Prospective Snake Owner Questions!

[TheSuppishOne]

I'm gonna post on this part of the forum, too. Just to cover my bases. =D

Hi there! I'm a newbie who wants a boa and has a lot of questions. I'll start asking.

Basically, I'm a blank slate. Yes, I've done a lot of research independently, but it's so hard to narrow down choices on the Internet. I know that I want a boa and not a BP or a corn/king. I have read that BCIs tend to be on the smaller side vs BCCs, and since I'm specifically wanting a smaller snake (more in the 6 foot maximum range), I think that's where I'm headed. I love most of the Central American boas (Caulker Cay, Crawl Cay, BLOOD BOAS, etc...), but wanting some extra verification that those are really what I need.

All that being said, what exactly IS a red-tail? Is it just a general term that describes BCIs, or are they a specific breed?

What is everybody's opinion on male vs female in regards to temperament? I think males tend to be thinner and smaller, right? But what about disposition?


What age is best to buy a snake at for a beginner? I'm assuming that young snakes (do you call them neonates?), are more work, since you have to establish habits, but is that true?

I really just want a good lounge about buddy. Like, letting it chill with me when I play video games or watch tv. (Not gonna lie, I also want to dispel the stigma that snakes have with being scary and evil.) I am positive that I will need a snake that is calm, relaxed, and comfortable with handling. That's actually the primary reason I went with a boa instead of a corn. I hear corns are prone to being much more active.

I'm already married, and my wife is totally cool with the idea of having a snake. So I won't have to worry about future relationships and complications with snakes. I do live in an apartment, but they're reptile friendly as long as I don't get a Reticulated or Burmese, haha.

Out of general curiosity, what are usual monthly costs like for a snake? I know the feeding is relatively inexpensive, and if I use a cheap enough substrate, that's not an issue either, but what about electric costs for heating or costs for keeping humidity? I'm planning on using a plastic tub, since from what I've read they are cheaper and keep humidity better... Is this true?

Is there anything I'm missing? Are there more questions I should be asking and am neglecting?

Thank you so much!!!

=D

[slowhite03]

red tail boas have a red tail
males will be smaller than females. depending on what boa you get the range varies
juveniles or above i would say would be alright
depending on what you use my uth and spot light cost me 15 maybe even 20 bucks
dont go cheap on the substrate, would you want to live in a house that was cheaply built. if you change the tank monthly, youre looking at what $20?

[valid]

Again I am going to suggest a sand boa. Not as large as most other boas, but that is a benefit when you are starting out.

I don't think age is that big of a deal if you use proper husbandry. Babies may be a bit more prone to dying - but not by much. I am sure a breeder will have more info on that.

Humidity levels are really going to depend on the type of snake - Sand boas require little humidity, while others like rainbow boas require a great deal.

I have actually found that my greatest expense comes from the food rather than anything else. Most of the items you buy are one time things Ex- pad, tank etc.

I am sure other more established individuals/breeders will come along, I am just sharing what I have learned personally.

[TheSuppishOne]

To be honest, I don't particularly care for the sand boas, but mainly just superficially. I really dislike that they don't have heads. They have faces on their bodies, but there's no definition of a head.

Yes, it's superficial and stupid. Seeing as it's my first snake (and perhaps only one), I want to like every aspect of it, including looks. =P

[lady_bug87]

Haha I read this and was like 'didn't I answer this?'

I don't particularly like KSBs either.

[bcr226]

Don't assume that a BCI is going to be smaller than a BCC. I have a 5+ foot female BCI that is 3 years old. She's gonna be a big snake when she's full grown. With that being said, she's an absolute sweetheart of a snake. Very docile, loves to be handled and be around people a lot.

Some boas can be a bit nippy but both of ours are not. Here's our female with my daughter.

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr136/efillc/Snakes/Boas/IMG_2198_zps89ac57ca.jpg

[Terranaut]

A red tail boa , I mean a true red tail is a BCC. The term red tail is commonly used in the pet trade to refer to a BCI.
I have 2 adult bci's. One of each sex. Neither want to be handled anymore. One has bitten me but not badly. They can be great, they can be full of attitude. It's a crap shoot. Are you sure you want a bci as a first snake? They are an ok first snake but you want a snake that maxxes outat 6'.... my male is over 7 and my female almost 8 and she is still growing. Also , they are a very strong snake and at 6'+ (some will say 8) they should not be handled alone. If ball pythons are a bit boring for you might I suggest you look at carpet pythons. They have a defined head and many types max out around the size you want. A big plus in my eyes for a new snake owner is carpets generaly start out nippy and skittish but become more docile as they age. BCI's generaly do the opposite and if they are going to develope attitude they do it as they age. Personally I would prefer a nippy 18" snake over a nippy 8' snake. Another advantage is you will be able to read the snake long before it can even break the skin. Now I am biased as carpets are my favorite snake but my reasons for suggesting them to new snake keepers is sound. Even my adult female I rescued is a complete puppy dog. She was raised in brutal conditions and wanted to eat my face when I got her home . A few days of good husbandry and handling...well have a look.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-65.jpg


My male he is about 6'

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-139.jpg

Even great with kids.
Hope I didn't confuse you more but I would seriously consider a less powerful snake as a first one.

[stephanbakir]

I'd look into "hog island boas" I think they are what you're looking for.

[TheSuppishOne]

BCI's generaly do the opposite and if they are going to develope attitude they do it as they age...

Hope I didn't confuse you more but I would seriously consider a less powerful snake as a first one.

That's definitely some interesting info... The reason I really fell in love with the boas is because I went to a breeder's shop and was told that basically corns are super active, pythons are really chill but just kind of exist, and boas are the mix. Boas are like pythons but with a bit more personality. Plus, the way I see it, pythons are kinda cute with their more rounded heads, and boas have that drop-dead gorgeous look because their faces are sharper and more intimidating.

But again, I'm not looking into a regular BCI. From what I've read, Central American BCIs are called Dwarf Boas (specifically the ones I mentioned like the Caulker Cay, Crawl Cay, Peruvian, Blood boas, etc...) and supposedly max out around 5'. Is this not the case?

I'd look into "hog island boas" I think they are what you're looking for.

Exactly. As far as I know, the hog island boas are in that same group of Central American dwarf boas. I just wanted some reassurance that my data is correct. =]

[stephanbakir]

Hog island dwarves are definitely smaller the most BCI/BCC, every once in a while you get a huge one, but for the most part they are "small"

If you like snakes with awesome heads... these aren't something you want to get, but its definitely Eye Candy :) My fav thing about boa constrictors is their eyes... stunning eyes.

[Rogue628]

Like Terranaut said, it's a crap shot on getting a BCC or BCI that's going to be mellow when they age, but I think a lot depends upon how often they're handled and the positive interaction they get when they are handled. When snakes get 6' or bigger, you're not as apt to want to pull them out as often as when they're little. All species are easier to handle when they're young (as far as size goes) so when they get some length and weight on them, it can start to become a chore. Some animals just need more interaction and attention than others to keep them manageable. I've heard stories of adult BCI's and BCC's who turned into hellions when they become adults and reach a massive size. I only have one experience with a 6' BCI and she was an angel. Maybe I got lucky...who knows. But I work with my BCI a lot in hopes I can keep her a sweet and well behaved animal when she gets older. Currently mine is about 4' long and well behaved when out.

Another boa you may want to consider is a dumerils boa. Although they're not very active, they're not a lap snake and females get around the size you're wanting. They're easy to care for, they're well behaved, even young, and I think make a good beginner animal for people who are willing to have an animal of their size.

Carpet pythons, like Terranaut said, make nice beginner snakes, IMO. Although hatchlings can be nippy, they do calm down pretty quickly. They're inquisitive by nature, always wanting to explore when out, and don't seem to mind lots of human interaction. Having one out is almost like having a two year old in the house...not the terrible twos, but almost always into something because they love to explore! They're another easy to care for animal considering their husbandry requirements. They're a lean snake and can get quite long (depending upon locale and morph), but are easy for one person to handle at 6'.

[TheSuppishOne]

The prettiest things are usually the most high maintenance I'm learning... Sigh.

Oh well, I'll start looking into carpet pythons. They're not nearly as awe inspiring or exotic looking as boas, but practicality is more important than looks.

[Rogue628]

Did you check out the dumerils boas? They may not be an outstanding looking animal, but their disposition and easy care and husbandry makes them a joy to keep.

[KORBIN5895]

Ered tail boas have a red tail
males will be smaller than females. depending on what boa you get the range varies
juveniles or above i would say would be alright
depending on what you use my uth and spot light cost me 15 maybe even 20 bucks
dont go cheap on the substrate, would you want to live in a house that was cheaply built. if you change the tank monthly, youre looking at what $20?

This is pretty much all poor advice and poor logic.

@Dan

I'm nor sure where you get bci start out tame and then get nippy but that is very very seldom the case. Very few bci go rogue as adults. They have no reason to as they are big enough to take care of themselves and are very secure. I think yours have because of breeding.

Ca boas tend to be nippy through out life, bcc can have terrible attitudes but Colombians are known to be really mellow snakes.

[TheSuppishOne]

Well... I showed my wife all the research I'd done into carpet pythons, and she said she wants a boa. She doesn't like the carpets. Even though she said she wanted a snake that QUOTE "wasn't boring", she apparently doesn't want a snake that moves around a lot. What she meant by not-boring is not cute in the face, but feral and intimidating...like a boa...

Stage 1 all over again. And I was starting to like the carpets...

Oh well. Maybe I can get a carpet later. =P

[ReptiWoman]

What about a brazillian rainbow boa? I know they usually arent best for a first snake but you seem like your doing research and would do the best for it. They stay thinner and the males max out around the size you are looking for. They need a lot of humidity so tubs are perfect for them. I have a male and he is the sweetest thing ever, also when he is out he finds a warm spot by me and curls up and chills.

[Kettennatter]

What she meant by not-boring is not cute in the face, but feral and intimidating...like a boa...

Be careful that she doesn't suddenly show up with an eastern diamondback. Lol

But seriously, if the likes the "prehistoric" look, a dumeril boa may work nicely.

[TheSuppishOne]

I don't mind the BRBs, but I think we're settled on a Central American. If I handle him/her enough, then it'll stay calmer, right?

Ideally it would be a Hog Island or Dwarf variety, but I could settle on a male of a more normal size. In talks with a guy for a Costa Rican.

[ReptiWoman]

I dont personally own any but I have a lot of friends with hog islands and said they are sweethearts.

[TheSuppishOne]

It looks like Dumeril's are going to be the winners. The wife likes them and the BRB's the best, but I prefer the Dumeril's. You've also said that BRB's are a bit harder for a beginner, so... there we go. =]

[lady_bug87]

Honestly there really is no such thing as 'hard for beginners' as long as you're willing to read and offer an environment that is conducive to the animal thriving any animal will be fine.

I use myself as an example: my GTP was my second snake and I knew next to nothing about their care and to top it off she was an impulse buy so no research before at all. To make matters even more challenging she was sold extremely young (hatched the end of May and I purchased her at the end of June)

She is not only thriving but I happen to know she is one of the healthiest in her clutch.

When I got her home I read constantly and we got her eating properly, her sheds became flawless and she reached her color change right on time