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Ball Python or Red Tailed Boa?

FenderStratGuy Aug 15, 2003 08:08 PM

Hi, I am going to purchase either a red tailed Boa or a Ball Python. These are really the only two constrictor type of snakes I've seen in the pet stores in my town. Basically I want to buy the smallest of the two. The guy at Petco told me that ball pythons get pretty large, around 8-9 feet while red tailed boas stay relatively small at around 6 feet. However I've found contradicting information on the internet about these sizes. Also I don't want to spend over a hundred dollars. Is 80 bucks too much for a standard color ball python? Is 150 too much for a baby red tailed boa?
Thanks

Replies (6)

DCherpguy Aug 15, 2003 08:50 PM

switch those lengths arounc and you got it; and no 80 bucks is not a reasonable price for a normal ball either I myself IMO wouldn't pay a penny more than 50-60 dollars for a normal ball as for the redtailsI don't know because I have never bought one but I'm sure someone else on here could help you out on that one. Hope this helps. And good luck. DC

codyblue Aug 15, 2003 09:00 PM

to much for boath you can find cheaper the other guy is right no more then 60 red tails well no more then 90 for a yearlng ball get no more then 6 ft as femails mails get no more then 5 ft red tails f gets up to 8 ft mails get no more then 6 ft redtails are day snakes balls are night balls are better for benningers they dont need or requwire uv rays just a night bulb and day bulb the redtail you need boath of them and a uv bulb

pinatamonkey Aug 15, 2003 09:12 PM

>>to much for boath you can find cheaper the other guy is right no more then 60 red tails well no more then 90 for a yearlng ball get no more then 6 ft as femails mails get no more then 5 ft red tails f gets up to 8 ft mails get no more then 6 ft redtails are day snakes balls are night balls are better for benningers they dont need or requwire uv rays just a night bulb and day bulb the redtail you need boath of them and a uv bulb

No snakes need UV bulbs. Boas are also mainly nocturnal.
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-audri
Webpage/Pics

pinatamonkey Aug 15, 2003 09:08 PM

>>Hi, I am going to purchase either a red tailed Boa or a Ball Python. These are really the only two constrictor type of snakes I've seen in the pet stores in my town. Basically I want to buy the smallest of the two. The guy at Petco told me that ball pythons get pretty large, around 8-9 feet while red tailed boas stay relatively small at around 6 feet. However I've found contradicting information on the internet about these sizes. Also I don't want to spend over a hundred dollars. Is 80 bucks too much for a standard color ball python? Is 150 too much for a baby red tailed boa?
>>Thanks

Ball pythons are definitely smaller, around 4 feet is common. Boas can get 8 feet if they're female.

As for the price, personally, it's too expensive for either. Baby ball pythons go for $30 and less, common baby boas for around $50-$75 if you buy them direct (online or dealer/breeder)
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-audri
Webpage/Pics

roger.s Aug 16, 2003 04:25 AM

hi...i keep both ball pythons and boa's ......balls will eventuality become 1.2-1.8 meters (4-6ft)in length,this takes approx 5 yaers..

boa's reach approx 1.2-1.5 meters (3-5ft)in the first 12 months of growth alone and can grow to 2.4-3 meters (8-10ft)although it is not unexpected to see them reach 3.6 meters (12ft)..and are alot larger, heavier and more powerfull then the balls.

another thing to take into consideration would be enclosure sizes ball pythons are normal classed as ground snake and need a smaller enclosure than most common boa,s...

boa's are semi arborial and need larger enclosures to accomondate it....

balls are and can be very difficult feeders and can become stressed very eaisly through over handleing...

boa's are dustbins when it comes to feeding and are alot more tollern't of handling...

hope this helps....roger
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no way the way no limit the limit

alkee42 Aug 19, 2003 05:30 PM

Yeah the red tail can get to be around 10ft. and the balls around 4-6. I have one of each and both are great snakes. I got my ball for 45 about 10 years ago though and my red tail for 100 shipped from Tim Frazier last year, he's a great guy. Anyways red tails can be a little more tempermental from my own experience but its you choice, just know that the red tails will run you more in the end when it comes to housing and feeding and they grow fast as well. Like I said both are good snakes, but to start out you might want something a little smaller like the ball, thats just my own opinion of course though. Best of luck.

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