Read About Boa vs Python

Boa vs Python are choices you need to make when selecting a constricting snake as a pet. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Boa vs Python - Facts

1. Description:

   Boas and pythons are both "constricting" snakes, meaning they wrap their bodies around their victims and literally squeeze them to death. They are non-venomous.

2. Varieties:

   The boa constrictor is the most well-known type of boa. There are the rosy and red-tailed boas. Some varieties of python are the green tree python, the Burmese, and the reticulated.

3. History:

   Most boas are found in the area of South America and the Pacific islands. Pythons are found mainly in Asia and Africa.

4. Physical Traits:

   Boas and pythons are not always large snakes. Some are smaller and gentle. But these snakes, as with all others, have skin covered in scales, which they shed regularly.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   Snakes use their vision to detect motion of their prey. Snakes also have no eyelid, but the eyes are covered with a transparent scale that is shed with the skin.

6. Habitat:

   Boas and pythons live in many different environments, from rain forest to desert. They eat insects, mammals, birds, fish, and other reptiles.

Boa vs Python - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Boas and pythons are curious and are easily tamed. They may live up to 40-years.

2. Liabilities:

   All snakes should be handled with care, particularly the larger ones. You should be sure that you know someone who is familiar with snakes to care for your pet if you need to go away.

3. Health Issues:

   Boas and pythons are prone to a disease known as "Inclusion Body Disease", a retrovirus which results in paralysis and death. Snakes can also become infected by parasites, and the spread of salmonella to humans.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Pythons and boas should be taught to eat dead prey, to lessen the chance of the snake turning on its owner or possibly being bitten, or injured, itself by its prey.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   These snakes should not be handled by unsupervised children. Other pets should not be kept in the same house, as they may become prey for the snake.

6. Special Household Needs:

   The size of enclosure for a boa or python must be relative to the size of the snake. The enclosure must be escape-proof.

Boa vs Python - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   You should be certain it is legal to own a boa in the area that you live. You will need to care for the snake for at least 20-years, if not more. A healthy boa or python should look alert, with bright eyes, and firm skin. There should be no visible parasites on the skin, and it should coil firmly (but not too firm) when handled.

2. Supplies:

   You need to have a good source for food, as large snakes need arge prey , such as large rats or rabbits. Snakes also need places to hide. They need items to coil around, such as a large tree branch, and some sort of heat source which uses shielded bulbs that will warm the pet and prevent burns to the snake.

3. Expense:

   Boas and pythons can cost anywhere in the hundreds to thousands of dollars. You must also take into account the cost of feeding the snake, which can be quite an expensive undertaking.