Pythons Vs Boa for beginners?

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 05:04 AM

So i had a Ball Python who was quite aggressive, took her to the vet who said she was severely Mal nourished, the people i purchased her from said she had been eating fine, and after all of my research it didn't seem too odd that she was off feed. Anyways i found a breeder that took her in [my vet gave me their name they do a lot of work around here for the zoo] So to the point of this posting is i still wanna get into the hobby, the right way this time by buying from a reputable breeder. Ive been researching and i found the Hog Island Boa, i know they are smaller then most of the subspecies in the family and was wondering compared to a Ball Python how are they for beginners? Im kinda nervous about being bitten but not enough that i would be afraid to deal with a few snaps if need be but i do have kids and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? Any input would be appreciated!

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 05:05 AM

Oh and any input on feeding issues as well i know BP have alot of issues it seems with staying on feed.

**Aaron_S** · 05-06-15, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machala2012

Oh and any input on feeding issues as well i know BP have alot of issues it seems with staying on feed.

They don't when housed correctly.

As for hogg islands or any other snake, they all can bite and may be nippy as babies. They do fine. However, most of the ones found in the pet trade now are mixed blood with their bigger cousins so they usually obtain a larger size.

If you want something that stays fairly docile and can handle the size of a hogg island adult I would consider a male BCI. They average 5 - 6 feet but are usually of calm nature.

Boas also eat ferociously.

I don't understand why or how your vet got "malnourished" due to "aggression".

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 07:07 AM

Its not the fact that shes aggressive that he said she was Malnourished, it was after he examined her. It was her aggression that made we think to take her to the vet because it can be a sign or stress and i wanted to make sure that she didn't have and parasites as well that could have been contributing to her demeanor. I was trying to be a responsible pet owner. Her Enclosure was a 40 Gal long tank with a cool side of about 85 and a warm side of about 92, her humidity was kept at 55, she did shed when i got her in which i increased the humidity to about 70. She had 2 hides ones a little bigger then her the other barley big enough to fit her. She also always had fresh water in which i used reptisafe. I did alot of research before so i really don't know what i may have messed up. Not to say that it isn't possible) im also kinda new to the forum so what does BCI stand for? Thanks for your input!

Cheers!

**Aaron_S** · 05-06-15, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machala2012

Its not the fact that shes aggressive that he said she was Malnourished, it was after he examined her. It was her aggression that made we think to take her to the vet because it can be a sign or stress and i wanted to make sure that she didn't have and parasites as well that could have been contributing to her demeanor. I was trying to be a responsible pet owner. Her Enclosure was a 40 Gal long tank with a cool side of about 85 and a warm side of about 92, her humidity was kept at 55, she did shed when i got her in which i increased the humidity to about 70. She had 2 hides ones a little bigger then her the other barley big enough to fit her. She also always had fresh water in which i used reptisafe. I did alot of research before so i really don't know what i may have messed up. Not to say that it isn't possible) im also kinda new to the forum so what does BCI stand for? Thanks for your input!

Cheers!

I doubt she was malnourished but meh I didn't see the snake. Parasites don't usually make aggressive snakes but that's here nor there and no point in discussing it as you no longer have the snake.

What's reptisafe?

BCI stands for Boa Constrictor Imperator. It's the latin name for the common Columbian boa.

Your best bet is to just buy the species of snake that you like the best. If you don't you'll care for and enjoy any other species less. Keep researching and you'll find the one that jumps out to you most.

eminart · 05-06-15, 07:16 AM

Are you asking this because your bitey BP made you want to look into other species? You won't find many species that are easier to handle than a BP. Of course, you'll run across a few that are more apt to bite. But, that's the case with any species.

That said, I'm not a BP "expert" but I've had quite a few of them. I just got my first boa, a BCI, and so far, I have to say I prefer him to the BP's. He's just a baby though.

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 07:25 AM

Not really more so because im weighing my options, as i said im not really to worried about being bitten [Sure beats getting bit by a dog or Cat] I more so was looking into Boas because i find them to be a more attractive snake, i do like some of the Ball Python Morphs but i dont have 500 Dollars to get one of the morphs i like. I originally decided against Boas because of their size but after a little more research i found some smaller breeds like the hog Island. But from what Aaron said above that may not be entirely true. Im still confused on what BCI is or what i should be looking for in the family. I researched and there is a few species and not really sure when are supposed to most docile or best for beginners.

**Minkness** · 05-06-15, 07:40 AM

I'm new to BPs and saved up for a nice one. Turns out he's a total jerk that is turning into a problem child. Had feeding issues at first, now shedding issues, and has an attitude EVERY time I open his tub. I have stressed over making sure everything is 'right' so not sure how I got the one that seems to be uncommonly defensively other than the fact I got him from a breeder when he was almost a year old and probably only handled for cleaning as the breeder told me he'd just drop the rat in his tub and leave it.....took me over a month to get him on food again and now he only eats it if I tease him with it first x.x

Seriously looking at a possible baby boa myself....but I'm stuborn and love my little jerk so I'll probably be sticking it out with him unless he gets overly nippy. I'm no pro and didn't get into snakes for the thrill of the bite...

Anyway.....that's just my experience with BPs and I kinda stand behind the idea that BPs aren't really for beginners. Just my opinion of course.

eminart · 05-06-15, 07:43 AM

The "red tail" boas in the pet trade basically fall into one of two categories - BCI, or BCC. BCI, is GENERALLY a little smaller. BCC, are the true red tails. They're usually a little larger, and they have the bright red tails. There are a ton of different localities when it comes to boas, and variation even within those localities. Also, as miller suggested, it can be difficult to find pure lines of any of them in the pet trade.

If you're seriously interested in boa constrictors, and you have about $45, I really encourage you to purchase this book: Complete Boa Constrictor: A Comprehensive Guide to the Care, Breeding, and Geographic Races: Vincent Russo: 9780978897925: Amazon.com: Books It does a great job of explaining all the different subspecies and localities.

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 07:45 AM

Im incline to agree with that, not really based on anything to do with the aggression, i can see though for beginners how a snake going off feed would freak people that dont have as much experience out.

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 07:47 AM

That books like a good manual to have on hand for any boa, which for someone like me would be awesome! Thanks for the suggestion! maybe ill see if i can find an e copy for cheaper until i can afford the hardcover! :P

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I doubt she was malnourished but meh I didn't see the snake. Parasites don't usually make aggressive snakes but that's here nor there and no point in discussing it as you no longer have the snake.

What's reptisafe?

BCI stands for Boa Constrictor Imperator. It's the latin name for the common Columbian boa.

Your best bet is to just buy the species of snake that you like the best. If you don't you'll care for and enjoy any other species less. Keep researching and you'll find the one that jumps out to you most.

Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P

Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

**Aaron_S** · 05-06-15, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machala2012

Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P

Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

Sounds like garbage products. Don't buy that stuff.

trailblazer295 · 05-06-15, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machala2012

Amazon.com : Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, 8.75 oz : Turtle Supplies : Pet Supplies

Basically its a conditioner for the water that removes chlorine from tap water so that it doesn't dry their skin out. I just added 3 drops to her water bowl when i changed the water. The species i like the best is GTP which isnt supposed to be for beginners. So many choices just wanna make the right one :P

Sorry i dont know how i didnt see your posting, until now, not sure how that happened. Lol

If you want to remove chlorine just let it sit for 24hrs, it will evaporate into the air. This is often done for aquariums where people don't want to use chemicals. However if your local water company is using chloramine it doesn't evaporate that fast. I also used Prime for my tanks to remove chlorine and chloramine, which also removed heavy metals as well as ammonia and nitrites but don't treat my snake water. Buying distilled water is another option if you're that concerned about the chemicals in your water.

Machala2012 · 05-06-15, 09:27 AM

Yeah i may start using the distilled water for peace of mind.