Is a BOA a bad choice for me?

[tombutler86]

Hey
Im buying a snake but dont no if I should get a boa?
I got a young baby and a cat, and just read on a care sheet I found on google I should be wary getting a boa because of that!
I have been trying to decide between the boa or a royal and was swinging towards the boa but thats put me off!
What do you think?

[kelboy]

As long as you're concienscious with keeping the viv locked, making sure you're hygienic (washing your hands between snake and baby etc.) I shouldn't see any problems.

[The T Lord]

Its up to you.
Do you feel you can ensure the safety of both of them once the boa is adult, Males average about 6-7ft, so there not gigantic, but are quite a heavy built snake.
The baby shouldn't be a worry, unless you plan on handling the snake alot and having the baby near you when doing so, a boa will not go out of its way to attack the baby.a viv lock would minimise this possibility, as it would with the cat.
The cat is another problem, if you can makesure the cat cannot hide anywhere that you may not see when handling the snake, you should be ok, but otherwise, its again, up to you. Most people will remove or atelast contain(not litterally, more just have someone keep their eye on it) there household pets whilst handling a snake as a rule
Boas are not an overly agressive species per say. but there are always exeptions to the rules, both ways, youcould get a dog tame boa, and you could get a boa with an afrock temprement.
Hope this helps you with your decision.
John

[Reptiledan]

As above, just keep viv secure and i wouldn't see a problem..

[Boa Gaz]

If you've got a lock on your viv, I can't see a problem.
Obviously you won't be leaving the baby unattended when the boa is out of the viv - likewise when a boa is out of the viv, you should make sure dogs, cats etc. are well out of the way.

You guys are too quick - there were no answers when I started typing mine

[Jb1432]

Unless you are irresponsible you shouldnt have a problem keeping a boa, if you buy a baby it will take a good few years before it even reaches a big size. If you bought a male you'd be lucky if he got past 7ft. Its your decision at the end of the day but if you keep it securely and have it locked away and dont let the cat or the baby near it you wont have any problems.

[kelboy]

Originally Posted by The T Lord

Its up to you.
Do you feel you can ensure the safety of both of them once the boa is adult, Males average about 6-7ft, so there not gigantic, but are quite a heavy built snake.
The baby shouldn't be a worry, unless you plan on handling the snake alot and having the baby near you when doing so, a boa will not go out of its way to attack the baby.a viv lock would minimise this possibility, as it would with the cat.
The cat is another problem, if you can makesure the cat cannot hide anywhere that you may not see when handling the snake, you should be ok, but otherwise, its again, up to you.
Boas are not an overly agressive species per say. but there are always exeptions to the rules, both ways, youcould get a dog tame boa, and you could get a boa with an afrock temprement.
Hope this helps you with your decision.
John

I'm glad you expanded. Never thought of the cat!

[tombutler86]

Thanx everyone, Im getting a baby snake so this wont be an issue yet but when it did get bigger, would it iritate the snake if the cat was walking past his viv?

[Boa Gaz]

Originally Posted by tombutler86

Thanx everyone, Im getting a baby snake so this wont be an issue yet but when it did get bigger, would it iritate the snake if the cat was walking past his viv?

Not really - most boas are pretty chilled!!
We've got 4 cats here, and my BCI doesn't pay any attention to them at all.

Now if the cat was walking past the viv with a rat in it's mouth...

[kelboy]

Originally Posted by tombutler86

Thanx everyone, Im getting a baby snake so this wont be an issue yet but when it did get bigger, would it iritate the snake if the cat was walking past his viv?

I wouldn't say it'd irritate it, but it might initiate a bit of interest. If you're unsure, get rid of the cat!!!!