Ball Python or Red Tail Boa?

Question

I'm going to be getting a snake in a few months, and I'm stuck between the two. This will be the first snake I own, but I have handled and taken care of my friend's Ball Python every once in a while, so I have been exposed to them. So, my heart is tearing between the two, for they are both amazing, I think. Which would you recommend?

With the Ball Python, I worry about their hunger strikes.

With the Boa, my mom worries about the size.

Answer 1

I think you should go with the Ball Python. My Ball Python never goes on hunger strikes. She is easy to take care of too. They can grow up to 6 feet though.

Answer 2

ball python are grat starters

Answer 3

I'd get the Boa. Just tell your mom that male Boa's only get 4-7 feet. Females CAN get 10-12 feet, but the average is 7-10 feet.

The Ball Python has an average size of 3.5-4 feet, but can get 5-5.5 feet.

Answer 4

I have a BP and he is a champ eater.  Get the snake from a breeder - not a pet store (and that includes 'reptile stores') and ask them about it.  And don't stress about feeding them - there are a lot of tips for feeding BPs, if that is the only issue you have with them I think you should go for it!

Answer 5

get a ball python. mine has never bitten me but if you feed  them prekilled mice always use tongs or they will surely bite you. i just had to get rid of my 8ft boa cuz of the price of food. if your ok with spending $7 for a giant rat or rabbit every 2 weeks for the rest of the boas life then you might like a boa.

Answer 6

Truthfully I would have to go with ball pythons.

A) They are great beginner snakes

B) Yes they do have hunger strikes but it's nothing to really worry about. Ball pythons could go up to a year without eating. There are tricks to get them to eat....I guess

C) They don't get to big(6 feet max and that rarely happens)

D) They aren't pricey and once they big their feeders stay around $2-3 compare to red tail boas who's food is usually around $10 a week. And it's better to feed weekly then every two weeks.

E) Their tanks and cages basically stay the same throughout it's life compare to a red tail boa who needs a tank change every 2-3 years. My red tail boas goes through about 4 tanks and it's still growing so maybe 5 tanks through out it's life(150 gallon is still a little to small for it)

F) Easier to care for. Cheaper, less pricey, don't need but to much room.

What more do I need to say =]

I've own both red tail boas and ball pythons, and I really think you and your mom would do better with a ball python first. Don't jump into such a big snake first.

Hope this could help some how...if you need anything. Feel free to email me! I would love to help you out as much as I can. =]

Link for ball python:

http://www.reptilerescueca.org/Ball.html

Answer 7

as a first snake go for the ball python. a much better size for a first snake alot easier to look after (housing and price wise) live a very long time can make a life time pet (record 48 years) growing from 4-6 foot more likely to be 4-5 though makes the ball python great for handling yet still big enough to make a great head turner. boas are much bigger and potencially dangerous if not handled/looked after correctly. i done my research as 1st time snake owner myself and went with the ball python instead of boas or corn snakes. the ball instead of corns simply because every1 has corn snakes and th balls looked much better to me. and instead of the boas due to size, prices of food, and upgrading vivariums every couple of years lol. hope this helps  

Answer 8

If you are on a financial budget, go with the Python because Red Tails can be pricey. I have a Ball Python (about 4 ft) and he is awesome and a great snake. Ball Pythons are more common but i think Red Tails are much cooler (i would of bought one if the were the same price as Pythons).

Answer 9

i own 5 ball pythons and one boa. for your first snake, definitely stick with the ball python. they dont get too big and are easier to care for. yes balls do tend to be picky but thats only some. none of mine are picky eaters.

if you choose a ball python, dont go to a pet store. they dont know or care when the last time they ate or even if they do eat. plus alot of their snakes have mites. go to a local breeder and ask for one who is a good eater. most breeders will not sell an animal until it has eaten at least 3 times.

this is a good site if you still have some research to do:

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide...

good luck!