Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK Y'all,
I grew up with reptiles of all kinds, I am now 40 years old and want my kids to experience the wonderful world of reptiles. However it is very obvious that a heck of a lot has changed in the last 30 years. When I was a kid we had red tail boas, and that was it, not all these morphs, and what not. They probably existed just not in the pet shops in my area. I will need some brushing up on general keeping of the snake but know the basics. I am a custom cabinetmaker so building a nice home shouldn't be a problem. I think I would prefer a good old red tail boa, nothing fancy, although there are some beautiful color patterns out there. So here are a couple questions for you, what would you recommend male or female or does it matter, which particular type of red tail would you recommend (remember price is a concern), is one any tamer than another? I know handling is the key here, are there any particular types that don't get as large when full grown?, do you have any good sources to purchase a redtail from? I appreciate the help.
I thought about getting a Ball because they don't get as big, but I remember when I was a kid they were known to be picky eaters, is this still true?
For a heat source what is better, a bottom tank heating pad, a hot rock or lighting? Also what substrate would you recommend in the cage?
Thanks Again

Avoid heat rocks. Under tank heating works well, unless the enclosure is too thick, but you can find how too's to work around that.

As far as smaller Boas, I would look at locality animals, Gus at www.riobravoreptiles.com is an excellent source of information and animals. Sex won't matter much in most instances, I'd look more at the individual animal then the gender.

Good luck.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

Thanks Randall, but what do you mean locality animals?
As far as the enclosure goes I was thinking 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2ft tall, would this be large enough for a redtail for 5 years or so? The bottom was planned to be 1/4" glass so heat would transfer well, I would probably make the back and 2 ends solid, the front 1/8-3/16 glass, the top would probably be 1/2 solid, half screen, this should keep the heat in and allow good air flow, heat lamp placed above screened section and under tank heater on opposite end. How does this sound? I need to do some research as to what temps they prefer but I remember 85-90 degrees being in the ballpark. I appreciate any info.
Thanks
Again
Kevin L.

>>Thanks Randall, but what do you mean locality animals?
You have mail

TnK

>>As far as the enclosure goes I was thinking 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2ft tall, would this be large enough for a redtail for 5 years or so? The bottom was planned to be 1/4" glass so heat would transfer well, I would probably make the back and 2 ends solid, the front 1/8-3/16 glass, the top would probably be 1/2 solid, half screen, this should keep the heat in and allow good air flow, heat lamp placed above screened section and under tank heater on opposite end. How does this sound? I need to do some research as to what temps they prefer but I remember 85-90 degrees being in the ballpark. I appreciate any info.
>>Thanks
>>Again
>>Kevin L.

Thanks Randall, but what do you mean locality animals?
Like Central American, Hog Island, Caulker Cay etc. Gus' website has a good bit of information for several locality animals.

As far as the enclosure goes I was thinking 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2ft tall, would this be large enough for a redtail for 5 years or so?
It should be plenty large enough for most Boas their entire life.

The bottom was planned to be 1/4" glass so heat would transfer well, I would probably make the back and 2 ends solid, the front 1/8-3/16 glass, the top would probably be 1/2 solid, half screen, this should keep the heat in and allow good air flow, heat lamp placed above screened section and under tank heater on opposite end. How does this sound?
Regarding the glass bottom, it will probably cause more headaches then benefits.(If it gets too hot without enough circulation could crack) I would go with 1/4" plastic sheeting which you can get for fairly cheap at sign shops. If you have a sign shop in your area call to see if they carry expanded PVC, its around 90 bucks for a 4'x8' sheet locally and I know of cheaper (or sometimes higher) prices in different areas. Also I wouldn't go with an entire half top screen, could depending on your region cause humidity issues. I would get a humidity reading average for the room you plan to keep it, and decide from there.

I need to do some research as to what temps they prefer but I remember 85-90 degrees being in the ballpark. I appreciate any info.
Thanks Again Kevin L
You will find a variable range for recommended temps. The average I keep mine at is 80-82 ambient with a hot spot of 90. With humidity around 55-60%
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Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

The sex of the animal won't determine a certain personality, but it will determine (at least partially) a maximum size. Females will get bigger. Locality boas are smaller than Colombians and BCC (Surinames, Guyanans, Peruvians, etc.), but can have slight dispositions as babies. This is usually just a lot of bluffing and hissing, but may detour your children from handling them. They usually calm down with handling, but Colombians are your best shot at having a nice, calm boa from the beginning. Do some research and ask more questions. A reptile show is a great place to see many boas and talk to breeders. There is an "events" link at the top of the page. See if there is one in your area.

As far as a boa vs. a ball python... No contest. Get a boa. There are also many websites with information on cage set-up and husbandry requirements. They will be more in depth than answers here on the forum. Do a web search and you will find what you need. Good luck

Phil Goss

Check out the post two down from yours. Someone else asking about Boas vs. Balls. There is a lot of information there that will help. Read ALL the replies. It would be pointless to type it all up again.

Go here and scroll down a little. The Boa Constrictor Manual is a great book. It will teach you all you need to know.
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=4052744.13162*ZW6uQ0&product=Books&user4=Snakes

This is your best bet as far as heating (hot spot)
Use a wood bottom on your cage, with linoleum glued to it, or use a melamine bottom, something that is water proof. The plastic is way to expensive. The Flexwat will heat through it no problem. For a 4' x 2' cage, a couple feet of the 11" would be good.
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=4052744.13162*wb1o50&product=Heating&user4=Flexwatt

These panels work well in combination with the flexwatt, to get the ambient temps up in your cage.
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=4052744.13162*_67Vk3&product=Heating&user4=Heat Panels

This is a great way to control the temps (Flexwat) in your cage. However, a dimmer switch will work fine for someone on a budget.
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=4052744.13162*yo1QJ8&product=Temperature Control&user4=Herpstat Proportional

Here is a cage building discusion forum with a lot of good information.
http://cagemakers.ophidiagems.com/

Good luck, and welcome back!
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Jason Dowell