Ball or Boa?

[Gracie]

I known for a long time Ive wanted a snake that is docile and tame. I been doing some research and have found that boa are likeable but so are Ball pythons. The question that I want answerd that will help me decide which one is less likely to kill me?

I could see myself sitting on the computer having the snake on the desk exploring around and its close to feeding time or whatever I am doing some work  on the computer. It climbs up on my arm I am thinking  not a big deal its just curious, then it climbs to my shoulders eventually reaching my neck. The grip gets a little bit tighter I am thinking to myself no it couldnt be trying to kill me, so i continue, typing on my computer. A . And then it hits me my pet is trying to kill me , I should have fed it sooner. Is this a possiblty with any snake or am i just nervous ?

when i was younger i was afraid to handle snakes and this i think will help me deal with it

[scaleman]

Boas and balls are both great, I like boas better personally. I don't think you'd have to worry about either trying to kill you. But if you have a fear of snakes, maybe you should hold them at a pet store or reptile show before you purchase one. Or start off with a corn snake first ? Good luck with your decision :'(

[polacan]

Hey, I think they're both good beginer snakes, but ball pythons sometimes are hard to get eating :(.They're both tame snakes and awesome to keep as pets.Boas will grow to what i consider a perfect size.They are my favorites!!! ''Accidents'' are more likely to happen with larger pythons that grow very long and heavy,but alot of them are very tame too.Good luck with whichever you decide on,but in my opinion,go with the boas ;D!!

[j_becwar]

I vote for the boa. I never had a ball but my uncle did. He said that it was hard to feed, wasn't as friendly as boas and just not as much fun.
Remember that you are asking a boa forum so the replies will probably be biased in favor of boas.;D
Good luck- Jamie

[j_becwar]

P.S. Neither of these snakes will kill you. They may bite, but if you handle them regularly and wash your hands after hanlding rodents you will be fine. Buying a snake because your scared of it doesn't sound like a great idea to me. Make sure your ok with them first.:'(

[jadeboa]

Both boas and balls are great. I agree with some of the others in that you should do some research and go to the pet stores and check them out before buying. Especially if you are affraid of them.......take your time.
The reality is they are very gentle and very tolerant. Don't think that you wont have an accidental bite every now and then.
It does happen...........but it usually only happens if you startle the animal. Also, wash your hands after handling any food item.
Balls can be really hard to get started.....and some the first time they eat can die.......due to the digestive tract not being fully developed. Also, do not buy wild caught.......parasites can be a big problem.
I have 14 balls and they are all awesome however, some of them took a lot of work, patience and time.
My boas have all been great and much easier than the balls.
In either case you will end up with a wonderful pet that will keep you company for many years.
If you need help in any way all you have to do is ask..........
There are a lot of very knowlegdeable boa and ball keepers that will always help you if you need it.

[sparky4601]

I agree with everyone here boa's are the perfect snake but if its your first you might want to consider its size when it is full grown. Balls are great pets and only get 4 to 5 feet long and 3to 4 pounds max if you have alot of time to spend with them, there eating habbits are picky but are easily fixed. If you have a petco near you. That would be a grat place to buy your first ball they are captive bread and are already trained from birth to feed off of frozen/thawed rodents. Good luck on your first snake.

[Gracie22]

Hey this is me I went to a pet store today and held a ball python I told the guy i didnt want to because I was still nervous and wanted to some more research... (excuses) he reaches in and handed it to me I held the little fella in my palm he is so small ....


I will half to say when i move out I am defintely getting a ball and before i get one I will take all this time to read up on them with the books they have .... And save up for the good size tanks they deserve and all the other stuff.

I think that little guy was as nervous as I was  ;D

Hey everyone please tell me if i am upseting some of you sense this is a boa fourm which I like boas too and when i get more experince with snakes I will probably get one sense they get larger than b/p do. I just feel right now I could provide a better home and aquiriuam with the limited youth budget for a b/p than a boa contrstior.

one thing i cant stand is when an animal is freaking bigger than its cage and cant move. So i like cages that give the animial plenty of room to move around in.

[j_becwar]

Don't worry nobody will get upset :(. (I hope :( :( ;D) If you think that a ball is a better option for you then by all means get the ball! :P I was about to get a ball from petco too, but when went to another pet store to check the price on tanks I saw there babies boas... and I never made it back to petco.
Good luck again- J

[polacan]

Hey, Your not upseting anybody 8)! Everybody here loves snakes,not just boas ;D. I love animals,from all the animals reptiles, and from all the reptiles snakes!!! My first snakes were ball pythons and they were great pets! Some are hard to get eating,but you'll obtain good experience in the process of raising them.Good luck :'(!! Heres a pic of the ones i owned(i sold them and bought a boa :()... http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a161/angapo/DSCI0094.jpg

[jadeboa]

Here is a picture of Courtney after a shed........she is hot.
She also was one of those hard to get started balls and well...........look at her now. She is a beauty :'(

[sparky4601]

I think you made the right choice for your first snake. Alot of people do not take in consideration the size of a boa when its full grown. The one pet store that carries them arround here has about 50 full grown adults given to them 3 to 4 times a year because nobody wants a huge snake. They see that adorable little baby boa and cant resist buying it and when they realize how much work it really is they just give up. (the nerve of some people!!) I think everybody on this site is more than happy to help any herp lover out there regardless of what it is. I have never seen any herp racizim on this site yet and everybody here acts like they have known you for ever. Good luck with your new baby.

[Gracie22]

Have one last question do you know where I can find a breeder that sell's Ball python eggs. Because I dont really want to buy a baby ball python I want one I can call my own and want to see it hatch and everything.

I am doing alot of research for this and I believe this is within my level.

I am located in central Illinois so if anyone knows any good reliable breeders around there let me know.

[jadeboa]

I do not know of any in your area...........Florida maybe.
As far as shipping goes..........I wouldn't risk it. You'll end up with a scrambled egg or a frozen one this time of year.
I do not know of any private breeders that would sell an egg.
I know a lot of people get C.H. from Africa........but, that is a whole different ball game.
Have you tried contacting some local breeders in your area that would allow you to come and pick one up?
If you do not know of any try looking online for breeders in your area.
You could try to contact someone very reputable like Ralph Davis and see what he has to say on this matter.
http://www.ralphdavisreptiles.com/

[sparky4601]

Where in il are you? the chicago reptile house could help you there located in orland park 115th and lagrange rd.

[Gracie22]

I live like 20 minutes from Peoria IL if I half to go to Chicago to get an egg I will but thats like 2 hours away... And ill need a portable ecubator which I can sustain 85-90 degrees which cant be easy to make..

P.S Courtney the b/p looks very healthy, so does the boa constrictor the other guy posted you guys really know how to raise your snakes.

[scaleman]

I'm glad you made a decision and good luck with your future purchase!!

Just to give an opinion, I would think you would be better off getting a ball that has already started feeding regularly.

Good luck angain!!

[jadeboa]

Let us know what you end up getting......and if you need feeding tips .............