Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,

My name is Annie and I've been looking around the web for information about docile boas and pythons and Dumeril boas totally captivated me. I was wondering if they are easy to tame and if they are truly docile and trustworthy. I'm a proud owner of a 4 month old Ball python named Maanik (by Hillary Webb www.captivebredpythons.com). He is the most sweetest and loveliest creature I could ever hope for. I am looking to get another snake, a Boa or a Python that is as docile as my Ball Python.
Also, I know that there are problems with in breeding since there are only several blood lines in the USA and I am looking for a reputable breeder who truly cares deeply about the animals s/he breeds. If Dumerils are not docile, then is are any other boas or pythons that are super docile that can be recommended (and under 6 feet since I don't believe I can handle a snake longer than I am).
Thank you for your advice,

~Annie

First of all, congrats on your new ball! I know Hillary and she is a great breeder with wonderful animals. You made a great choice! As for Dums, I have never owned one but have heard nothing but good things about them. If you're not 100% sure about a Dumeril's, you might also want to look into Hogg Island boas - they are also small boas (around 6ft max) with very gentle dispositions. If you search the forums or read further down, you should be able to find lots of threads about smaller boas. This is my yearling Hogg girl, Sugar:

Annie,I prefer the Dumerils, they are very docile!
pics!

I agree with Guy, but allow me to ellaborate a bit. I have 1.1 adult dumeril's (6 and 7 years respectively). I hand picked them from clutches that exceeded 20 babies each. I have had 2 successful breeding season with them and gave them the last year off.

To answer your question, dum's seem to be one of the best snakes I've ever owned or worked with. As babies they are very docile. My female never struck at me for 5 years, until after her first clutch. She wasn't striking out of defence, but hunger. She is ravenous for the past two years and really packing on the weight. My male was a little defensive as a youngster and is still a bit jumpy, but has never connected with a bite. Now understand this: I almost never handle them. This is not an example of how well they "tame down." I have even done animal handling presentations for kids with my female 100% confident. Unless they are hungry I never have any trouble picking them up (unlike many snakes that are alright once they are in hand, but getting them there can be treacherous).

They are also a very handlable size when fully grown. Unlike other boas that reach lengths up to 12', I have never seen a dum that was over 7' (accounting for herper's tendencies to estimate size like fisherman). I have heard some claims of 8', but I haven't seen it and that is an exception as far as I understand.

So, sorry to post so long, but I think they are great.

IWW