Getting a Columbian Boa Tommorrow

Solid Snake · 08-01-03, 04:10 PM

I'm using a 40 gallon tank and i was wondering what kind of subtrate should be used considering its humidity has got to be in the range of 70-80%. If its consintly moist, is it healthy for the boa to live in?

I'm so excited, i have to get everything ready.

Linds · 08-01-03, 05:43 PM

BCI do fine at around 55% humidity. If you keep them in a damp environment they will develop possible skin infections, as well as they may develop an RI. To answer your question... no its not healthy for this species to live in that environment.

I prefer to use papertowel or newspaper. Towels also work great. If you don't like the looks of those substrates, you can use cypress mulch, carefresh, and many have success with aspen however it molds very easily if it becomes damp for any length of time.

Solid Snake · 08-01-03, 06:26 PM

i'm a bit confused with some of the care sheets, some say they can grow from 4-6feet, some say the grow well over 6 feet to 12 feet.

The store owner said there were different typs in columbian boas, he stated that the ones he was going to sell to me are an average of 5 feet, which is perfect for me. I'm a bit confused, is he just trying to sell it to me to make a sale cuz i mentioned i need a small boa.

Linds · 08-01-03, 06:33 PM

If you need a small boa, don't take your chances with a Colombian. Average for them is 6-8 feet. Though some males may not exceed 5.5', they usually get a bit larger than that. Colombians have the potential to reach 10', though this is not common. There are no "special" Colombians that average 5'. Pay no mind to the salesperson in the store, that is exactly what he was trying to do, make a sale. If you want a smaller boa, try a Hog Isle or some of the Central American localities such as Nicaraguans. These generally stay under 6' as adults.

Solid Snake · 08-01-03, 06:40 PM

if i did purchase it and it did grow about 10 feet. Do u think its wise for a person who has experiences with ball pythons and colubrids? I've never had such a large snake before, would it be too much for me?

Solid Snake · 08-01-03, 07:17 PM

whats the average size for a male?

Infectrix · 08-01-03, 08:23 PM

Yoeun905,

If you do purchase a Colombian BCI, it will grow longer and fatter than your ball pythons no doubt.. Can a person with bp and colubrid experience take on a Colombian BCI? For sure.. It's definitely a step up though..

Average size for a male cbci Linds stated 6-8ft, I learned 7ft when I got mine, so there's your average right there..

You probably already know this but make sure you quarantine that mofo.. And congrats when you get it!

Solid Snake · 08-01-03, 09:24 PM

great, thanks guys, i'll have pics tommorrow afternoon!