Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I've been researching for the past year, trying to decide what type of snake that I want to adopt as a personal pet, and eventually as an educational animal in a children's outreach program. I'm having trouble deciding on what animal is just right. I've worked with royal/ball pythons so I'm not completely new to snakes, but I find boas to be to be just so beautiful.

Currently, I'm stuck between one of the smaller BCI or a Dumeril's Boa (a male). I think I'd probably like to keep to a snake in the 5-15 lbs. range. I would need something that could never be really dangerous around children. I really like many of the variations of the Corn Island and Hypo Sonoran BCI, but the Dumeril's are beautiful too. What type of handling tolerance do these seem to have? I would probably prefer a boa that would not mind extended periods of handling, perhaps the lazy/cuddlier the better, especially if he ends up working as an ambassador for snakes in a world of snake-haters.

Also, I keep a few rabbits as pets. None that I have are under 6lbs. I plan to never let the snake and rabbits interact, but the house I live in is thoroughly rabbit-scented. Will this be a problem?

Thanks a bunch!
~Stephanie

I would suggest an albino male or a sunglows male. They do not get as big as the females. Most people just love the look of the albino/sunglow. The scent of the rabbits could cause your boa to be more aggressive. He may think that there is food around, when it is not feeding time. I would try and keep the rabbits as far as I could from him. I keep my rats in the garage. Make sure you wash your hands and change you cloths before you handle him, after you have handled your rabbits. Don't handle him while shedding, and give him a few days after a meal. Other than that, you could handle him often. Boas are great, docile pets. Hope this helps, and good luck with you future pet...

Hello!

I agree, the durmerils are gorgeous! They tend to get quite a lot larger than any of the smaller island type bcis, so for the size issue I would not advise you to get one. I saw one at Prehistoric Pets down in socal about 10 yrs ago that looked to be 9' or so.
Whatever type you get, make sure it's a male as they tend to be a little smaller than females. I'm rather partial to hog isle boas myself.
As for the rabbits... as the other poster stated, just make sure to wash hands a lot so there's no smell on you whenever you handle the boa. As long as the snake is well fed I don't think it will be too much of a problem with the scent although it could possibly bring out the food aggression more than normal. I used to keep feeder rats in the same room with my boa and I didn't notice any problems but each snake tends to have their own quirks.
Good luck!
-April
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'There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."' -Rainshadow