In my own opinion, ball pythons are the most boring snake in captivity. But, they look nice and stay at a size range that makes caging easier and heating easier. I can see why people keep them. I did for awhile, and it is true that they are very inoffensive pythons. Perhaps the most irritating thing about ball pythons is that the adults can refuse food at unpredictable times and for unpredictable durations. It isn't that this is bad for the snake at all. But it is a pain for the keeper who has few snakes and now has a thawed rat with no takers.

Boas are magnificent captives. They have a body language that makes it easy to know when they are hungry or want to be left alone. They are stunning to look at and a pleasure to hold. Of course there has to be a downside. Their eventual adult size makes caging more expensive. Also, big tropical snakes need adequate ambient heat AND humidity along with basking heat. This can get much more expensive to have and maintain. Usually glass tanks with screen tops don't cut it; they need roomy cages that can hold heat and humidity.

A 20 gal long will not hold most boas for more than 1 year and likely less. Male boas tend to be less girthy than females. Hog Island boas, especially males, can be pretty small for a boa constrictor, and are easier to house for that reason.

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