Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I am planning on going to the NARBC this September in Orange County and I am going to purchase a snake. I am a very seasoned Reptile hobbyest but have never had the pleasure of owning a snake. I want to purchase a snake I can take w/ me to college and have for the next 2-6 years. at first i was going to get a normal ball python. They are so very cute when little and are easy to take care of. But the older they get the fatter there body is and the smaller the head. that look is not so appealing in the long run. Then I thought about getting a Redtail Boa, but they get like 10 ft and thats huge. So can anyone give there opinions about either one or certain types of either one? Or tell me another snake thats a give and take between both of the species I named. Thanks.

David

The hog island boa is a very beautiful boa!An does not getreally big!Or the central american!Their is a few others out their that will not get bigger than 6 ft an are very healthy animals to care for!Hope this helps![Hypoboa]

thanks for the info, I'll deff look into it.

David

Since you are new to snake's your choice's are limited when it come's to a beginner,with Python's & Boa's in Python's the Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa) would be a good choice as adult's they are around 40 to 47 inch's,in Boa's (BCI)make sure you get a male, they stay way smaller than female's,and try to find a Nicaraguan or Caulkers Cay or a Hogg Island would be good choice's. Good Luck ! !
Have A Good One ! !
Kenneth

After doing my homework I ended up getting a couple hog island boas, and I'll probably get another! I've always liked boas better than ball pythons, better looks (IMO), more curious outgoing personality, better display animal, ect. I had a big Colombian when I was younger. I have a bad back now and a snake that can reach 10 feet and 50 pounds is out of the question. A big hog might weigh 15 pounds. I wasn't impressed with the looks of the hog island boa at first, until I saw better pics. When mine arrived they were even more beautiful pink, peach, and orange.

Nicaraguans are also small, affordable and attractive, but they are known for not eating frozen thawed. Some other intersting small boa constrictors include Corn Isle, Caulker's, and Tarahumara, but they quite rare and expensive.

I've done a ton of research lately and spoke to several breeders. I can give you some links to sites with pics and more info if you want to drop me an e-mail.

Lyon jerlyon@msn.com