Where to Buy a Boa Constrictor
Where to Buy a Boa Constrictor: Finding a Healthy, Well-Adjusted Snake
Buying a boa constrictor is a big investment, and where you purchase your snake can make all the difference in its health, temperament, and long-term care. Choosing a reputable source ensures you get a well-adjusted boa with a known history, proper feeding habits, and strong genetics.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to buy a boa, red flags to watch for, and essential questions to ask before making your purchase.
🐍 The Best Places to Buy a Boa Constrictor
Not all sellers are created equal. If you want a healthy, well-socialized boa, consider these trusted sources:
✅ Reputable Breeders (Best Overall Choice)
Purchasing from an experienced, ethical breeder is the best way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality, healthy boa constrictor.
Why Choose a Breeder?
✔️ Healthier snakes with known genetics
✔️ Reliable feeding records and temperament assessments
✔️ Direct access to expert guidance and ongoing support
📌 Pro Tip: Ask the breeder how often the snake is feeding, what prey type it prefers, and if it has had any health issues. A responsible breeder will provide detailed records.
✅ Reptile Expos & Shows (Best for In-Person Selection)
Reptile expos bring together a variety of breeders, making it easy to compare different boas in person.
Why Buy at an Expo?
✔️ See the snake before purchasing
✔️ Meet breeders face-to-face and ask questions
✔️ Potential to find rare morphs not available online
📌 Pro Tip: Be cautious when buying at an expo—ask about feeding history and watch for signs of stress or poor health before committing.
✅ Online Marketplaces (Best for Convenience & Selection)
Reputable online platforms like Snakesy.com connect buyers with experienced breeders, allowing you to shop for boas from the comfort of your home.
Why Buy from a Trusted Marketplace?
✔️ Wide selection of morphs from verified breeders
✔️ Access to customer reviews and breeder ratings
✔️ Professional listing formats with detailed snake info
📌 Pro Tip: Choose marketplaces that vet their sellers (like Snakesy!) to avoid low-quality or misrepresented snakes. Avoid classified ad sites where seller reliability is uncertain.
❌ Places to Avoid When Buying a Boa
Not all sources prioritize animal health and buyer transparency. Be cautious when considering:
❌ Pet Stores (Often Poor Husbandry & Unknown History)
Many chain pet stores sell boas with little background information, inconsistent feeding, and improper care.
🚫 Risks:
⚠️ Snakes may be sick or stressed from improper housing
⚠️ Feeding habits and genetics are often unknown
⚠️ Employees may lack reptile expertise
📌 Pro Tip: If a pet store can’t provide feeding records, DO NOT buy the snake.
❌ Craigslist, Facebook, & Unverified Sellers
While private sellers may offer boas at lower prices, there’s often little to no guarantee of health or accurate genetic information.
🚫 Risks:
⚠️ Many sellers lack experience or proper record-keeping
⚠️ Snakes may have health issues or parasites
⚠️ No recourse if the seller misrepresents the snake
📌 Pro Tip: If a seller refuses to answer basic questions about feeding, health, or genetics, walk away.
❌ Open Marketplaces with No Seller Verification
Some online marketplaces allow anyone to list snakes for sale, often with little to no oversight. While these platforms may offer tempting deals, they come with serious risks—especially for buyers who are new to boas.
🚫 Risks:
⚠️ No breeder verification—anyone can sell, regardless of experience or reputation
⚠️ Higher chance of misrepresented genetics or mislabeled morphs
⚠️ Increased likelihood of health issues, improper feeding, or parasites
⚠️ Little to no buyer protection—if something goes wrong, you're on your own
📌 Pro Tip: Stick to marketplaces that vet their sellers and require proper listings with verified health and feeding records. If a platform allows free, unverified listings, proceed with extreme caution!
📝 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying
No matter where you buy your boa, always ask these key questions:
1️⃣ What is the feeding schedule, and what prey does it eat? (Consistent feeding indicates a well-adjusted boa.)
2️⃣ Has the snake ever refused a meal? (Frequent refusals could signal stress or health problems.)
3️⃣ Can I see current photos/videos? (Verify the snake’s health and appearance.)
4️⃣ What is the snake’s temperament like? (Some boas are naturally calmer than others.)
5️⃣ Has the snake been treated for parasites? (Mites and internal parasites are common in poorly kept snakes.)
6️⃣ What are the parents’ genetics? (Important for breeders looking to produce specific morphs.)
📌 Pro Tip: A responsible seller will gladly answer these questions and provide documentation.
🐍 Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Buy Responsibly
Where you buy your boa constrictor directly affects its health, temperament, and longevity. Choosing a reputable breeder, attending expos, or using a trusted online marketplace like Snakesy.com ensures you’re getting a well-cared-for snake with a known history.
🔹 DO: Buy from ethical breeders, reputable expos, and verified online platforms.
🔹 DON’T: Buy from pet stores with poor husbandry, unverified private sellers, online marketplaces that allow ANYONE to post, or sources that can’t provide health records.
🚀 Ready to find the perfect boa? Browse available listings on Snakesy.com and connect with trusted breeders today!
🔗 Next Steps:
📖 Return to the Boa Constrictor Buyer’s Guide
🏡 Go Back to Common Boa Health Issues