It sounds like you've started your research far enough in advance to adequately prepare for whatever animal you choose. I applaud you for that!!!! Most people buy, then ask questions. lol

My recommendations would be to continue doing what you're doing. Research, research, research.

I don't have any experience with Dumerils, but I can tell you that of the few that I've seen, Mike at Basically Boas and Tim Frazier at Illiana Reps have the best. There are also probably plenty of others who produce really beautiful Dums, I just don't know who they are. As far as I know, neither of these vendors will be in Daytona. You'd need to contact them via email or phone. And actually, I don't even know if Tim Frazier is still into reptiles.

As for boa constrictors, the general rule regarding cage space is that they need one square foot of cage space for every foot long the boa is. Meaning, if you have a 6 foot boa, your cage would need to be 4' wide & 2' deep (or 3'x3'). You can probably use a 4'x2' cage for boas up to 7.5' (depending on their girth which will depend on their ssp and locality). However, you said that you like your animals to have plenty of room so you can stick with the formula.

As for adult size, you had originally stated you wanted a boa that'll reach 13', and I think the previous poster replied that you'd never get that. That's true. A 13' boa is EXTREMELY rare. Also, you'd need a 9'x4' cage to accomodate the boa and it would also fall out of the range of being able to be handled by one person.

You could grow a boa up to 10', but it would more than likely be overfed and consequently live a very short life. 8' is attainable if the genetics allow for it. 8' is also the largest boa I'd recommend one person trying to handle unless they're experienced with boas and have the physical stature to handle it if something bad happened.

If you want an 8' boa, go for a PURE Colombian boa (BCI/BCC), a Peruvian (BCC), or even an Argentine (BCO). If you're ok with 7', you have a MUCH broader range of potential animals. Any of the animals I've already listed can stay under 7' if you so choose and ANY BCC (Suriname, Guyana, Brazil) can and will reach 7'. Other options are BCA's and BCL's. At 4-6', you have the broadest range of boas to choose from. Any of the animals I've already listed can fall into this range as well as every other ssp and locality can fall somewhere in this range.

There will be a large array of boa constrictor ssp at the show, but there are ssp you won't see there. So make sure the ssp you set your heart on are actually readily available in captivity.

www.riobravoreptiles.com - this site is 100% locality oriented. This is an excellent resource to read up on the differences in some of the ssp's and locality boas. Gus will be at the show so if you fall in love with a particular type of animal, contact him beforehand to see if he'll have it there. He's one of most reputable guys in the business and you'll be 100% happy with your purchase.

www.cuttingedgeherp.com - this site is locality and morph oriented. Also an excellent resource with lots of pics. Vin will also be at the show and has recently published the most comprehensive book on boas to date. His reputation is excellent as well and you will be 100% happy with your purchase from him as well.

Now, I noticed you have a few other snakes and they're ALL morphs. If you want a boa morph, Colombians and Argentines are the only ones that routinely get over 6'. Check out the boalist for ALLLLLLL of the possibilities. Actually, "most" of the possibilities, we haven't fully explored all of the possibilities. Some of them are priced at a beginners price point, many are not. There are several boa morphs in the 4-6' adult boa range that are genetically inherited and naturally occuring.

Good luck in your search. I hope this info was helpful.

I don't reply often on here to questions such as yours because I type so darn much!!!

jb
-----
Jonathan Brady
*You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.*

Edited on July 19, 2008 at 19:09:55 by PHGinger.

[ Show Entire Thread ]