Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok... I am addicted...
Any time I am on my computer now, I'm looking for another snake to purchase.
I have 2 B.P.'s... male&female, and a female corn snake.

I am looking to "expand"...

I would really like a Boa (looking at Columbian b.c.i.)... my HUSBAND would like a JCP.

I would like some help in deciding what to purchase. I can't afford BOTH, at the moment, or I would have them both.

I would love to have some opinions... please???

Mindy

Well, these are my thoughts, but ultimately you need to decide what works best for you...

Boa Cons:
*Large caging requirements.
*They can get 12ft plus and will eat rabbits.
*I've heard adults can get grumpy without consistant handling.
*Will require two people for safe handling.

JCP Cons:
*Hatchlings can be difficult feeders.
*Need to start them on rats and only rats otherwise they may only eat mice. (A bit expensive when feeding a 6ft snake).
*Some younger snakes can be nippy at first.

Boa Pros:
*Easy feeders for the most part.
*Hatchlings are usually fairly tame.
*Some people would say their impressive size is a plus.

JCP Pros:
*Smaller size(4-6ft) and are managable by one person.
*Almost all adults are tame.
*Won't need larger prey than rats.
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Takes all kinds to make a World...

Great info... gives me a lot to ponder...

Any other opinions?

Mindy

Well I have a BCI for about 2 1/2 yrs now and I'm now looking for a jcp so you have good snake choices. Just some general things I've noticed. My BCI never has had a problem eating. Hes usually only active at night. Hes on ground most of time although I have seen him on branches at night. Generally likes to hide during the day. Hes a good tame snake ever since I got him as a hatchling. Never has snipped at me, so if your looking for a really docile snake the BCI is it. I don't have a jcp so I can't really comment much on them yet, except I know they do climb more than bci's. Also, a BCI is going to need a fairly good size cage later on. Hope this helps. If you have any specific questions about bci's or whatever just ask me and I'll try to help.

Thank you so much! Great information... and it's nice to get an opinion from someone who is interested in both of these types of snakes! I may take you up on your offer for help later on... if I choose the bci. Thanks again.
Mindy

Well, its a tough call, for sure. Ultimately, it will fall into a choice of personal opinion, and no one can tell you what that should be. I have 26 Jungle Carpets and 19 Boas (not including Rainbows and Dums) and I like them both the same. Boas rock! They get big, they always eat, they are totally docile 99% of the time, etc etc.

Jungle rock too! They RULE as a display snake, they eat like pigs, they fit into a 3x2x2 cage EASILY, they are FUN to keep...

I could go on and on, but really, its up to you. There's so much information and sooo many photos of both species out there, that you have enough at your disposal already to make an informed opinion/decision.

Best of luck!
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Let me help

Ok... seeing snakes THAT gorgeous makes it kinda unfair for the bci! LOL
Great pics... beautiful!
Mindy

hehehe. I guess I'm a little biased.

Tim

JCPs are much more interesting, IMHO. I have kept both for many years, and like the jungles better hands down. Then again, I may be a bit biased. Get both!
Justin J

I would say JCP all the way, they are outstanding to look at, easy to care for and the older animals are very calm easy to handle snakes. They are big enough to be "impressive" but small enough to house easily and handle alone. Here are a few more reasons!




If you go with a boa I would say Hog Island because they also look amazing and are reasonably sized.

I chose a JCP because of color and size. Being a single 40 year old woman I didn't want a snake to big for me to handle on my own. I live with my sis but she don't like to handle them much. I bought mine at a local reptile/fish store. She is a wonderful pet snake. "Safari" is a yearling about 4 foot long. Eats small rats now and is very good about being handled.