Hi all I haven't kept any snakes yet but its my Birthday coming up (May) and my parents want to know what i want. So i was wondering if a ATB (Amazon Tree Boa) is a good first time snake. And if not what is a good Boa to start with. I've heard a Dumureil Boa (Spelling?) is a reasonabley good starter snake. I have a good herp Shop owner who would't sell anythong to me he thinks is to advance for me. But because of that I can get very good advice from him. Thanks for all the help James EDITED BY STORMYVA - IF YOU WANT ATTENTION AND ANSWERS FOR YOUR THREAD USE A MORE DESCRIPTIVE TITLE!
RE: Just wondering No, ATB are NOT a good first time snake. They are agressive. And they require high humidity, which promotes the growth of bacteria, so you need to clean the cage often. The only good starter Boas are Kenyan Snads, and Rosy Boas. They are smaller snakes though, styaying around 3 or 4 feet.
RE: Just wondering Dumerils can be a good beginners, again, not too sure about them. Don't they reach a medium size?
RE: Just wondering dums can get up to 7-8', but rarely do . . . i have a male thats right at 6', so i'm guessing females bigger than that are not too uncommon. there a nice thick bodied boa with an all around great temperment. a dumeril's boa would be a far better beginner boa than an ATB. ~Will.
RE: Just wondering Personally, if you're not set on a boa, I'd go for a ball python. They're small, very easy to keep and handle. I'd really advise against any of the arboreals.
RE: Just wondering They only reach 3 or 4 feet. 5 is considered large for a BP. It's just that they are bigger in girth then, say a Corn Snake.
