Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am thinking about getting a boa...id like to have a bigger snake than my ball python...my only concern is: are they dangerous? can the snake over power me when its an adult...i am a small guy 5'3....145lbs....how strong are they?is it a bad idea?

Well, you don't have to get a boa that's going to turn into an 8' adult. Look into some of the smaller locale boas. Same look, smaller adult size.

that is a good idea...do you have any suggestions...i think what they call red tail boas (i think its just a normal boa constrictor) are gorgeous snakes but im concerned about one possibly getting 12 feet...i want something bigger than my ball python...what would you suggest?

Boas are VERY VERY strong. But as has been said, there are plenty of locales that are smaller. No matter what you get, it's highly improbable that you'd ever have a 12 foot boa. They're few and far between. Get a male. They generally stay smaller and less meaty.

You'll be fine.

I guess look at Hog Island, Sonoran, maybe Central American. I agree you'd be hard pressed to even find a 12' boa. My "common" boas which are what you'd find in say a petshop are probably all under 8'. There are other smaller locale boas, but they're generally priced higher and appeal to those looking for a specific locale in which they plan to breed, and only to others from the same locale. You might want to look at other boas as well such as Dumerils which do not get that large generally and are quite affordable.