Common Boa (BCI), The Best Pet Snake? 

Wonderful video! I am a veterinarian with a special interest in reptiles coming from Ontario, Canada and I have been loving your videos! The content is bang on the mark and the presentation is excellent! Thanks for all that you do.

Clint is the Bob Ross of the reptile world

My favorite quote now... "When you're a noodle with a head, the world is a scary place."

Please start selling T-shirts that say "If you're a noodle with a head, the world is a scary place." That's hilarious.

So, when I decided that I want a pet (a single pet, not starting collection or anything), I narrowed it down to a snake, and when I researched snakes I narrowed it down to BCI boa, preferably a baby, so it can grow with me learning how to handle a big snake. I got Zaar when he was around 3 months old and he is absolutely amazing. I love how active and curious he is without being too fast. What's most important, contrary to his siblings ( I also had chance to handle them) he never striked. He hissed at me once in shed - but he half-assed it to the point that paranoid me had to pick him up to check for respiratory infection - and ignored me when I was picking him up. I was mentally prepared to be beaten. His personality is 12/10 So thank you Clint for helping me to make informed choice! I feel quite confident in my husbandry, what I should change when my snake will get bigger and honestly, I feel like I finally made some good decisions in my life. Zaar is thriving ❤️ Thank you again, take care!

I have been keeping snakes for 50+ years. I got my first BCI 5 years ago. Now I have three of them. They are hands down my all time favorite snakes. I have owned bps and I totally agree, my boas NEVER refuse food. In fact, the day after I feed them they will lie to you and say they are starving!

Boas are hands down my favorite snakes. They're just big enough to be impressive, but not so big you can't safely handle them by yourself. They're active in their enclosures too so unlike ball pythons, they're interesting to watch. Handling wise, they move around enough to keep you engaged, but they move very slowly and are easy to maintain control of. Personality wise, I've taken more strikes from ball pythons than either of my boas (neither have ever struck at me) I think overall they have a more relaxed personality than many pythons.

You should do a collection video, show us all the reptiles

"These tend to be a bit more active, you can't exactly do other tasks while handling them... now watch me flex my skills by handling two at the same time while I make a video."

How can people be afraid of these gentle noodles? I wish i could get a Boa at some point! For now i'm going for smaller species mostly!

You have just absolutely solidified my choice for the single pet snake I want to hold in my collection. It's going to be a smaller locale of BCI!

The BCI Boa is a fabulous snake. I have 4 of them. My first one, a dwarf male, had not been handled and his owner was afraid of him. He hissed and struck out of fear. He is around my shoulders as I watch this video. He learned I will not hurt him, even if he bites, and now we are great friends. My other Boa Imperators will grow much larger.

8:22 the Boa has a mustache and a goatee... you can never unsee it now

I don't recommend putting boas in racks from personal experience they do brilliant in vivs and tanks because there so active especially when climbing

7:38 “When you’re a noodle with a head....” hahaha!

That moment when she peeked up over the back of your head, adorable! Very pretty snakes. 😁🐍

I've had my BCI since I was 18, and I'm 32 now. He's never struck at me except when food is involved. It is important to be able to read their body language though, because a big one can inflict a serious bite. But he is so sweet and I absolutely feel the same way about them being the best pet snake.

I want to thank you, Clint. I never thought I would get a boa, but I picked up a sunglow that was missing an eye. She’s a perfect pet! She never goes after anyone, she seems to want to be held (thought I don’t think reptiles care), and eats like a champ. I love her.

I just accidentally got a boa at a reptile expo yesterday (fell in love with her coloring) without knowing much about them. But I'm dedicated to giving her the best life she can have, so this video was pretty useful in educating me on them! I love how easy to understand the information is given and how much you obviously love snakes, in all your videos. Thanks again!

I love how excited you get over reptiles, its so refreshing to see.

"They just give you a big hug." The best phrase I've heard from you yet. That and your king cobra as a pet video. Priceless.

"They tend to be more active" heard Ruby and promptly went to sleep around his neck.

Got my boa at a reptile show when he was only a couple weeks old. He’s now 6 and is in a 48x18x18 inclosure. He never misses a meal and is puppy dog tame. Named him after Kramer from Seinfeld. Love him to death

I remember watching this video when it first came out, and it further solidified the boa as my dream snake. Now I am rewatching it with my little baby boa.

This right here is why I'm getting a snake. Ivr been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and have been having a hard time with therapy, treatment, support, etc. Animals Have been an amazing help through my last few months of lows (lost feeling in my hands). My earliest memories of animals and one of my best kept childhood memories was being allowed to handle a boa. It was so wonderful. I've been hooked ever since. That was about 23yrs ago. I'm 29 now and doing serious research into keeping a snake and hopefully further down the line breeding. Thank you for all you do not only in the community but also in putting the information together for those wanting to learn. Thank you for your passion for animals. From a fellow animal lover ☺️

We used to call the snakes with Ruby's coloration "Columbian Red Tailed Boas". I had one for a decade that was by FAR my favorite. She was my pet dog, haha. Right after shed her tail was bright red. They are still my favorite all time snake.

Held my first boa last night (just a young fella, only about 8 lbs) and was very, very surprised how calm he was, no matter who was handling him. He was a rescue, and his owner has done a lot of good work with him.

Yes!!! Finally!! I've been waiting for you to make this video! I love watching all your videos and I wish you and your channel the best

Clint: Boas are great at climbing! Me: *looks at my dumbass boa* He got his tall perch taken away because he falls off it multiple times a day

Agh they're so cute clint

Yes! This is my favorite series on RU-vid!

Recently stumbled upon your channel after researching Ball Pythons and i have to say your channel is so awesome and informative and fun to watch, please keep doing what you do and changing peoples perspective on how awesome these animals are (myself included)!!

Happy birthday Clint. I think this is the best video on RU-vid. Happy birthday!

You are truly an inspiration and an incredible educator in the reptile hobby, thank you for all you do.

It's impossible not to smile when I'm watching Clint's videos.. his enthusiasm is so infectious!

I love seeing passion and seeing how you treat these guys is so amazing to see

I love this video so much. This video was a huge part in how I decided that a common boa was the right pet for me! I have had my boa for months now and I still rewatch this video on a regular basis. I just love hearing Clint talk. He is so informative and captivating and I like that the information of this video always pertains to an animal that i now have in my possession. No matter how many times i rewatch this one i always enjoy it just as much. So thorough and well produced.

That is a large Central American boa! Most I see are smaller, depending on locality of course. There are also teeny BCI localities that are wonderful, if you want the personality and ease of care in a tiny package. The Mexican boas and island boas all stay under 6ft, usually 4-5ft. Most a 3x2x2 or 3x2x3 is plenty, though I always prefer more height especially for a BCI.

Just love to watch all the fun you are all having. Your videos always brighten my day and instill reptile knowledge.

Awesome videos!!! I’ve been keeping snakes and lizards for about 2 years now. That’s not very long and I still have lots to learn about the hobby. Watching your videos is a great tool to learn more things about keeping them. So thank you very very much.

Yes!! I've been waiting for this one! I've been doing research on BCIs for months now, now Im trying to save up and get my living situation worked out so I can get one and give it all it needs ^^

I love my moonglow bci boa. She's the only boa in my collection but she's definitely my favorite. If I could only keep one she'd be it. Good video Clint. Love the out takes at the end♡

Clint your videos have given me a great appreciation for snakes! I've been going to reptile expos whenever I can just to handle some and learn about them in hopes of getting one someday. I even got to handle a 10ft red tailed boa (when previously handling even the baby boas stressed me out) and I didn't wanna let her go~ thank you so much for these videos! 😊

My favorite thing about common boas is their adorable little mustaches! I think seeing that helped me slowly lose my fear of snakes and now I absolutely love reptiles! Thank you for your continuously informative and fun content Clint!

BCI's are wonderful animals, we have an 8 year old named Rupert and he is an absolute sweetheart! Couldn't imagine not having a Boa! Thank you for the consistently excellent videos Clint and production team🙏

As a person who's kept and worked with several snakes over the years, I have to say that my two boas have been my favorites!!! They may often pull their heads back into a 'guarded' position even when they're totally calm, but I've learned to look for other cues (particularly nervous 'bellows' breathing). The only time I've ever been bitten by any boa I've worked with has been due to an over eager feeding response where the individual has completely overshot the feeder and the tongs. Even then, they've been really good at immediately realizing that I'm not food and letting go. My current personal pet, a beautiful ruby red blood boa I purchased from GilbertBoas (I can't recommend this breeder highly enough, he really cares about his babies), is an absolute sweethearted snake. He seems to be responding to a regimen of sound and visual cues I use before feeding him -- I tap each side of his cage with the feeding tongs, then open the cage and show him the tongs before giving him his food. He now tends to respond with his feeding response body posture only when I give the signal, and is otherwise chill when I open his cage to just do his regular handling, water changes, and cleaning. I have had a lot of success with just having a boa chill on my shoulders while I do other things, like watch TV, crochet, or draw. Once they're used to things and have had a bit of investigate and poke everything time, they'll frequently be happy to just fall asleep on you (often burrowing into clothing... mine like to spelunke in my sleeves or flop in a hoodie. Their full body hug is great for when you have sore shoulders... it's like a big cuddly auto massager. Oh, when it comes to their clawed spurs, I have noticed them on occasion with my males, as they will dig in with them to assist with their grip. It doesn't really hurt, but it can be a noticeable surprise poke! My personal pet boas have always been a bit 'chatty'. I don't know if anyone else has ever experienced this. They have a distinct chuff that they will use when poking around curiously or when they're getting comfortable, though one of mine really seems to like to stick his nose in human ears and chuff. It's very different from a defensive hiss or growl. My wonderful reptile vet thought it was the cutest thing when giving them their checkups, confirming that this was not a respiratory infection (which I've gone through treating before and know that it sounds very different than a wheeze), and not due to fear or stress given body posture and behavior. Also, I'm so glad that B.i. is now considered a separate species, as that really changes the regulations regarding these sweet snakes in the U.S. Oh, and reading further, someone put out a request for a t-shirt with the quote 'If you're a noodle with a head, the world is a scary place'. I'd be happy to donate any art or design for such a thing to your channel. (I go by Guardian-Beast on deviantart, here's a sample of a t-shirt I've designed in the past: I'd be happy to donate an illustration or full design for a shirt! Here's an idea of the type of design work I've done for a t-shirt in the past: www.deviantart.com/guardian-beast/art/Minotaur-s-Dream-316781544 )

Love how up beat this guy is. I love snakes and l love how much of a positive light people like this give to snakes ❤️

What a perfect example of boas personalities when handling! I love the video, great information, well articulated and love how you kept hand walking throughout the entire video showing how busy they can be while holding multiple. Hands down my favorite snakes❤

Well hi there Clint! After I got my little ole corn snake. I had a BCI rehomed to me! She's 8 foot 5 and 18 years old! She's been an amazing boa so far! She's beautiful and I wish I knew what locality she is! Thanks for all you do and for making my love for snakes and reptiles a reality! 🙏🏻🐍🦎🦂🕷️

I love boas but they always look intimidating 😂

I love your channel! You’re an absolute delight and I’ve learned so much!

Just got my first boa today, watched a bunch of your videos to help research. Amazing stuff, and beautiful snakes. Keep it up

Finally A Boa Video From Clint’s Reptiles. By The Way Keep Up The Good Work😃😁👍🏿 Ordering One On Thursday 21/06/18

*I absolutely love boas I currently own 2 and I'm getting a dwarth boa Wednesday! !!!*

Wanted to say THANK YOU Clint!!! You convinced me to buy my first boa. Just got a 2019 Anery Het Snow BCI. Awesome personality and loves being handled. Love him. Thanks again! 🐍❤👍

Got a BCC last Saturday and this weekend will be my first time handling it, so excited 🤟🏽

Btw FOR YALLS INFO if you buy a baby boa its probably not gon bite you

You and Emily have the best bloopers. "I said they were explorers, you didnt believe me, I could see the looks on yours faces." 😂

I came here to get some info on the BCI and I learned so many things about Boas, your enthusiasm is amazing, thank you Clint! I immediately subbed a few days ago. I now have a BCI named Asclepios, and he is very chill for a baby! (8 months old) Very curious as well, exploring his large enclosure full of leaves, plants and two large sturdy branches which fit all the way from one side of the enclosure to another

When I was in highschool I had a boa for a while but when I went away to college I couldn't bring it with me and I had to give it up. Fast forward 2 decades and some change, and I'm watching your videos and they reminded me of everything I love about boas and I recently got one. My only regret is that I waited so long. I got him from a reputable breeder and he's so wonderful. Everyday when I see him, I'm just blown away that I have such a cool pet. And I have you thank for reminding me how much I love boas.

This is bad...really bad. RU-vid is feeding my obsession with snakes. I am getting a constrictor and can't wait!!!

You are SO Spot On...I have both a gorgeous 7yr old male pastel royal python and a stunning common 3yr old female BCI...My royal has his times when he doesn't want to feed so I always give it.(a large rat) to my BCI Merlin who will stuff her face with what he doesn't want...No, i don't do power feeding. .but waste not want not eh!! Just love handling Merlin, she is so strong and powerful yet calm and gentle..just love the way the light plays on her skin..that 'iridescence' that you speak of....she is just a totally beautiful stunning snake just as she is. .Just love the wild natural look to any of these beautiful creatures..much more than all these multi coloured morphs. .I bought Merlin as a 'birthling '..What a cute little noodle she was!!😁😁😁

Thank you so much for these videos!! I’m hoping to own a snake when I move out and this really helps me get a better grasp on what snake I might want to care for.

Picking Up a Common Boa on sunday, cant wait, rescuing him. Searched for a video about Boa's and found this. Liked and Subscribed, thanks for your help! From the UK

I love you videos can you do some on different types of skinks because besides blue tounges the rest of the skink family is nearly unseen on RU-vid videos even doe they are amazing reptiles

Would leave to see you tall about Emerald Tree Boas and Amazon Tree Boas.

I love boas as well. I tried to rehome a 6 year old male in 2001. In 2017, I did finally find a home for him. He was about 6 foot when I got him and near 7, 15 years later, and still growing last I heard.

Awesome, vid-love your positive energy and insight. I originally thought I’d only want Ball Pythons in my collection, but after having one-then getting a BCI Boa, it changed my whole perception and now Boas are also my favorite snake as well! When you see them all the time they begin to look smaller and smaller than the first time lol. I have a baby Albino BCI to be specific, and will be adding another to my collection very soon, but probably a normal or Hypo this time.

i would love to own a BCI, as they are my favorite looking snake and i love their temperament, but i just don't have the space at the moment

I had red tail boas when I was younger we fed them once a month we had a heating pad on one side and a light and a unused basin for a water dish My stepfather sold one of the snakes to a zoo his name was Krush his sisters name was Kuddles sadly she passed away I miss my snakes and I'm thinking about getting another boa .

I want to thank you for posting this video I'm in the process of getting my first snake and for a very long time I've had to debate about what species that I want and I finally decided I want one of these thank you so much for all the information and for the continued videos God bless you

Dude I love your videos. I got a boa today and this video is beyond perfect and extremely informational. Thank you!

i really love this series, especially as someone getting into reptiles. But i am curious, why nothing on chameleons, i got a veiled chameleon and would love to see a video of yours on them.

Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn i am so proud of you believe me on that. I can't wait till i get my boa action going ,,,,, oh yeahhhhh

Great informational video Clint! I can say they’re very rewarding snakes!

I'm getting mine Friday and I'm so freaking excited.

I love boas so much. Give me a kenyan sand or any red tail any day over a corn or king

When you mentioned to make changes when you see lid pushing what did you mean as far as changes go I just got my boa and just Incase it does do this I wanna know the steps to fix this m. Just to be ready you know!

Just got my Jungle BI!!! Thank you Clint for helping me decide. Love your videos!!!!

I love his enthusiasm and knowledge

Can you do a video on short tailed pythons?

When your a noodle with a head, the world is a scary place. -2018 Clint Laidlaw-

My 2m BCI is the sweetest girl. So curious and chill, loves exploring and getting handled. She has never hissed or tried to strike at anyone. She's so nice to chill with. I always have her out when I put on makeup

I got a Central American dwarf boa and I named her beautiful. I absolutely love her she is amazing! Your description of them is spot-on. She has never struck at me with the exception of one time and that was when she was a baby in the first week that I had her. That's it! She is definitely a noodle with the head! Love your videos my friend!

BCI = Brain Computer Interface I will use it to communicate with my BCI Boa some day

7:53 😏 ok now get your mind out of the gutter

I have watched this video so many times!!! Love it! (Can we have a new video about your boas please?! maybe include their enclosures, and things you changed for them over time?)

Ohhh!!! I was just given my first BCI for a rehome!! I'm so excited to have her!

Hi Clint, I'd really appreciate a reply I have a question. My adult milksnake (previous owners didn't know kind or sex) has gone off feeding for a couple months now and if theres any tips you could give. It's still happy and active when I get it out, has no visible signs of loosing weight but just isn't interested in feeding at all!! I was just wondering if it's maybe just the time of year for mating season, or for a female to be producing eggs or a male looking for a mate I don't know please help thank you. Ps your animals are beautiful and great video as always!!

Can you do a video on the Crocodile Monitor?

The bloopers on this are possibly the cutest video on this channel :D

Boa has always been my favorite! Inquisitive and intelligent. Great video.

2:19 Nagini, kill! (I know it's not the same species)

I think I didn't hear that right did you said "When I pull my Boa out in front of a group of people"?

I just got my first noodle baby yesterday! She's a Juvenile Columbian Red Tail Boa, and I love her already! Thank you for the information!

I love these guys Definitely considering investing in a boa myself. They are beautiful Another great video!

Wait what does "pushing" mean when it comes to snakes?

I wait for this video about bci a long time. Because my next snake is a boa. They are so amazing, the colour, the size, the triangle head... wonderfull. And its so funny to see you handling two of this large snakes 😃 Like your channel😉 Greats from germany

Getting my new BCI tomorrow, can't wait!

I have a five year old Corn Island dwarf BCI boa. He maxed out at around 5 and a half feet and he's got such a great temperament! Love boas!!