20Summer%20Time/09e44b85.jpg

Aww your snakes are so cute I've been looking into those boas as well

[Honey215]

I am also a first time snake buyer/owner...I recently purchased a baby ball python. I did a LOT of research, talked to a lot of people, joined numerous forums, went to reptile shows and held a lot of snakes. In my opinion, for I wanted...The ball python won hands down. Extremely timid...Good eater...Perfect snake for anyone to enjoy :)

I like the way they look they way they act just overall I tend to like boas. I'm attempting to go to the reptile show coming up this weekend I'll test some more out before I choose

[exwizard]

Hi, I have had my first snake for about a month now (wow time flys!) it's a Dumerils Boa, the males are smaller, they max out at 5 to 6 feet. Don't get a female I have heard there can sometimes be the rare female Dumeril that reaches over 7 feet, more like 9 feet, but its very rare I think. Maybe if you get a baby from someone who knows what they are doing they can sex the snake for you without probing or hurting it. I love my dumerils boa, it is everything you mentioned you wanted, its so good I trust my niece holding it even though I have barely had the snake that long, you can just tell his personality is perfect, non-aggresive, friendly and curious. I think every snake has their own personality, but from what I have heard Dumerils are good over all. Someone may think I'm crazy owning my first snake for a month and saying I know all about its temperment, but thats ok, I just know 100% years from now I will look back and be right about this particlular snake, I hope most Dumerils are like mine, but I don't know, sometimes you can just tell sort of like a 6th sense, its just so obvious this snake is friendly 100%. Ask other Dumeril owners if their snakes are friendly as well? You might also want to see what some more experienced keepers have to say, maybe there are boas I don't even know exist because I'm so new to snakes, that would be a good fit for you, but honestly I don't think you could go wrong buying a 1 year old or baby Dumerils like I did.

Here are a few pictures of my Dumerils Boa.

Right after his first shed with me.
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/Dumerils%20Boa%20First%20Shed%20With%20Me/eac706f8.jpg

Feeding
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/1%20Year%20Old%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Feeding%20Pictur es/6d5f36c6.jpg

First time outside
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa467/2000SubaruImpreza25RS/Baby%20Dumerils%20Boa%20Outside%20Summer%20Time/09e44b85.jpg

Aww your snakes are so cute I've been looking into those boas as well

I can confirm everything stated in the above quoted post. I have 7 of them and I can tell you they are very tame and hearty as well. They dont have humidity issues and make great eaters. Dums make great first snakes.

I also need to say that if youre concerned about size, I would suggest getting a male. I have one of those rare 9'+ females so it is possible. Just something else to keep in mind.

[Toronto1977]

You could also look into Hog Island Boas and Sonoran Boas. Both are dwarfs. I have a Hog Island Boa and she's just great. Males obviously stay smaller. If you're looking for something to max out at 5 feet or less you'll probably want a Rosy boa or Kenyan Sand boa. Good luck on your search!

[SidewaysAt100]

Thanks for calling my snake cute :-), best of luck finding your first snake.

[StudentoReptile]

Pythons. Seem to only roll up in a ball or hide every place I went. Boas, I just really like them so don't know

That's just ball pythons.

Might wanna take a look at Children's python or spotted pythons. Just offering a few more alternatives.

There's more out there besides BCI and ball pythons, ya know.

[shaunyboy]

I'm just like boa look and behavior. I've been looking at pet stores all testing all types of snakes out. I'm not exactly keen on the king corner milk snakes etc because a lot of them stay skinny and there isn't much destinction between their heads and bodies. Pythons. Seem to only roll up in a ball or hide every place I went. Boas, I just really like them so don't know

have you considered a carpet python ?

a carpet python is a bit more lively than ball pythons etc

they are almost always out on display,roaming in hunt mode,etc

girth wise around the same as a can of coke

irian jaya and jungles tend to stay around 5 ft

great snakes to keep,easy husbandry,amazing feeding responses and a hardy species

great colours and pattern

cheers shaun

[buffcoat]

All I have to add is just be calm and confident with your new addition. Ask questions. We've all made mistakes. The advice given on this board is outstanding. And once you decide be sure to post pictures.

[snake man12]

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g361/412bro/Photo0253.jpgI have a male Dumerils boa and he is great he is always calm in my hands. And at around nine o'clock at night he starts exploring all around his viv. He is about 4 and a 1/2 feet right now and i only expect him to get around five and a 1/2. Here are some pics

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g361/412bro/Photo0252.jpg

[snake man12]

Also if your still interested this is my baby BCI he is about 5 months old.
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g361/412bro/Photo0233.jpg

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g361/412bro/Photo0242.jpg


I know in the first pic his humidity was low that was because I accidently left his light on too long

[lumpbump]

What ever you decide be sure to handle your snake. The more time you spend with it the more time you will learn what to expect from it. Observe it and you'll start seeing patterns of behavior. Once you learn your snake you will know how to treat it. Keep in mind husbandry plays an important role in your snakes attitude. Make sure you have everything set up for which species of snake you get prior to getting the snake. Research and research and read and read some more before you pick.