Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I am interested in keeping a boa as a pet but I have found the multitude of species and types to be a bit overwhelming. I currently have two ball pythons so am not a complete beginner with snakes but I have only owned them for a short time. Columbian boas seem to be pretty common but as I am looking for a pet I am wondering if some types of boas are more picky about humidity levels or are more nippy. I am also wondering if there are any resources out there that will make it easy for me to see the visual difference between all of these types of boas.

Any advice would be appreciated, Thanks

I recently got a Dumeril's Boa which is my first boa. I have to say so far that this snake is surprisingly easy to keep, and I found that it was me who was overly complicated and not the snake. The humidity levels seem to work best if they linger around 50-60%, although I did put in a humidity box, just in case. She (the snake) has eaten consistently for the past two weeks. The more hides you can offer this snake, the better. I've noticed that she tends to come out more often now that she's feeling more secure. This species tolerates mistakes very well, including lower than recommended temperatures (she was lost in UPS shipping for 6 days, and still arrived safe and sound). A basking spot about 90*, hot side 80-85* and a cool side of 70-75* seems to work well.

This snake is very gentle and naturally "freezes" if scared, rather than bites. They typically linger between 4ft-7ft, although I have heard of some reaching 10ft in extremely rare cases. When they are young, a small enclosure is recommended.

I have my sights set on other boas in the coming year or two, but I am happy to have a more docile species to help me learn the basics.

...dont normally get over 6-7' and make for outstanding pet snakes probably the single best pet snake for a capable keeper (imo)...the Dumerils are awesome but they can get big too...and ive heard of Hoggs getting over 7'...check out the different posts on this site about the different boas (if thats what you want,have you thought about Rainbow Boas?) and make your desision because its going to be your snake and you dont want something you are liable to get bored with for the next 30 years lol...

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0.1 c.b.97' 9' 60 lb. common boa "scarlet"
1.0 c.b.02' 6' 15 lb. "hi pink" common boa "maverick"
0.1 c.b.06' 17" firebelly x pastel boa "betty boa"
2 savannah monitors Ozzy & Uggy

1.0 everglades x yellow ratsnake c.b. 04' 4' "pooh"
1.0 c.b.06' redear slider "dweezil"
1.0 c.b.04' emorys ratsnake "zeus"
1.0 Snow Corn "Snowcone"(say it slowly...yes cheesy i know)

"...does it bite?"

I agree a dumeril would be a good choice......another would be a hogg island. They stay small and a normally very docile.

So Colombians are out then? I cant help but admire their aesthetics.

No, Columbians are great and fairly easy to care for. I like Dumeril’s but I have seen some that have eating problems (kind of like Balls ). I like Brazilian Rainbows, beautiful, good personality, good eaters but they stay a little small for my taste.

You don’t have to get a common Columbian, they come in some very uncommon morphs, albinos, sunglows, anthracitic, salmon… Some are very expensive but when you think about it you are going to have it for 30+ years so save up!

Do your homework and then go to a reptile show and handle the ones you have studied. If you take your time, you won’t be sorry!

just take your time and dont rush into a purchase. I have had several colombian boas and they make great pets. as long as you handle them fairly regularly they tolerate a fair amount of handling. I would also avoid power feeding the animal. this will help to keep it at a manageable size for quite a while.

I think that you cannot beat a Columbian for size and temperment and a just wanting to be with you personality.

Although dumerils are small to many large boid breeders, they are big to me! Haha!

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2.17 Normal ball pythons
1.0 Pastel ball pythons
1.0 Plains Garter
0.1 Normal Kenyan Sand Boa
2.0 Anery Kenyan Sand Boa
1.0 Mid-Baja Rosy Boa
0.1 Leucistic Texas Rat
1.2 Dumeril's Boa
-----My list is too long, so I'll stop here! Visit my website for more information: www.myboids.4t.com
*Amy*

Brazilian Rainbow Boas. They're pretty, tame, have great appetites and don't get too large.