Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Doing some research and wondering if you could help me out? Please excuse my ignorance- I keep mainly asian and african colubrids, a Coastal Carpet python and a couple of BRBs...

Approximately how large are Nicaraguans & Central American boas as adults? I'm considering a smaller type of boa (between 5-7.5ft max).

What's their temperament like? I can deal with a nippy youngster- do they calm down with age?

What's size cage would you recommend? I'd most likely go with a Boaphile for an adult cage.

Humidity requirements?

Brumation or cooling for breeding requirements?

Things to look for in a good specimen of either locality and are they the same? My untrained eyes don't see a difference and I know Nicaraugua is in Central America.

Genral experiences with these boas would be appreciated and would you recommend them for a 1st boa?

Thanks!
Lora

>>Doing some research and wondering if you could help me out? Please excuse my ignorance- I keep mainly asian and african colubrids, a Coastal Carpet python and a couple of BRBs...
>>
>>Approximately how large are Nicaraguans & Central American boas as adults? I'm considering a smaller type of boa (between 5-7.5ft max).
>>
>>What's their temperament like? I can deal with a nippy youngster- do they calm down with age?
>>
>>What's size cage would you recommend? I'd most likely go with a Boaphile for an adult cage.
>>
>>Humidity requirements?
>>
>>Brumation or cooling for breeding requirements?
>>
>>Things to look for in a good specimen of either locality and are they the same? My untrained eyes don't see a difference and I know Nicaraugua is in Central America.
>>
>>Genral experiences with these boas would be appreciated and would you recommend them for a 1st boa?
>>
>>Thanks!
>>Lora
>>

Right now, I have sonoran desert boas, which are a C.A. BCI. Both my adults, male and female, are 5' and haven't gotten any bigger than that-and they are both 4-5 years old.

I'm not sure how big Nics get, but I think they are under 6 feet.

As for temperament-Sonorans are notoriously hissy and nippy as babies, but calm down with regular handling (like most boas.)

I keep mine in 4' x 2' x 2' Neodesha cages, and it provides them with plenty of room for them.

Humidity for Sonorans should stay below 60%, although I've found misting helps during shedding times. For any other C.A. species, take a look at the species' original habitat's current humidity/weather and that can give you the best idea for keeping that species. C.A. Boas do need to be brumated to breed as far as I've been told-but there are different specifics for each locality.

It is really hard to tell the difference between C.A. boas. Best way would be to buy your boas from a reputable breeder who can supply background and lineage information.

Other species of dwarf boas, not necessarily C.A. boas, would be Cay Caulkers and Crawl Cays. Crawl Cays are really expensive as there aren't that many breeders out there, Cay Caulkers I've seen up for sale for $200 apiece, and Sonorans around $100-$200. All of them stay under 6 feet. I just got my cay caulker a few weeks ago, she is an '02 baby and _very_ nippy, but I'm sure she will calm down with handling and as she gets older. Not sure about the Crawl Cays, as mine aren't here yet-but the breeder says they are pretty easy going compared to the caulkers and sonorans.

Hope that helps!

-Cat
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http://chaoscat.lowerground.net/herps/
My collection and herp photography

http://www.lowergroundreptiles.net
Lower Ground Reptiles

Thanks ChaosCat! I've really enjoyed the pictures you've posted of your Sonorans. They are lovely! The Insular Boas like the Crawl Cay, Cay Caulker and Corn Island are very nice- but a little out of my price range and I'm not sure if I want to invest in them as first boas when Nics and C.A.s are so inexpensive. Maybe when I've got a little more boa experience under my belt... The variability of the Nicaraguans is what attracted me to them besides the smaller size.
Appreciate the info!
Lora

>>Thanks ChaosCat! I've really enjoyed the pictures you've posted of your Sonorans. They are lovely! The Insular Boas like the Crawl Cay, Cay Caulker and Corn Island are very nice- but a little out of my price range and I'm not sure if I want to invest in them as first boas when Nics and C.A.s are so inexpensive. Maybe when I've got a little more boa experience under my belt... The variability of the Nicaraguans is what attracted me to them besides the smaller size.
>>Appreciate the info!
>>Lora

No problem. I think Ben Siegel has some Nicaraguans for sale - they are listed in the classifieds.

I'm not an expert, still learning alot about these boas, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

-cat
-----
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://chaoscat.lowerground.net/herps/
My collection and herp photography

http://www.lowergroundreptiles.net
Lower Ground Reptiles

Yep- I check the classifieds daily and Ben's ad had some information in it that I'd like to verify with other keepers. He didn't mention much on husbandry or temperament so those are my main questions.
Thanks!
Lora

I got a trio of Nics from Ben Siegel. They are very nice looking boas. They are all very different in appearance. They aren't that bad as far as temperment. I have had mine for almost a month, and only handle them once a week, until they are setteled in. I have only been bit once. That was my fault, because it was during feeding time. As far as size, they are smaller than BCI. I have a BCI that was just a little smaller than the nics when I got them, and he is now twice the size. There is an obvious size difference, even as babies.

Thanks hummi! What are you keeping them in (size, temp, humidity) and how large will they end up as adults? Are they eating f/t or live mice?
Lora

It sounds to me, based on what you are looking for, that Nics are the boa for you!
We work with tons of Nics and we just love them. The biggest adult females that we have are 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet (MAX!!), and males are much smaller. The girth, even on the females, is nothing like that of a Colombian Boa, so they are not as heavy, and are so much easier to work with and handle. We have had some nippy babies, but we have worked with them, and they have all calmed down. I find that if you put them in a cage where they can see you once in a while, instead of a rack system, where their vision is blocked somewhat, that helps them adjust to you because they aren't as threatened when you try to handle them. With some handling you shouldn't have any problems with them, even if the baby you get starts off nippy. We keep ours in rack systems, but a 4 foot cage is plenty of room for an adult Nic. The rest of their care is just like a Colombian Boa. I find them to be very hardy boas, and easy to care for. I would say that you will really enjoy them....they are beautiful boas!!!
Hope this helps!
Amanda Burke
P.S. I would highly recommend dealing with Ben Siegel if you'd like to get a Nicaraguan. He is a great guy and he has great Nics.

Thanks Amanda for providing so much information! Your details on racks vs more open caging are noted. Time to reorganize the critter room! I've got a couple of racks but need to make room for more Boaphile individual cages. Any trouble getting Nicaraguans to take f/t prey? I've got a picky BRB that will only take live and I'm hoping to avoid that with future purchases. I'll continue to read up on these snakes and once it cools down a little for shipping, contact Ben about getting a pair of Nics. Any chance you could post a couple of pics of your Nics?
Thanks again,
Lora