Hog Island vs. Columbian

sandman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008, 09:46 PM

I am looking at buying a boa and im haveing a little trouble deciding between a Hog Island or a Columbian red tail. I am not looking at breeding them or anything like that. I currently have 2 great plains rat snakes but i like the personalities of boas a bit more along with there size.

Originally I really wanted a columbian and didnt care much for the hogs, but after holding a hog i really like them alot now, I also like the fact they they dont get as big as the columbians I like big snakes but i dont want something that could be around 12 ft. I have heard the hogs rarely get over 7.

There is actually a pet store down the road from me that sells both, dont worry its not a chain or anything and there snake seem to be very well looked after.

I would appreciate any help on this descision thanks.

Java · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 01:28 AM

ok i own a hog island which is a female thats about 5 feet long, shes very calm eats like a beast and is just gorgeous. Personally, i think hogs are better looking that columbians. For example: hogs have awsome orange saddles, while columbians have brownish saddles. Columbiansa get alot bigger that hogs. Hogs get about 5-6 feet while columbiana have been known to reach over 12 feet ( the record was 15) thats my opinion, when i get a larger boa constrictor, i am dead set on a rly nice suri. dont get me wrong, columbians are very pretty but hogs are just incredibly unique. so i say go for the hog.

singlebambi · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 01:31 AM

I have a hogg/columbian cross. He is exactly 60 inches. I think he is the best boa ever. Plus I dont have to worry about him getting to big for me to handle. I kinda lean towards the hogg more. But thats just what I prefer.

singlebambi · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 01:34 AM

I agree with Java about why the hog island. Go for the hog island. And I also Have decided if I get another boa thats a columbian it will be a suri too.

mdot · #5 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 01:41 AM

I have a Hog and a Columbian. They're both actually very similar as far as their temperaments.

Hog Islands certainly have a unique look to them.

Kagome100 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 02:10 AM

I think Columbian would be better but it up to you. If your looking for a different look go with the hogg.

c.adamanteus · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 03:20 AM

It's ColOmbia, a Country in South America.
Columbia is in South Carolina, in the USA, in North America.

I'd say go with which ever one catches your eye better. Because in reality, it's how you bring it up as to how it's adult temperament will be. Both are capable of being tornadoes, or they can both learn to be accepting of your handling. I have an 8 Ft Albino Colombian that will sit in my lap in a coil, and for some amount of time too.

Lots of gentle, proper handling when young sets an imprint they carry with them for ever.

Hope that helps.
Rick

florida 87 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 04:42 AM

I have both a hog and a BCI (see that? I just avoided the whole "o" or "u" thing all together) too, and I think they're both great snakes. I love my hog to death, and her color changes from day and night still amaze me to this day. BUT, my BCI is gorgeous. Personally, I couldn't give you a fair opinion on which one to get. So, since I cant really base it on which one's better (cuz they're both awesome), i'll go my reptile shop clerk route. When customers come in and are ready to "upgrade" to a boa from their corn or ball python, I point them to a hog. Simply because they stay smaller (easier for a new boa owner to house), and (saddly) they have a better chance of reselling (we assume that most of our customers are either going to eventually get bored of their pets or in the event of an emergency might need to get rid of them...the market is flooded with unwanted red tails, and a hog will find a good home a lot easier

). SO, since they are both equally awesome in personality and appearance, look at it from an economical standpoint i guess. The hog is smaller and easier to care for and easier to find a home for should something eventually happen.

OR, just pick whichever one steals your heart when it finally comes down to buying one

sandman · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 07:51 AM

thanks for all of your input, I was not so much concerned with the temperament but more of the size, and I think im going with the hog I really like how unique they are.
where should I go look to find one I would like a new born if possible, a local shop by me has 2 but they are almost fully grown.

and sorry about the spelling haha

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