Boa constrictors are beautiful snakes that have earned a fearsome reputation for constricting and suffocating their prey. In addition to their reputation, these iconic reptiles reach astronomical proportions that many keepers find intimidating. But if you get to know the boa constrictor, you’ll discover many qualities that make these snakes great pets. They’re considered low maintenance, and their calm personalities make them easy to tame.
Looking at the pros and cons of keeping a boa constrictor can help you decide whether to make this magnificent snake your next pet.
Pro: Boa Constrictors Have Docile Temperaments
Boa constrictors are one of few reptiles that are easy to handle. These snakes respond well to gentle touch, which is an important part of raising a healthy snake that won’t hiss when approached. While a boa can reach up to ten feet in length, they are not aggressive, and many handlers enjoy relaxing with their enormous constrictors. Despite the docile nature of these reptiles, never underestimate them. Boas can strike and constrict if they’re poorly handled and feel threatened. This behavior is challenging for new snake owners, but knowing how to hold a boa can pay off in the long run.
When you hold a boa, always give them support by holding onto the section close to the head. The lower half of the body should be held by your free arm to secure the snake. Mindful handling will reduce stress and prevent the snake from constricting.
Pro: Boas Are Easy to Maintain
It might be hard to believe, but these large constrictors are relatively low-maintenance pets. Once you’ve set up their enclosures and you’re familiar with handling them, these impressive snakes become calm and content. As juveniles, they’re happy with secure and spacious housing that is well-ventilated. Furthermore, boas need the correct lighting, heating, and diet to remain healthy.
If you are interested in owning a boa but don’t want the responsibility of a ten-foot snake, consider rosy boas that reach a length of four feet. Rosy boas are gentle, and these snakes make great pets for beginners and experienced reptile lovers alike.
Pro: Boas Have a Long Life Expectancy
If you’re looking for a snake with an incredible life expectancy, then the boa constrictor may be the pet for you. The average lifespan of a boa is 20 years, with some specimens reaching 30 years. Unlike cats and dogs with lifespans averaging 10 to 15 years, your boa will remain with you for a lifetime. Pay attention to their diet and general care, and most importantly, give them a comfortable and spacious enclosure to accommodate their size. A stressed boa is susceptible to diseases that commonly affect pet snakes, leading to life-threatening complications.
Investing in the right conditions to raise a large boa constrictor is the first step to helping your pet reptile live a long, balanced life.
Con: Boas Are Large and Powerful Snakes
There’s no denying the immense power of boa constrictors. These muscular snakes move with ease, and when it’s time to capture prey, they use every inch to constrict. While some snake keepers enjoy such large reptiles, improper handling and poor housing can increase stress and reactivity. Many people have been bitten by snakes and suffered fractures due to the immense force these snakes exert when constricting. You must learn how to hold boas and pick up on changes in their behavior to avoid a dangerous situation.
Boa constrictors aren’t considered aggressive, but they will become difficult to manage if their needs aren’t met. To house a happy snake, pay attention to its terrarium’s humidity, temperature, and lighting to avoid stress and complications.
Con: Boa Constrictors are Susceptible to IBD
Sadly, many boa constrictors suffer from a life-threatening disease called inclusion body disease (IBD). This condition is incurable, and many snake owners are often unaware their pets are carrying IBD. This retrovirus will cause symptoms such as labored breathing, excessive saliva, and a lack of appetite. It is a highly contagious disease spreading between snakes by mites. Mites pass fluids between the snakes as they’re bitten by the parasites. When a new snake arrives at your home, keep them isolated to prevent the transmission of any diseases and parasites. These steps can help you look out for signs of illness, and if you notice any abnormalities, have your pet evaluated by a trusted reptile veterinarian.
Conclusion: Ball Pythons Make Better Pets
When you’re looking at getting a large snake, you may be torn between the beautiful ball python and the menacing boa constrictor. Ball pythons are popular snakes because they only average three to four feet and require small enclosures of around five feet. A boa constrictor is double the size of a ball python, and all aspects of their care will be greater and costlier compared to pythons. Despite the size difference, many snake keepers prefer boas for their tameness. Ball pythons tend to be timid, and they may be difficult to feed, leaving many handlers with the dilemma of giving their pets live mice.
There’s no doubt that boas are gorgeous snakes with formidable reputations, but whether they’re the right snake for you depends on their pros and cons. Understanding their behavior, healthcare needs, and enclosure standards can help you determine whether this gargantuan snake is your next reptile companion.
