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Would like to go from the Sonoran Gophers I have now to a Boa. I've seen a couple of Central American Boas crossed with a Hog Island that I like the looks of. I know about the Hog Islands, but couldn't find out much about the Central American Boas. Does someone know about what size and the temperment might be with these Boas? Or how would they be crossed with a Hog Island...

Thanks

I'm a big fan of the Costa Ricans.
My experience is - babies have that Bullsnake attitude, but grow out of it. You should be familiar with that.
All CA's and Mexican's are nice, though.
Not a bad one in the bunch.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

I have a Male Nicaraguan, they are nice looking. He is like 4 ft and has great red colors, with an irodesence to him. The central American boas are my favorite by far so many different colors, hoggs are awesome too.
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Steve Irwin you changed the way people look at reptiles forever. Crocodile Hunter you will be missed.

Hog Isle,Nic,Corn Isle,Honduran,Costa Rican etc are all Central American Boas.
For the most part 9:10 never loose their neonate attitudes and some are just plain mean as adults.We have cages full of them to support our experience(s).The Hog Isles seem to mellow out much evener then the other strains.granted there are exceptions,and you'll find a few lucky souls that end up with some pretty mellow kids.Looking across the big picture its a small ratio indeed.

Not to steer from any of them because they tend to be abit wicked.... one that is handled regularly can attain pet status pretty easily.As with any other wild animal they should never be trusted because they will tag you without provocation.

My point is the true picture most people assume about Central American BCI couldn't be further from the truth and after people find out their true nature their often neglected because of their aggressiveness and the ones that survive are unloaded to just anyone and or die.

I feel much more could be said on the topic but an overview will help many understand whats generally not discussed.
Personally I like my animals with abit of spunk about them,thats why we work with the Central forms here.
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TnK

You should really get a book called The Complete Boa Constrictor by Vin Russo. I just picked it up and love it. It's a great reference for anyone interested in different locales...especially Central American.

As far as Nics, Hogs, Sonoran Desert Boas, Cay Caulkers...all have their moments and act aggressive at times. I have a ton of 07 baby Nics that never try biting, yet my 06 Nics are always out to get me. I rarely handled my 06's. I handle my 07's at least 2-3 times per week. Coincidence? Who knows?

Of all dwarf boas, I always recommend Hog Island boas first and foremost. They tend to be more expensive than a Nicaraguan boa but IF you decide you no longer want it, Hogs are easier to sell AND they retain their value. Nicaraguan boas are inexpensive now b/c they're still imported...well that can & will change someday but for now a lot of folks take them for granted. Another bonus about Hog Island boas...they have a great story behind them (in terms of their status in the wild)..and they make an excellent animal to push the conservation message....whether it's a formal presentation or just talking with family/friends.

Have heard more than one person say Hog Island Boas may have a bad temperment. I've owned 5 or 6 over the years, don't claim to be an expert, but haven't had any ill tempered ones in my experience. Agree with the previous post on them holding their value. They're very forgiving when it comes to husbandry errors, too. A resonably hearty boa in my opinion.
Let me qualify something I said on my previous post, this thread as far as all CA's being good. Corn Islands are a new experience for me. I would have to say, while very beautiful and desirable boas, they are not a good choice as a beginner/novice/pet snake. That's just my opinion based on my limited experience with this locality. They tend to stay hidden constantly, are flighty when held, and they're just about the most serious nose-rubbers I've ever seen in a boa. Remind me of Elaphe obsoleta ssp. in that respect.
I've added paper towel cores below their newspaper substrate to settle them down with some success. They spend all their time wadded up inside the core. Need extra moisture, too.
As always, excuse the spelling.
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer

I think I got lucky with my nic then, he was captive bred and is blood red. Ive only been tagged once and it was a sfe on my part. He does have his moments though when lets you know today is not a good day to play.
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Steve Irwin you changed the way people look at reptiles forever. Crocodile Hunter you will be missed.