New snake recommendations

[David_F]

This years plans for a few new snakes got put on hold for a while because the list was getting too long. I've finally decided that since my ball python is getting moved to a bigger tank within the next week it's time to start looking for something new to fill his old tank. The snakes I've narrowed the list down to are BCI, blood python, or Amazon tree boa. I've really only got experience with BPs and a corn snake but, regardless of the blood python and ATB reputations and humidity requirements, I think I could handle any of the three. So, basically, I'm looking for recommendations on which I should get. The tank will be a ten gallon (20"L x 10"W x 12"H) and I'm hoping to be able to hold the snake in it for five to six months (I realize that may be a bit long but it's just something to shoot for...bigger tanks are available).

Thanks for any info.

 

[nightbreed]

I'd go for the BCI, mine is gorgeous she has a sweet temperment they are easy to keep and they get to a nice size, what more do you want?

I am biased though, they're my favourite species of snake

 

[fluffy]

id go for the boa constrictor

 

[Kid Dragon]

I'd go with a baby boa, and shell out some $$ for a nice bloodline. I personally like light colored boas, with salmon colored sides, and dark tails.

 

[Kid Dragon]

Also an option to consider is Dumeril's Boa. They are nice looking, and stay small to medium size.

 

[Madeline]

What about a Red-Tailed Boa? They get about 7ft long and 2 inches thick. Most of them are really friendly.

 

[Beardo]

Also an option to consider is Dumeril's Boa. They are nice looking, and stay small to medium size.

It depends on what you call "small to medium".....if you call 7-10 feet small (which is how big DUmeril's can get).

A Boa Constrictor is definitely the easiest to keep of the 3 snakes you're choosing between...I'd go with that one since ATBs and Bloods have very specific husbandry needs....but if you feel you can care for them properly get whatever you want.

 

[Bry]

I'm with David on that. A BCI is a great snake, and would be the best out of the three species on your list. However, if you do the research and make the necessary preparations, I don't see why you can't aim for any of the three species mentioned. Robyn Markland did a great article on bloods in Reptiles magazine. I forget the exact date of the issue, but I believe it was in 2003. Look up that issue and see if you can find it.

What about a Red-Tailed Boa? They get about 7ft long and 2 inches thick. Most of them are really friendly.

7 ft long and 2 inches thick? You must have seen some really hungry boas. LOL

Also, the term "Red-Tailed Boa" is more accurate for BCCs (Boa constrictor constrictor), as those are the true redtails. However, people often use that term to incorrectly describe Colombian boas, which are BCIs (Boa constrictor imperator). Either way, latin names are better. The BCCs get considerably larger, are known to sometimes be more irascible than MOST BCIs, and they are more sensitive to husbandry mistakes. Oh, and they cost a hell of a lot more.

 

[Carole]

Well just to add my 2 cents to the conversation

Common boa constrictors make excellent pets. They do get large, but they don't grow at an incredibly fast rate, so you'd have plenty of time to grow with your boa. Dumerils are known for having an extremely placid temper. 6 ft for a female is a more realistic size than 7-10....yes, they CAN get that large (rarely), but that goes with a common boa too.

I just wanted to stick up for the bloods for a minute. Much of the "typical" blood temper you hear about is a result of when importing bloods was much more common than the CB that you can buy today. Buying a CB you will have a very good chance of getting a baby that you can work with to develop into a laid back adult. I have a 5'+ 15lb male blood that I use as a P.R. animal. Have you looked into the short tails (python brietenstieni) (sp?). They are built the same as red bloods. I own both, and the short tails are some of the calmest snakes I've EVER been around.

Hope that helped a little, let me know if you have any more questions

 

[Kid Dragon]

It depends on what you call "small to medium".....if you call 7-10 feet small (which is how big DUmeril's can get).

I don't think Dumeril's commonly get 10. The adults i've seen at shows range from 5-7. Most women consider 5-7 small to medium.

 

[Beardo]

I don't think Dumeril's commonly get 10. The adults i've seen at shows range from 5-7. Most women consider 5-7 small to medium.

Not many people realize that Dumeril's have a verrry slow metabolism, so a 3 year old Dumeril's is going to be smaller than say a BCI of the same age...they get bigger, they just take longer to achieve that size.

The Louisville Zoo had a 10 year old pair of DUmeril's on display for a while last year...the male was 8.5 feet and the female was 9'8"....thats NOT a small snake.

 

[boidaddic]

i'd go with the corallus hortunalus or the python curtus, i might be biased though b/c i keep both species i agree the bloods are badass its like a ball python on steroids and way cooler looking, but the amazons are just AMAZING to observe but as everyone has stated they can be tricky to keep at times but if you meet all the proper needs then they will thrive in a captive environment. Another suggestion if you want an extremely placid snake that stays small and is a constrictor i would suggest rosy boas thier are many different localitys and they only get about 3 foot. depending on the size of your old cage a rosy could probably live in it for the remainder of its life, and its a great snake to move on to after u've mastered your ball python skills
Eric

 

[Fred]

Here's my BCC, He's a bit moody so I don't handle him that much. This guy snaps at me almost everytime I enter the room.

 

[David_F]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Lots of good info and more to think about. I'll be looking into them all a bit more and get the enclosure set up soon. Probably end up with a BCI because they're just amazing looking snakes. Of course, the blood will follow soon after. Dums are nice but just never quite caught my attention.

@Carole: Yeah, I've looked at the short-tails and they are nice. I'm not a big fan of the color red but something about red bloods just catches my eye so I'll probably stay away from the blacks (P. breitensteini are the blacks, right?). I appreciate the info on the size of the blood you mentioned. That makes it a bit easier to compare to other snakes.

@Bry: Thanks for the article reference. I'll look for it at the herp store here.

Thanks again, everybody.

 

[Bry]

@Carole: Yeah, I've looked at the short-tails and they are nice. I'm not a big fan of the color red but something about red bloods just catches my eye so I'll probably stay away from the blacks (P. breitensteini are the blacks, right?). I appreciate the info on the size of the blood you mentioned. That makes it a bit easier to compare to other snakes.

P. curtus breitensteni are the Borneo short-tails. The black bloods are P. curtus curtus, and the red bloods are P. curtus brongersmai.

@Bry: Thanks for the article reference. I'll look for it at the herp store here.

I found my issue, it's January 2003. Good luck finding it.

 

[David_F]

P. curtus breitensteni are the Borneo short-tails. The black bloods are P. curtus curtus, and the red bloods are P. curtus brongersmai.

Cool. Thanks.

I found my issue, it's January 2003. Good luck finding it.

Thanks again. I'll have a look around. I did find my copy of the Jan. 05 Reptile Care magazine. It has articles on both BCIs and Bloods. Have you (or anyone else for that matter) seen this? What's your opinion of the care info provided?

Thanks again, everybody.

 

[Psycho]

I will have to agree with a BCI (Me personally will spend the extra money for a BCC) But one piece of advice I would like to give. If getting a BCI you might want to consided a bigger enclosure to you can set up a realistic habitat for the new snake. I love it when people take the time to set up habitats that look so realistic looking.

As for the bloods, if the husbandry is wrong the snake will react negatively (meaning sickness and temperment) Bloods are awesome looking but sometimes people get the wrong impression of them.

ATB's are awesome visual snakes but can get quite "home protective". my ATB's are beutiful snakes but I only look at them (besides feeding, watering and cleaning)

what ever your choice will be just make sure you enjoy your new pet!

-Rob

www.sheboyganherpsociety.com

 

[dnl]

boas

im suspect to talk about boas, hehehe. they're just awesome!
i keep some of them (bcc, bca and bco), my prefered animals. in fact, boidae are the best (in my opinion) to keep. they grow up and can be too big for some especial cases, but still the one for me

here's a bca, borned in January/Feb. It's W.C.

 

[DeadIrishD]

Bloods are pretty cool, and alot of there "temper" is pretty much them bluffing

What does BCA stand for? I know Boa Constrictor Imperator, and Boa Constrictor Constrictor, but thoes are the only two scientific names for boas, either way I love your BCA.

 

[David_F]

Thanks, guys.

@dnl: That's a beautiful boa. I love the peaks and bright red tail. :drool: :worship: