Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ive been trying to get a boa for a while and my step dad isnt too fond of snakes. i think that if i bring him to an expo and get him to talk to a breeder he might let me get one. but its going to be a while until the next expo! any suggestions on how to try to convince him before the expo?

What kind of boa? If your talking about a boa constrictor (or red tail boa) then I would suggest starting with something smaller. Your dad has a right to be concerned about buying an animal that will require a 6x3 cage and eat rabbits as an adult. Adult boa constrictors can reach 10 feet in length, and are generally tame, but if you ever get bitten by one it is a big deal.

Starting with something smaller would be highly advised. Most ratsnakes are good captives, sand boas are great, and childrens and spotted pythons are easy to take care of. There's a plethera of snakes out there that would be a better choice for a starter snake.

Boa constrictors make good pets, but they are gigantic and you should carefully consider their requirements before buying one. Melissa Kaplain's site (www.anapsid.org) has an excellent care sheet on them.
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Current Collection:
0.1 Antherystic elaphe guttata guttata - Corn Snake
1.0 Elaphe vulpina gloydi - Eastern Fox Snake
0.1 Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta - Black Rat Snake
0.1 Leucistic elaphe obsoleta linheimeri - Texas Ratsnake
1.1 Morelia spilota cheyni - Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Tiliqua scincoides intermedia - Northern Blue Tongue Skink

since you told your stepdad you wanted a boa. You might consider saying something like "Ive decided a boa is too big, would you let me get something smaller like a ball python or whatever." He might think thats very mature of you and consider it.Just a thought, sometimes my kids pull that one on me. Ask for the worst and go down to something more reasonable and Im more likely to say yes.Just make sure you know what your talking about and it will sound much better..Hope this helps...
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0.0.1 Northern BTS (Siegfried)
2.0 Ball Pythons (Titus and Hercules)
1.0 Western Hognose (Fuego)
1.1 cornsnakes (Asmodeus and Strawberry)
0.2 Bearded dragons (itchy and scratchy)
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1.0 dog BC..(Kippy)
2.1 cats (Thomas,Sunflower,Diablo(Boo))

Hello--
When convincing parents to let you have a snake, a large boa is not the snake of choice--believe me. However, there are many other species (some have been suggested in other posts) which are smaller, yet just as interesting.

Do your homework, formulate a plan, and put it in writing.
Considerations to be researched:

1. Who will pay for the snake?

2. What equipment will you need?--ie. cage (what type?), heat source (what type?), water bowl, thermometer(s), hide boxes & other cage furniture. Also consider if the snake will need a larger enclosure as it grows.

3. Substrate: what type will you use? Newspaper is cheap, but if you opt for aspen shavings or carefresh, who will pay for this expense? Who will clean the cage and feed the snake?

4. Food: How much will it cost to feed your snake per week? Who will pay for the food? Can the food items be easily acquired, or will this mean that your dad or a family member will have to take you to get them?

5. If your snake becomes ill, is there a reputable reptile vet in your area? Who will pay for the vet bill?--My experience is that a typical exotics visit can run $50-$100 depending upon what is wrong, tests that need to be done, medication, etc..

6. Where will the snake live at your house? In your bedroom, the family room? Are there family members who are very fearful of snakes?

7. How many other pets do you have? Do you take good care of them?--This can be a big plus; proven experience that you are responsible for the needs of another living creature.

If you think it through and formulate a plan to present to your dad, he may decide that you understand the requirements of caring for this animal. Read, read, read, so that you can supply information when your dad asks questions. Best of luck to you!

regards,
althea

I will have to agree here...
somone suggested a spotted python...those are awsome snakes...i would highly recomend one of those..
How old are you also...just wondering since you said step dad and all

as much as i know you dont want to hear this...a boa is a bad choice for a first snake. theres a little kid that ive seen on this site that has a burmese python that is easily bigger then him. how dangerous! thats what happens when parents let their kids have what ever pet they want. i, myself have a boa that is sweet as can be, but if she ever got mad, watch out!im also 25 years old and have been keeping reptiles for 10 years. i started out with corns,hognoses, and then moved to boas. you have to realize that snakes arent for eveyone. in fact some people actually hate them!its mostly ignorense, but you cant change peoples minds. also the thought of the feeding them mice and rats in a turn off for most people. you have to remember, to a snake person, rodents belong in the freezer. most people think that is discusting.if i had kids, and i didnt have snakes myself, and they wanted one, i would do the meet in the middle thing. they want a boa, i dont want any snakes, ill compromize and let them get a small one. everyones kinda happy then. i know its not the same thing, but small snakes are cool ass pets too. try a well started hognose(western). they have a neat look to them, and get to be around 20 inches long. also try and sell him in vision cages or one of the cages made for snakes. their less likely to escape from those. aquariums are for fish. its all about tricks and compromises. the bait and switch. ask for the worst, then take a step down and youll be better off getting it. trust me, as a boa owner, these are not for beginners. at petco and other similar retail pet stores they tell you these are great pets that are easy to take care of. they never tell you that they can grow to 9 feet and weigh 70 pounds. they also never tell you that they could kill a small dog, cat, or even a child. keep in mind this is very very very rare, but that is what this large snake is capable of doing. you also must consider that in a few years will you be able to keep this snake? will you be at college in a drom room? they wont let you have a boa in a dorm room. also can you feed it? jumbo rats and rabbits arent all that cheap it you dont have a lot of money. who will take care of your 8 foot boa if you go out of town? these questions are not important for your own well being, but for the snakes well being.you have to do the right thing for the snake. think long and hard about the boa....try a rubber boa,western hognose, cornsnake, rosy boa, or another small variety. your family will think you were mature in your decission, and respect you later when you say: i want a boa.