Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
I have a question that I need some help with. I currently own a cornsnake, and in the past have had geckos, beardies, skinks, and various native herps in my life (all of which have either died of natural old age, or - in the case of my geckos - stayed with my family when I went away to university). My corn is the only snake I've ever had. I would like to graduate to a larger snake, with the intention of adding it to a school demo/educational show that I'm putting together with my other animals (parrots, etc) So, here's the question: I would like to 'move up' to larger herps, perhaps more demanding or 'interesting' than the beginner herps I've kept in the past, but whatever I choose also needs to be capable of being an 'ambassador' and visiting schools with me, without becoming too stressed out. Ideally, I'd like for kids to be able to interact with it, but perhaps since I have the corn already, a less interactive, more interesting/less common species that would respond well to just me handling it for them would also be ok.
What are everyones thoughts?

Boas love fowl. Might (probably) put your boa into a "feeding response." Ever think of Pituophis? If you're the one handling it-that is- they get impressive (size) and with regular handling should be a great show snake-especially if it hisses when you get it out of it's cage! My 8 year old wanted a boa, but I got him a "Snow" bull for now. He loves it! I know many people use boas for demo's, ect., but I have two and I'd never trust mine around 30 fast moving, UNPREDICTABLE kids!

I hadn't thought of them actually. I'm not as familiar with them (well, not familiar at all actually) so didn't really occur to me. I have had some experience w boas/pythons so they naturally sprang to mind as big 'impressive' snakes.
I'll look into them though. I'm not sure if they are legal where I am... (Canada) I've been told Bulls aren't, but I know many people w them, and have seen them for sale here... ??

I have kept my african grey and my (footless) love bird(stubby) in the same room as my boas for years without any problems. My gey has since passed on but my love bird still lives with the snakes. Of course the bird must stay in the cage while the snakes are out because he would be jealous of the snake and try to attack them. I have been keeping boas since 99 and I have never been bitten. Later
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True Redtails

Very good to know. I have been a little concerned about the suitablility of keeping a boa in the same area as my current parrots (2 african greys). Glad to hear that someone else has had success. I am really leaning toward a brazilian rainbow boa, beautiful creatures...
What species do you keep?

I used to keep a few BRB's but I only keep BCC and BCI redtails now and I may get rid of the BCI's next year and only keep BCC's
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True Redtails

Can I ask how you found the BRB's? I find them beautiful, but I'm more concerned with temperment right now.

I got my BRB's when they were babies and they were nippy for the first day but never bit me after that day they were very calm.
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True Redtails

I'd go with a Dumeril's Boa. They are tame as kittens, absolutely beautiful, and excellent around kids. I brought mine to a school, and she had absolutely no problem.
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Danny P