Apologies for the newbie question...I'm going to my first reptile show next weekend (woo!) and plan to get my first snake. My primary considerations are that it be docile when handled, relatively easy to care for, not so big that I can't handle it by myself, and nice to look at (in that order).

The books I've read and my herp friends are divided on whether I should get a BCI or a ball python. I'm leaning towards the boa because it is supposedly easier to feed, friendlier when handled, and I could probably afford to get a morph, which I'd really like. I'm a little intimidated by the idea of having a 10 foot snake in a few years, however. I have the space and funds to build an 8 foot long or so enclosure, but I worry I won't be able to handle the snake, or that it will somehow escape and eat my geriatric 15 pound dog or maybe a potential boyfriend.

Any thoughts on whether a BCI might be right for me? Is it something a lone beginning herper can handle? Thanks?

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