Some general questions about BRB's - Page 3

Kettennatter · 08-23-12, 08:39 AM

Based on what is posted here I don't have much of a doubt that they'll be able to handle a Brazilian. Just keep in mind that my kids wanted all kinds of snakes, yet they interact most with a simple garter snake, just because the snake is very active during daylight hours.

snake man12 · 08-23-12, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy and son

The coloration mostly, the bright reddish-orange with the iridescent sheen.
His first choice was an anaconda.. NOT! Then he wanted a reticulated python... that's a negative ghost rider! Next up, a red-tail boa. Okay, getting closer but a 10 foot snake still a little big. We both liked the coloration of the rainbow and since they only get about 6 ft long, that's something we can handle.

A bci will only get 5 to 7 feet maximum.

Kettennatter · 08-23-12, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

A bci will only get 5 to 7 feet maximum.

That's true, but they are rather strong thick-bodied snakes. Maybe a bit much for a 8yo, even though many BCIs are docile to a fault.

Otherwise I would also recommend a BCI because of their temperament and their robustness.

snake man12 · 08-23-12, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kettennatter

That's true, but they are rather strong thick-bodied snakes. Maybe a bit much for a 8yo, even though many BCIs are docile to a fault.

Otherwise I would also recommend a BCI because of their temperament and their robustness.

I agree with you. I was just stating something.

daddy and son · 08-23-12, 09:44 AM

What is a BCI?

**Aaron_S** · 08-23-12, 09:51 AM

Boa Constrictor Imperator. It's the scientific name for Colombian boa.

daddy and son · 08-23-12, 09:55 AM

gotcha.. they're still in the running, especially if they only get about 7 feet. We can handle that. may come down to cost. What are the humidity requirements for a BCI compared to the BRB?

**Aaron_S** · 08-23-12, 10:08 AM

Low.

The big difference isn't just the length of a snake. It's the overall size. BRB's tend to be a more slender snake whereas the BCI are more heavy bodied. They both could be 6 feet but the BCI will definitely outweigh the BRB.

Honestly, if the BRB is what the heart is set on then I'm sure you'll do your best to keep it!

Wildside · 08-23-12, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Honestly, if the BRB is what the heart is set on then I'm sure you'll do your best to keep it!

Agreed but there's a few things I want to throw out there about BCI...

First, when it comes down to initial cost the BCI is gonna be cheaper. (Depending on the morph of course)

By the time that BCI becomes too much for this 8 y.o. he'll be 12, so it'll probably never truly become too much for him.

Third, males are the BCI that stays within the 5-7 ft. range, it's not uncommon for females to exceed this, but they're also likely to stay within this range.

I'd like to close with this thought that goes back to my first post itt. You've already caught boa fever if you're considering a rainbow. Buying a boa is gonna cause this affliction to set in deep. You are more than likely going to end up owning both of these species plus a few more. I'd start building a rack system if I were you

Tekpc007 · 08-23-12, 12:42 PM

this is why i said a male Hog island boa , known to be docile , will stay small and are active in the day , not fussy eaters and very hardy . Can deal with handling by a younger son better than a BRB ...

Wildside · 08-23-12, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekpc007

this is why i said a male Hog island boa , known to be docile , will stay small and are active in the day , not fussy eaters and very hardy . Can deal with handling by a younger son better than a BRB ...

The two hogs I've dealt with were downright hateful. That doesn't mean they're all like this but I dealt with two that were. At that time I would've much rather had a tiny brb trying to tag my pinky than the loudly hissing hog island that was constantly trying to get a mouthful of wildside. I'm just sayin'.

Tekpc007 · 08-23-12, 12:57 PM

I agree , you have to handle the boa before you buy it. i did get mine from a gal online who breeds them and held them often as babies so my male is sweet , never hisses or strikes even my 70 yr old mom will hold him. Depends what you get , thats why now i always handle them for a good 30 minutes or so and visit them 2 or 3 times before i buy a snake. My brb was a little cobra for a good while , bit often but now he is mellow.

daddy and son · 08-23-12, 02:34 PM

Doing some thinking now... considering maybe doing a BCI this year, start building some boa experience, then getting the BRB next year. Daniel will be a little older then too. A side question on the brbs. Since everyone agrees they nip and do have teeth, albeit small teeth, is it a good idea to wear some canvas gloves when handling them. I know jerking back when they bite can harm the snake, but reflexes don't always allow time to think through everything (especially when a kid is involved). would canvas or leather be better? (assuming gloves are a good idea)
Sorry for the dumb questions. Just trying to make sure we research this and get it right from the start rather than having to play catch-up down the road.

snake man12 · 08-23-12, 02:40 PM

Leather because the teeth could get caught on the threads and they could rip out.

Tekpc007 · 08-23-12, 02:40 PM

BRB bites do sting a bit , I never wore gloves though and even now that he is a juvi at 28 inches i can handles the bites with a good audible curse word haha. i have a jungle carpet python that is about the same size and i do wear thin leather gloves for him and he bites over and over but he is still in handling training. the big issue is the shock of being bit , the sting and i can see a little person pulling the hand away or shaking off the snake which could be bad for the snake.