Ball Python or Boa Constrictor?

[BigMaC]

Do you like your Balls or Boas better if so why and what do they need that the adverage caresheet wouldn't talk about?

I am having a hard time deciding

 

[herpfreak]

Very hard decision!! They are both amazing pets. I think it really comes down to what you are looking for in terms of size, maintenance, and space. Balls are relatively small, do great in smaller enclosures (I'd keep average males in a 30gal, although big females really should have a 40gal), and don't require much upkeep. Boas have potential to exceed 12 feet (although 10 is about average), may require a 6ft long enclosure, and crap like cows. BPs are a pain in the neck to feed, and while boas are usually semi-aggressive feeders, they eat a lot, and food definitely adds up.

Very different snakes in terms of personality and husbandry, but they are both quite docile, although you always have to be aware that they can bite, and while it's highly unlikely, it happens. As a general rule, I say that if you keep snakes for more than a year, you're bound to get a tag or two, even with more docile species. With BPs, a tag wouldn't hurt. With a big boa, however, a tag most definitely would hurt.

I'd say, if you'd like a larger snake and you have the time, space, and money for a boa, and you are up for handling a very large snake, go for it! But you can't go wrong with a BP either. I just got a new little ball girl, and I swear, even after two years in the snake hobby, I still get a rush like she's my first.

 

[OgleRpets]

Don't forget sand boas they are small and easy to take care of. Kenyan Sand Boas and Ball Pythons are our favorites snakes.

 

[lacy_black]

I have balls and a red tail. Both have their bonus's. Balls don't seem too aggressive at most both of mine have hissed at my bf where that little minx Nakita (the red tail) likes to try to eat him, luckily she's still a tiny baby, last measurement a foot and half, and her nose always runs into him first so she doesn't actually bite him.
Balls always want to hide their head instead of bite tho i'm sure they can and do bite it just would seem to take alot. They also seem to be much slower (unless food is involved) where as Nakita want's to zoom all around.

 

[GutterShark]

Boas have potential to exceed 12 feet (although 10 is about average)

This is not entirely true. Depending on the locale and your feeding routine, most boas average around 6-7 feet. If for some reason you decide that you want to start feeding guinea pigs and rabbits, the snake has a lot more potential to reach 10 feet. Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs is unnecessary as the snake will do perfectly fine on one large rat a week. Sure there are always exceptions, and a 10 foot+ boa is certainly an exception to this.

 

[Tiantha]

I have found with my two Ball Pythons. Feed when they are looking. If they are looking a lot then feed. If they are hiding and disinterested don't waste the time. Both my kids are healthy and happy.

And they feed whenever I put the food in with them because I let them tell me when they are hungry.

And both are nice sizes.

 

[herpfreak]

Boas have potential to exceed 12 feet (although 10 is about average)

This is not entirely true. Depending on the locale and your feeding routine, most boas average around 6-7 feet. If for some reason you decide that you want to start feeding guinea pigs and rabbits, the snake has a lot more potential to reach 10 feet. Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs is unnecessary as the snake will do perfectly fine on one large rat a week. Sure there are always exceptions, and a 10 foot+ boa is certainly an exception to this.

Very true.

 

[Trogdor80]

boa is more comperable to say a carpet than a ball size wise.

 

[herpfreak]

Okay, I have to add something. I've studied and worked with boas, but I just bought my first girl at the expo yesterday from Dave Colling, and I must say, she is something else.

While we were waiting for my brother to use the bathroom at the events center, I took her out of her cup, expecting her to be stressed out and nippy, but she was totally calm. When we got home and put her in her tub, she wouldn't go in the hide. I'm so used to the ball and blood pythons that won't come out of their hides unless there's food, but this girl was all energy. Even with the relocation stress (if she even had relocation stress, which it doesn't seem like she did), she would come shooting up out of the QT tub whenever I opened it to take a peek at the temps.

My friend holding her after the expo.

Her tail! :love5:

Anyways, sorry for hijacking the thread, just thought I'd share.

 

[Gloryhound]

Also you can get the Nicaraguan locality of Boa which averages between 4 to 5 feet as adults. (Smaller than a couple of our adult ball pythons) We deal with the Nicaraguan local. Some island locals and other Central American locals have stayed just as small as the Nicaraguan boa, but it remains a hit and miss with those other localities.

Ultimately we deal in both ball pythons and Nicaraguan boas, +several other species of snakes, and would not trade either. I say get one of each! :lol: