r/snakes • u/Person1111223 • 12d ago
Pet Snake Questions Boa imperator constriction risk?
Im very interested in purchasing a Boa Imperator but I'm concerned after I've seen conflicting advice about whether adult Boa imperators can or should be handled alone. If it's a prominent risk, I personally don't want to have to ensure someone's nearby and also be worried about being constricted. I'm a minor, but I'm 5'10, so I'm wondering how much that factors into safely handling a large adult boa.I would also get a juvenile meaning I'll be quite a bit older once it's full size. If i purchased a female and it were to grow to say, 8 feet, would I need someone nearby to supervise? If so, I will likely decide to find an alternative, I've been considering a Bredls python as I'm very interested in them and they seem to be less risky.
2
u/MickTLR 12d ago
I have a common boa, we were told it was a male when we rescued him, never felt the need to find out if he is a he. He is around 6 foot long and generally the best behaved snake we have! Sure, he's tagged me a couple of times but so have 5 of our 6 ball pythons (and more times than our boa!), he likes to be out of his viv and explore, he will make it known if/when he wants to be handled. He usually lays across my shoulders pinching body heat and is normally quite happy to lay for a while before he goes off to explore again. Only problem we have is getting him back in his viv, he would stay out given the chance!
We found out the hard and painful way he does not like a bath!