Boa constrictors are one of the most popular ‘large’ snakes that are kept by hobbyists all over the world! Boas are unique in that quite often small to medium sized reptiles are recommended for beginner pets and small to medium sized snakes are no exception.
However, the large-sized boa constrictor is often recommended and can be the ‘perfect’ snake for a beginner. Boa constrictors can reach lengths of up to 12 feet or more! …most boas though will average between 6 and 8 feet with females generally being larger than males. Very large female boas can reach a weight of 60 lbs, with the average boa constrictor being between 20 and 30 pounds.
Make no mistake, boa constrictors are LARGE snakes! Not only are they LONG but they are HEAVY-BODIED! The best thing about these large snakes may just be that despite their size, they can make great pets!
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Two of the most common and most kept boa constrictors are the BBC and BCI. Most reptile and snake-keepers will refer to BOTH BCC and BCI boas as “red-tailed” boas even though only BCCs are considered to be true red-tailed boas.
The BBC – boa constritor constrictor or the true red-tailed boa can be found in the countries of Venezuela, Peru, Suriname and Guyana. BCC boas tend to be a little larger, on average, than BCI boas. They also tend to have a richer, darker, more ‘red’ coloration to the end of their tails; hence the “red-tailed boa” nomenclature.
The BCI – boa constrictor Imperator or common boa is native to Columbia, Central America and Hog Island. BCI boas tend to be a bit smaller than their BCC cousins and they can also display more muted coloration compared to the deep reds of true red-tails. One benefit of the BCI boa is that also tend to be easier to tame and have an even more pleasing disposition.
| BCC Boa Constrictor Constrictor | BCI Boa Constrictor Imperator |
| BCCs are more likely to reach lengths in excess of 10ft and weigh more than 30 lbs. | BCIs tends to be a bit smaller with average lengths between 7 and 8 feet long and weights between 20 to 30 lbs. |
Like many snakes, female boa constrictors tend to grow to a larger size than their male counterparts. Females are much more likely to reach maximum size, which can be more than 12 feet! Females are also heavier than males potentially weighing 60 lbs or more!
Males tend to stay between 6 to 8 feet long and may weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. BCC females will be larger than BCI females; the same being true for the average male BCC and BCI as well.
Boa constrictors tend to be very good eaters and it’s not very often that they will refuse food. Because of this boa constrictors will continue to put on weight in proportion to the amount of food that they are fed. Unfortunately some boa keepers try to impress others by having the biggest or the heaviest boa constrictor possible.
Sadly, snakes that are power-fed or overfed gain weight at a rapid pace; the more they are fed, the bigger they grow. Severely obese boa constrictors are a too common occurrence in the reptile hobby. Over-feeding your snake just to pack on as much size as possible is not only cruel, it is woefully unhealthy for your boa constrictor!
Boas are much larger than other common snakes found in the reptile hobby such as corn snakes, king snakes and even ball pythons; but a boa’s large size is part of what makes them so great!
Despite being a large snake, a boa constrictor docile temperament and ease of care can make these ‘large than-life’ reptiles a good choice for even novice reptile keepers!
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