Buying Guide for Boa Constrictors 

Buying a snake is a serious endeavor.  Many buy snakes without knowing much about the animals. For instance, the snakes may grow bigger than expected (especially with pythons), the owner may not have the right environment for the snake, or they may not know how to handle a snake.  I strongly encourage you to read our Boa Care guide to learn more about boa constrictors before considering buying one.
Once you are ready to buy a boa constrictor, we are here to help you.  We believe boa constrictors are great pets for beginners as well as advanced herpetologists.  Before you buy, however, you should consider a few points about the person you are buying from. There are many good people to choose from in this industry. This is just a guide to help assist you with your choice.

 1. What kind of a reputation does the seller have in the industry?
It is a lot easier to spend a little time asking others about a person or a business before you buy, rather than after the purchase when it may be too late. Most breeders will vouch for each other. Many will also, if they know the person you are asking about is questionable, steer you clear of a potential bad deal.

 2. How big of a collection do they have?
Someone with a large collection of animals probably has the experience to support and answer your questions.  They also know how to care for their snakes and to ensure they are healthy, happy and successful with breeding.  Regardless of your intent: breeding boas for profit or collecting them as pets, Buddha Boa will help you find the Boa that will fit your needs.

 3. Are they easy to contact when you need to talk to them?
How many times have you had a question about something and no one was there to answer your questions? Do they return your call in a reasonable time?  Do they answer your emails in a reasonable timeframe?  Can you visit them to see their facility?
We all like to take a holiday and that should be accepted, however, if they are not there for you before you buy, will they be more responsive after you buy? 
 

4. Did they explain the shipping process to you?
Most snakes bought online are shipped airfreight to your nearest major airport. Did they explain if a CITEs was needed and are they familiar with the procedure for this?  Be sure the seller explains this whole process to you.
 

5. Did you get to see a picture of the reptile before you bought it?
Many breeders are able to offer photographs of the reptiles that they have available for sale so that you may choose the one that you want. It is important to remember that for some this would be an impossible task especially when dealing with hundreds of hatchlings of some species. Where it is possible try to see a photo of what you are purchasing.
 

6. Do they offer records with the reptile you are buying?
Buying a reptile that comes with a history is the safest way to successfully bring that reptile into your home. The history can provide important information such as weight gain and feeding schedules. Some breeders do not take the time to offer such records as they say it takes too much time. Keeping such records does take a lot of time. Many breeders do offer this and it is nice to know this information about your snake. Some of the information that can be included is hatch date, hatch weight, shed dates, feeding dates, genealogy and food preference. You can bet that if the seller keeps this kind of information, the reptile has been well cared for before you get it.

7. Does the deal sound "too good to be true"?
We know that exotic boa morphs are expensive.  The snakes we sell at Buddha Boa are exotic, superb morphs and the demand is high for these boas.  Additionally, boas are becoming more and more popular which makes the demand even stronger.  In this type of situation, if you encounter a deal that is too good to be true, be careful.
You know the old saying. "If it seems to good to be true it probably is". Many times the cheapest deal is not the best deal in the long run. Extra money spent now on a quality reptile from a reputable breeder will make you a happy reptile owner later.  Also if you are thinking of breeding your animals, you should read our breeding guide. Investing in the highest quality animal you can afford now will ensure that your babies will be desired and you will not need to sell at drastic discounts or feed many little snakes yourself.

8. Do they offer several methods of payment?
Sometimes people will only accept cash. Did you see the "RED FLAG"? With the Internet today there are many options available for payment. Do not be pressed into paying cash if you do not wish to. Many breeders accept many forms of payment; i.e. Credit Cards, Bank Checks, Money Orders, etc. Beware of those that do not. If it is a private party you are buying from, ask them for a reference or two. Better to be safe than sorry.