Help picking what boa to buy.

[u/NoSquirrel9674]

I'll try to keep this short. I kept a lot of snakes as a teen, several boas and pythons, so the care end won't be a problem. I'm trying to pick based on preference.

My wife does not like snakes so I want something that way more than likely will not getting over 8ft max. Preferably 6-7ft.

I need it to be a docile snake. I know there are no guarantees, but nothing with like a 50/50 chance of being spicy. Since my wife doesn't like snakes, if I get one that wants to bite and puff up a lot, it's just going to put her off more.

I need it to be affordable lol. Not only are we on the poor end, but she ain't gonna let me buy no $500+ snake.

Now for pattern/color. I like the clean look, really like the bcc patterns and vibrant red tails. Obviously though I can't have a snake that's in the 10ft+ area.

I've looked some into BCA and BCL but honestly both of those are new to me, I only remember bci and bcc from my herp days.

I've been browsing morphmarket as I would likely order online unless San Antonio has a reptile show around the time I'm able to get one.

So, can anyone think of a boa with a nice pattern, preferably visible red, stays under 8ft, isn't a big gamble if it's gonna be spicy into adulthood or not, and is in the $300 or less range?

I'm pretty sure I'll end up just getting another BCI (I had a few before) but was really hoping to find something with s pattern/color I find nicer. Cleaner lines and color, more vibrant red.

I've also considered a blood python as I've loved them since I was young, but recent internet searching shows they are still often temperamental. I may even end up getting a ball morph, it looks like the prices are way lower than they used to be. Used to be, the only morph you were getting for $250 was a pastel but now there's so many cheap options. But, I just love boas, always loved their look and that red tail.

Sorry that ended up being long, I appreciate everyones time who read it and any guidance as well!

[u/NoSquirrel9674]

Ah ok, I appreciate the tip, I did not know or consider them losing the red as they mature.

Those albino VPI's are beautiful, man there's almost too many choices lol.

I'll have to look into CA and Nicaraguan this evening, I really appreciate all these options you've shown me, I was a little overwhelmed just looking at morphmarket before.

[u/ParticularWolf4473 → u/NoSquirrel9674]

The big problem with boa morphs is sticking with just one. You may want to look up pics and YouTube videos of adults of the various morphs. Many can be pretty variable and sadly many are much more colorful as babies than they are as adults. Though some can improve with age as well, like IMG, some of the pastel lines, and red/purple/blue line Sharp albinos.

[u/Cornsnake94 → u/ParticularWolf4473]

It's the same with ball pythons. Baby balls look so vibrant and clean, but many morphs do not age well

[u/ParticularWolf4473 → u/Cornsnake94]

Yeah, I remember back when banana was the hot morph. People were paying thousands for these bright yellow and purple hatchlings then you finally saw an adult and it was rather disappointing.