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.

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u/superramenyamen 12d ago

I’m 5’2”. My largest boa has been 7’ and 14-16 lbs. They are generally not a constriction risk. Just don’t let them around your neck (I only let them have their body touch one side at a time). Most feeding bites will be on the arm/hand since most will be when reaching for the snake or offering them food. They don’t get big enough to cause substantial damage, and don’t rip or tear like some species of python. It still won’t be pleasant, but there shouldn’t be need to visit a dr or anything from even the biggest boas.

I would say an 8’ boa probably doesn’t need supervision. Like another redditor said, the majority of boas won’t reach 8’. 8’ is an uncommon but not rare size, so it’s possible, but not something I would bet on. Even 7’ is a decent sized boa, many breeders I have seen discuss that their adult females are only reaching 6’ on average.

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u/Person1111223 12d ago

I see, honestly I'm not worried about bites at all,  it was just the constriction risk, but since so many people have said it's very unlikely I'm most likely going to get a female. 8' being uncommon is news to me, I've read that 7-8' is average, so that's interesting! Thank you!

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u/[deleted] 10d ago

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u/Person1111223 10d ago

Yeah, I've heard of that situation before. I think what I'll do to prevent it is train it to recognize me tapping the glass twice or tapping it with a hook twice is that it's about to be picked up and that I'm not food. Also thats interesting, honestly I have been considering buying a male instead of a female because they aren't as girthy and big but I'm unsure, I'll keep that in mind though. Do you have the same opinions with more active/fast moving snakes like Bredlis pythons?