Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had a colombian for a year now and he's doing great. I'm considering getting another boa. Are suris difficult? How are they compared to other boas? Or are they only for advanced herpers?

I have a 8-9 footer, a yearling, and another yearling coming. Neither the big girl or the yearling have been problematic at all. I have been keeping boas for years. I have made quite a few mistakes and have tried to learn from each and every one of them.
Back in the day, I don't think there was a lot of info out there for keepers. Today, I feel there is more. There is also this forum where questions can be asked. So, the information is out there. Which is a very good thing.
Do I feel Suris are easy? Not as easy as a BCI. But, they are not that bad. You just have to make sure your husbandry is great and you are very attentive to their needs. I keep my Suris like I do my BCI's. I am a minimal feeder when it comes to my animals. I have heard reurgation is an issue with them. I have not had this issue since I tend to feed on the slim side.
Temperment............
They are a little more fussy than BCI's for sure. But, not unmanageable in any way. The big girl jerks when touched at times. But, she has never hissed or struck at me. That is not to say that I don't watch for signs. The yearling I bought from Rob was a little hissy to begin with. But, she never struck. She is a very tame girl now. I am buying another BCC from him. I expect the same from this animal as well.
They are just awesome animals. What I don't like in BCI's I love in BCC's. They are just beautiful!!!!!!! A joy to own. I am so happy I finally bought some.
Some great people to buy from are Rob Tudehope, Yagi, and Miller. I will have two Tudehope animals and one Yagi. I am VERY happy with them. Miller has some awesome animals. I bought my big girl from Matt Pope who originally got the girl from Yagi. Matt really raised this girl correctly. I would buy from him as well.
What it comes down to for me is this. BCI's are easier to keep. Hands down. I think they are mellow and are more forgiving twords husbandry. Suri's can be a little more jumpy. But, with work.......They can become really good pets.
Questions you should answer yourself.
1)Are you ready for an animal that will get bigger than a BCI?
2)Are you ready for an animal that will be a little more tempermental and jumpy?
3)Are you not going to "act like a new owner and overfed your animal"?

They really are rewarding animals. I just love them. I kick myself for not owning them sooner. But, with most things in life........I feel that it happened when I was ready for it to happen. So, I guess the big question is...........Are you ready?
Hope this helps.
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

I have also thought about buying a Suri or two. My question is I keep reading that the temps must be right. What are the temp requirements? I keep my bci's at 80-84 degrees during the day wth a night time drop to 78 degrees. Would this be ok for a Suri.
Thank you
Chuck

Hot Spot 92

Cool side 82-84

I have had my suri's for a few years now and never really had any problems. No hissing or bitting, one of my females has been a slow grower but my other pair are great. They eat very well and the seem really happy. I don't have a large collection but have a few years under my belt when it comes to keeping boas. These are hands down my favorite. I should probably note that my 3 are all CB. I can't really comment on imports.

Rich

What other boas do you have and why are suris your favorite?

Also is that one boa slow growing becuase your not feeding it as much as the others?

I am no expert, but in my opinion True Red Tails are not as hardy and forgiving as most Bci. They take longer to get established, they barf if you look at them cross-eyed, and they are more difficult to breed...you don't often hear of a "chance" breeding of Surinams.
The majority of my Surinams are very tame but, like most Boas, have a strong feeding response that keeps me on my toes.

Hope this is helpful-
Jim

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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose."
Jim Elliott

The youngsters tend to have more problems with regurging meals than Bci. Once established, you shouldn't have anymore issues with regurgitation.
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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose."
Jim Elliott