Madagascan Tree Boa

AndrewM1217 · 03-12-16, 05:49 PM

So as I continue to ponder the idea of a new snake sometime in the next few months, I decided against the heavier-bodied Boas like BRB's and BCI's mainly because I really would enjoy an animal that functions well as a display animal in addition to being handleable. So the two snakes I've been looking at recently are the Carpet species (mostly jungle) and the Madagascan Tree Boa. However, there doesn't seem to be a lot of info on the latter, and I was wondering if anybody has any experience

ngav3 · 03-12-16, 05:54 PM

Brbs arent terribly heavy bodied.

As for the madagascar tree boa, i dont know much about them. However, there is the amazon tree boa, which is a slender arboreal species. A lot of them arent handleable ight away, it takes time and patience for them to be handleable. Also, a lot are wild caught, and there is potential for parasites. They are quite nice snakes, but be prepared to deal with that. Not saying all of them are bitey or have parasites, but if you arent prepared to deal with both of those issues, dont get one.

Carpets are great, i have one, but they too can start out nippy. A bite from a baby carpet doesnt hurt at all however, so its really not a big deal.

Hope that helped.

**EL Ziggy** · 03-12-16, 06:11 PM

Andrew- I've never kept boas but I love BRBs and some BCC/BCI. I just Googled the Madagascan and they're pretty too. I've recently started keeping carpets (Bredli, Coastal, JCP) and I have to admit they're a fascinating species to work with. They make great display animals too. The older/larger mine get the more they bask or perch openly. I can watch them roam and climb their vivs for hours. Best wishes with whatever you choose.

Derek Roddy · 03-13-16, 11:01 AM

The MTBs are an awesome species that isn't too often seen or reproduced in captivity. I use to work with them many years ago and they are incredibly killer boa species. Not very bitey (although every species has their exceptions) and are rather calm.

You will have a hard time finding many available as there are only a few breeders in the US who are working with them.

Also, if you might be in the market for Carpet Pythons....give me a shout. I have several things available or you can check my website
Derek Roddys Black Headed Pythons - Home

Here are some green form MTBs I had from many years ago

Cheers,
D

**EL Ziggy** · 03-13-16, 11:20 AM

Wow Derek, those boas are gorgeous. Your jungles look amazing too.

Derek Roddy · 03-13-16, 11:30 AM

Thanks, I sure do put a lot of effort into the collection.

D

pet_snake_78 · 03-13-16, 10:31 PM

Oddly MTB are neither rare nor expensive in Europe. If you check the classifieds for Hamm, they are regularly available. Unfortunately, I also don't think you can bring them into the US, so your only options are paying through the nose for one of the few that are available and I would assume a very narrow gene pool... such a shame because they are very cool!

SnoopySnake · 03-13-16, 11:25 PM

This one is at a zoo near me. Pretty thing, given me an interest in them too.

macandchz · 03-14-16, 08:50 AM

beautiful boas!

pet_snake_78 · 03-14-16, 10:55 AM

Cuban boas have a similar looking head and are less expensive and more available, that's probably what I am going with.