Difference between BCI and BCC

guitrage · 11-17-04, 01:08 PM

What's the difference between a Boa Constrictor Imperator and a Boa Constrictor Constrictor? I don't know anything about Boas but I am very interested. Which of these categories would a regular Red Tail fall under?

Thanks

Linds · 11-17-04, 01:19 PM

Taken from the FAQ sheet at the top of this page:

What is the difference between a Colombian Bci and a Bcc?
The differences between the two subspecies are minimal. Bcc were the original "redtailed boas", however several decades ago dealers began applying the same name to the Colombian boas in order to squeeze some extra money out of their sales, as "true redtails" tended to have a nicer appearance to them. Bcc sometimes display a brighter tail colouration, more colouration throughout their body (silvers and/or pinks and/or purples), shaplier saddles that may have more contrast, and less than 22 saddles. Bci may have more or less than 22 saddles, which makes this method of identification unreliable. Bci have a much quicker growth rate than Bcc do and can easily attain lengths of 6' or more by their second birthday. They generally have the same maintenance requirements.

guitrage · 11-17-04, 01:40 PM

Ah, didn't see that. Thanks. I've got a lot of general questions, so I guess I'll ask them here.

1. Do boas feed well or are they very finicky at times, like ball pythons?

2. How much should I expect to pay for a good CB baby BCI?

3. Are there different care requirements between the different types of Boa Constrictors? There seem to be many types. Are any of them very different from the rest other than coloration? Do Brazilian Rainbow Boas grow to be the same size as the rest of the Boa Constrictors? What specific type of Boa Constrictor do you recommend?

4. What is their general temperament? Can they be regularly handled?

5. What cage setup do you recommend for an adult (dimensions, furniture, etc)?

6. Do they require a nighttime temperature drop?

7. What are some things I haven't already asked about but should know about BCIs?

Thanks, your feedback is appreciated.

BoidKeeper · 11-17-04, 02:08 PM

1. All my best feeders are boas.

2. In Canada they are about $125, not sure about the US market. Probably about half that price.

3. Are there different care requirements between the different types of Boa Constrictors? BCC and BCI can be kept the same way.
Are any of them very different from the rest other than coloration?
Some have different temperments, size and breeding requirments.
Do Brazilian Rainbow Boas grow to be the same size as the rest of the Boa Constrictors? They are not from the same group as the BCC or BCI. They do not get as big or as long as BCC or BCI.
What specific type of Boa Constrictor do you recommend?
BCC or BCI are pretty much the same. Some will say that some types of BCI are clamer. There are a few different types of BCI and as well as a few different types of BCC so to use the terms BCC and BCI to refer to one type of snake is wrong. BCC and BCI represent groups of snakes. For example all of the following snakes are BCI, Hog Island Boa, Colombian Boa, Mexican Boa, Central American Boa, Nicaraguen(sp) boa, the list goes on. The following snakes are BCC, Suriname and Guyana (some say they are the same snake.) and the Peruvian.
So if some ones says get a BCI you have to ask which one?
4. It can vary from individual to individual. Most will say that the Colombian BCI is one of the calmest.
5. I have a 6'+ female Colombian BCI in a 5'x2'x18" cage.
6. No
7. That the term BCI does not only mean the Colombian Boa Constrictor Imperator. That it represents a group of boas as the does the BCC term.
I would also recomend a copy of the boa constrictor manual.
Cheers,
Trevor

Ptindy · 11-17-04, 02:20 PM

1. They are usually strong feeders.

2. 100-150 dollars for a normal BCI, 150 being a very nice looking animal.

3. I'm assuming your talking about boa species in general and not the boa constrictor family. The care requirements between boa species are all very different. A brazillian rainbow boa has completely different care requirements then a columbian boa. The bcc and bci have similar care requirements but the bcc has a bit more picky requirements when it comes to humidity. There is a lot of leeway for keeper mistakes with bci. All boa's are different from eachother, not only in coloration, but temperments, size, where they are from, and what not so care for each is different. I wouldn't recommend any type of boa species. You have to research and find out what's best for you yourself.

4. Most bci's can be puppy dogs when they are older, but you may have to work on it. Most tend to be nippy as hatchlings but can be calmed down with regular handling. Then again, there are always a couple that can be down right nasty and there is nothing you can do.

5. At minimum for a bci you would need a custom made enclosure measuring 4 feet long, 2 feet deep and a foot or two tall (I would go with 2). The more room the better when it comes to bci. They will need substrate, newspaper works well, a couple big hides, a water bowl (water bowl and hides can be made from large rubbermaid "rough necks"), and some large branch or something for them to help shed.

6. No.

7. They can grow quite large.

I would suggest you do a lot of research on bci's and other boas to determine which species you would like to keep and then read everything you can about them.

Mike