Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, I was wondering what usually makes the better boa for a first time boa owner. The B.C.I. or the B.C.C.? I have quite a bit of experience with reptiles and especially ball pythons. But now i want to expand with a boa constrictor. Also i have done quite a bit of research on these great snakes, but have rarely found sizes of adult males. What is the usual size of an adult male of each. And is there any difference in temperment between males and females? thanks

I think that a BCI is the best beginner boa. By BCI I mean Colombian (common). They are more forgiving of keeper error than BCC, such as temperature fluctuations and a lower level of humidity. Also, as a general rule they have great temperaments, but of course behavior is an individual trait.
The snake below is the first boa I ever bought. I got him after his first two meals and now (6 years later) he is a little over six feet. He has never bitten or shown any aggression, though I don't handle him much anymore... at least not as much as I should.
Good luck with whatever you choose and don't hesitate to ask more questions. You should also pick up a copy of "The Boa Constrictor Manual" at your local book store. It has great information in it for a first time boa owner.
- Eric

TO KEEP, BREED AND CARE FOR. BCC TEND TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE AND OVERFEEDING WILL ALMOST ALWAYS LEAD TO REGURGE. BOAS GROW TO THEIR INTAKE, SO KEEPING A MALE OF EITHER BCI OR BCC SMALL IS SIMPLE. MALES HERE ARE KEPT SMALL FOR EASIER BREEDING AND HOUSING. THEY DO VERY WELL IF ONLY FED ONCE A MONTH AND THEY CAN EVEN BE SLOWED DOWN MORE IF NEED BE. TEMPERMENT WILL VARY FROM ANIMAL TO ANIMAL, BUT COLOMBIANS HAVE THE BEST REPUTATION FOR BEING TAME. I HOPE THIS HELPS AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PURCHASE.

If you have prior reptile experience, and you can keep a ball python, then you'll do fine with whatever boa you choose.

The BCI is easier, but that only matters to people who have little herp experience. I own a BCI because quite simply, a BCC was out my college budget at the time.

I think regardless of what you choose, you'll do fine with it. So explore around and base your decision on the look you like best! There are so many out there to choose from.

Let me warn you though... once you get one, you'll be hooked. They much more fascinating to me than the balls are.

Good luck to you!
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I am not familiar with male size for BCC full grown.
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-Iman

2.0 Balls (Spot and Speck)
0.1 Colombian BCI (Belle)
1.0 Colombian Rainbow (Rex)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

I think I'll agree with you about BP's vs. boas (at least for the moment). Seeing some of the different natural, locale boas just amazes me. While morphs, patterns & other traits are cool...I have always preferred what mother nature has created through evolution/selection. Especially the smaller island boas...all I can say is WOW! Also, what about Argentine boas (BCO's?)? I just acquired some recently and they're beautiful. Mine seem docile and calm too (although I'm sure you can't generalize about personalities).
-Jason
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www.members.aol.com/northeastsnakes

Thank you all very much for your advice on the boas. I think i'm going to go with a b.c.i. Try to find a 2003 young'n or wait a month for a new 2004 hatchling? What do you think is better? I would like to get one thats smaller thats for sure. i really dont want a three ft. snake to start out with as i want to enjoy it as it grows. after all thats part of raising it up. Thanks again.

Buying a yearling might be the way to go.You know they have eaten,can easily tell if there sick or been treated well.Also buy one from a reputable breeder.Read over the warranty good.I find most warranties just cover the breeders azz not yours....Paul.