Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two corn snakes and am ready to get a Boa. I have it pretty much narrowed down (I think). For the past year or so I have been set on a Hogg Island because of the size/color. Recently though I have seen a few people saying that hogs are more likely to remain hidden all day but with a Columbian there's a chance it will spend some time out basking. Can anyone confirm or deny, I'd rather have a snake that spends time where I can see it if possible. I figure a male Columbian or a female Hog will keep me close to the size range I want (5'-7'), and from what I've read they both have great temperament 's.
The other question I have has to do with the enclosure. With my corns I use Aspen in 40gal breeder tanks, for the Boa I will be making my enclosure. In researching Boa vivariums I have seen people using different floors (formica, linoleum, Ceramic tile) with no bedding, others are using astro turf or indoor outdoor carpet. Are there any negative's to these options? A bare floor would seem like the easiest most sanitary option but I don't want to do it that way if it is not good for the snake.
Thanks for any help/experience's you can share. Also if there are any other things you think I should be aware of please let me know.

Both my male and female Hog Island boas are out most of the time. Either a Hog Island or Colombian BCI male would make a great first boa Either would be a very rewarding snake to raise and with proper handling both usually have good temperments.

Concerning substrate, I use newspaper in Vision cages and clean with novasan. It is very easy on both you and the snake. Bare tile has nothing to soak up fluids. As for loose substrates I gave them up many years ago. I feed all my snakes inside their cages and highly recommend that. Ingestion of loose substrate concerns me. 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.

Thanks for the reply, glad to hear your Hogs are out a lot. I might end up going the news paper route I was just hoping for something a little nicer looking if possible (keep the other half happy). Have you tried astro turf or marine carpet by any chance? There are a lot of good looking BCI's for sale right now but a reptile show is coming up in a couple weeks so I'm trying to be patient and hold out. I like the idea of seeing the snake and it's disposition before I bring it home.

Totally agree with your plan. The thing with any type ofg carpet liner is you need several and you will be washing them a lot. As you get into the larger constrictors you will find they make a larger mess. And with that mess comes odor. The only way to eliminate the odor is to quickly and completely remove the mess. Snakes are very clean animals by nature and I don't like anything that soaks up and holds urine. Tried carpet liners years back and that lasted a very short time. Lots of snake keepers use aspen shavings and love it. I prefer to just roil up the soiled newspaper, wipe the cage bottom with novasan (diluted chlorahexidine), put in fresh paper and you are done. Easy on you and the snake is in a very clean environment. Several of the large paper suppliers sell indented craft paper by the role and it is good to use with snakes. It is brown in color and looks better than newspaper. Try a search for U-Line. I have used newspaper for many years, am used to how it looks, have a larger collection, and get newspaper for free. So I use it. Good luck with your new boa !!! Bill
-----
...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.