I need help and advice

Dragonborn · 10-01-15, 07:06 PM

Okay, so I have recently been delving more into keeping larger snakes, such as boas, and I have really been pulling my hair out on this one. A breeder has a couple of Dumeril's Boas and Corn snakes that I really want to get. They all seem pretty healthy to me, but I wouldn't know, since I'm new at this XD I would very much appreciate if anyone could tell me which one they enjoyed taking care of the most, if you have happened to own both. Keep in mind this will be my first ever snake. I have dealt with snakes before, but that was only volunteer work, such as cleaning their cages and holding them for visitors.

I would also very much appreciate if someone could tell me what size tank a baby dumeril's boa, about four months old, give or take, would need. I have also been told not to mist a dumeril's boa's tank. How else will I keep its humidity at around fifty or sixty if I don't mist it? Because all the care sheets tell me their humidity need to be from 40 to 60 %

So yeah, all I really need is a recommendation and some advice on how to take care of them. :3

Zcorpshea · 10-01-15, 08:06 PM

Dumerials are good starter boas in my opinion. They dont tend to get overly large but they do get fairly beefy so if your comfortable with a hearty sized snake than they are def more fun than corns imo. I always mist my boas, they require lower humidity so just dont go nuts. These ranges are just guidelines, if the humidity goes a bit over or a bit below its not the end of the world. Dumerials are pretty hardy animals. I start my boas off in an exotera 24"x18"x12x than once they reach size i move them into a 4'x2'x18" vision cage. They do like to burrow alot so dont be surprised if you look in the viv and cant find them especially when they are young. Overall there care is easy enough! GL with your decision!

Dragonborn · 10-02-15, 09:49 AM

So, would something like this be good for a baby Dummeril's? Also, I've been told they grow pretty slowly, is that true?

Python & Boa Basic Starter Kit

**Tsubaki** · 10-02-15, 10:45 AM

Doesn't seem to have a thermostat, also seems expensive for what you're getting. Would find something bigger, and try to find a different way of heating as lamps are far from ideal. thermostat + heat-cable / RHP or something like that.

Snakesitter · 10-02-15, 03:00 PM

+1 on avoiding heat lamps. Go with underbelly or radiant heat panels.

Zcorpshea · 10-02-15, 07:14 PM

Yeah Go with a UTH over lamps. Also that hide and water dish are too large for that tank. Forest floor substrate is fine, i use it mixed with jungle earth just for apperance. Youll be up sizing your cage in a year or so as well so keep that in mind. If money is a focal point you can just rock a solid size rubber maid. I personally just pay the money for tanks because i like the display factor.

Wdnesday99 · 10-02-15, 09:10 PM

Ive had both and would suggest the Dumerils for a beginner. I think that they're the perfect size, good feeders, and pretty docile. For a cage start with a 40 gallon with hides on each side and wood decor or plants filling up the empty spaces. If you don't mind upgrading cages then start with a 20 gallon. For humidity i generally use a damp towel over a portion of the cage and/or misting.