Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im looking to get my first snake sometime in august. i was sure i was getting a ball python but then i found out about the brazilian rainbow boa. I fell in love with the look of it as soon as i saw it. Ive held the ball pythons at pet stores and private breeders and theyre very docile creatures but i was wondering if the Boa is too? Is the boa a good beginner snake? What do you suggest?

As a first snake I would go with a ball python or even better, a male common Colombian BCI boa. They are very rewarding pets. The Brazilian rainbow boa, though a very beautiful snake, requires more experience in taming and handling. Also they have very specific demands as to humidity and temperatures. Get some snake experience and study before taking on a BRB. Best of luck and enjoy what ever you get. Bill
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...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

Honestly, my BRB is easier to deal with than my ball python. The tricky thing is the set-up; humidity is crucial with BRB's, where the ball is more tolerant. But once you get that down, BRB's are voracious eaters, gorgeous, easy shedders, and if you select a baby with a good temperment like mine has then you're guaranteed a great pet
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~Cynthia

"And in the spring, I shed my skin and it blows away with the changing wind..."

Ok. Well i found a ball python for free with cage and everything so i am adopting that one but im thinking around Christmas time to get a BRB. And the one thing i keep reading on anything about the BRB is that it needs a certain humidity so if i buy a pet humidifier will that work for keeping its enclosure humidity at the correct level or what should i do to get the humidity correct if that is not the correct thing to do?

Humidifiers certainly can help, but be careful choosing one. A lot of them have crappy motors that give out quickly. Usually you just need a good substrate like cypress bark, lots of large water bowls, and a good humidity gauge. If you need heat, use an undertank heater because overhead heaters tend to dry the air out. Ask the guys on the rainbow boa forum for more info; they know everything!

My first snake was/is a ball python. She's a sweetheart, even if she is kind of a lump. Just make sure yours in good health since everything's free. Check for mites and ticks. Also don't freak out when they go a really long time without eating. BP's are just like that.

Hope that helps! Congratulations!
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~Cynthia

"And in the spring, I shed my skin and it blows away with the changing wind..."