Do Boa Constrictors Make Good Pets?

If you quite fancy being a pet owner, then you may have given some consideration as to adopting a boa constrictor as a pet. However, it is imperative that you come to appreciate that caring for a boa takes commitment and they require a considerable amount of time and patience devoted to them in order to them keep happy and safe. In particular, a prospective boa pet owner should consider the following two factors:

Size: The most common variety of boa constrictor, the boa constrictor imperator can grow as long as eight feet in length and if that fails to impress, perhaps the fact that the red tailed boa constrictor can grow even larger than ten feet or more will make you realise just how large and powerful these animals are.  A fully matured snake that has managed to achieve this size will require a considerable amount of space, not to mention a regular supply of large prey such as rats or even rabbits.

The lifespan of a boa: If you are planning on purchasing a boa, then you need to be aware that you will need to be prepared for a long term commitment which can easily stretch as long as 30 years. You need to consider how you will accommodate your boa’s needs during the course of any major changes in your personal circumstances, what if you are taken to hospital for an extended period of time? Do you know of anyone who would be prepared to clean and feed a 10 foot snake for you?

Now that we have considered some of the practical issues, let us now raise another, equally important question: is a boa constrictor really worth all the hard work?

Snakes are derided as being evil within the Bible, and Aesop’s Fables often depict them as sly, nasty creatures. In truth, they are beautiful creatures that can bring a considerable amount of happiness to their owner. Indeed, boas are by their very nature docile creatures which despite their rather intimidating appearance and size are often gentle natured.  Most boas can be tolerant to handling and tend to make excellent pets.  Treat the boa constrictor with respect, and you will have a remarkable friend for life.

Whilst there can be no denying that snakes require a very precise regime of temperature, humidy and diet, they are actually very low maintenance. Cats and dogs maybe the more popular forms of pets but if truth be told, the reality of the matter is that they can be a major burden on their owner. This is because the owner has to contend with their constant demands for exercise, food, attention and the cat/dog will not stop whining until they get what they want.  The snake on the other hand, will require only a few minutes each day and otherwise can be left alone.

Boa constrictors are gorgeous, docile and simply awesome pets which can bring a considerable amount of happiness to the right kind of person. You may find it of some practical use if you were to speak with fellow boa constrictor owners and get their opinion on the matter. Whilst they maybe a little biased in favour of owning a boa as a pet, they will be able to tell you what problems you may encounter. Do your research, read up on the subject, speak with other reptile keepers and make your decision carefully, but if you do choose to keep snakes I’m sure you won’t regret the decision!

mcwetboy
pet snake

For more information on Boa Constrictors, try visiting Boa Care, a popular website that provides tips, advice and resources on caring for boa, or find out about 1″ air impact wrenches amongst other things.

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Why a boa constrictor makes a great pet:

Snakes have become much more popular through recent years. Although they aren’t suitable for everybody, a lot of people think they are incredibly gorgeous and mesmerizing animals. Plus, their quite modest requirements of care mean that anybody can enjoy them. Unlike other common pets like dogs or cats, pet snakes do not have to go for walks, or even let out to get exercise. In fact, huge pet boa constrictors only need fairly modest requirements when it comes to housing, and once you properly understand all about their husbandry and care, they are simple to handle, care for and keep.

Around three thousand snake species are known to man, but only several of them are actually suitable to be kept as household pets. After getting rid of the ton of venomous and endangered species out there, as well as those that are hard to handle and keep, only a small amount of options remains to be kept as household pets. Pythons and boa constrictors would be some of these, the latter of which are commonly referred to as “boids”. Boa constrictors are especially great to keep as pets.

The reasons why a lot of people opt for pet boa constrictors would be their good looks, their ability to thrive and easily breed within captivity and their docile nature, in general.

Twenty-eight recognized species of real boa constrictors exist today and a lot of them happen to make great pets. Common boa constrictors and red-tailed boa constrictors would be the ones that are the most popular. Boa constrictors have the ability to grow up to ten feet long and can live for more than twenty years. These animals are powerful and big, but are generally docile and can tolerate being handled on a regular basis. This makes them an extremely popular choice for a pet.

Rainbow boa constrictors are also commonly kept as pets, even though their care requirements are much stricter compared to regular boa constrictors. They also happen to be a bit less tolerant to getting handled, so most people would not see them as an ideal first choice for a pet.

For snake beginners who believe that boa constrictors might be too hard to handle, various easier and smaller species of boa constrictors also exist. Ground boa constrictors and rosy boa constrictors would be terrestrial species that only grow up to several feet long, have great temperaments and make great pets with their modest care requirements.

No matter which species you opt for, spend time researching on it before committing to it. Although boa constrictors make excellent pets, their very long lifespan would also mean that you need to take care of it for years on end. Ensure that you understand these requirements before committing to decades of enjoyment with a new pet boa constrictor.

ge’shmally
pet snake

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Keep your sand boa safe by taking precautions with the heating unit. Learn more safety tips for heating devices with expert tips on owningsnakes in this free exotic pet care video. Expert: Cordell Jacques Bio: Cordell Jacques has worked in the pet industry for more than 10 years. Filmmaker: Travis Waack

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UVB lighting is very important for happy and healthy sand boa constrictors. Learn how to properly light your sand boa cage with expert tips on owningsnakes in this free exotic pet care video. Expert: Cordell Jacques Bio: Cordell Jacques has worked in the pet industry for more than 10 years. Filmmaker: Travis Waack

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Having a thermometer for your sand boa’s cage is important to keep the habitat properly heated. Learn about different snake cage thermometers with expert tips on owningsnakes in this free exotic pet care video. Expert: Cordell Jacques Bio: Cordell Jacques has worked in the pet industry for more than 10 years. Filmmaker: Travis Waack

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