Considering a Boa Constrictor

Question
My husband and I are considering purchasing a boa constrictor from the local pet store.  First let me add that both of us have considerable experience with smaller snake species such as kingsnakes, corn snakes, etc - we own 7 of them, and have experience in that area.  However we don't have any experience at all with giant snakes.  

We have a general idea about care and feeding and such, but these are the specific questions we have about owning a boa.

First, what would a good size cage be for a full grown boa?  The largest tank we currently have is a 125 gallon fishtank, but if nessacery we could build a larger one ourselves.  Unfortunately most websites only show care sheets for hatchlings, and while we will be purchasing a hatchling, we plan on having it for its entire lifespan.  So any information on housing for a full grown boa would be extremely helpful.

Also, as far as temperment goes, how does the temperment of a boa compare with the temperment of a ball python?  We have been around ball pythons, so we are somewhat familiar with them..can we expect similar behavior from a boa?

Essentially, we are wanting to purchase the snake so that we can have one that we can hold a lot. The snakes we currently own, such as kingsnakes, cornsnakes, and water snakes, can be handled, but well, they don't stay in one place for very long LOL And most are pretty snappy (especially the water snakes).  So would a boa be a good species for a "handling" snake?

Thank you for all your help and advice!

Answer
Hi Stephanie,
I love Boas. If out and handled a lot of the time, they do not require a large cage. My Burms and Retics do but not the Boas. Your tank will do fine for many years. If it gets very big it may need to go to something a little bigger. They are climbers so go vertical instead of horizontal. Some people like to put a branch inside for them to climb on. Big mistake for one that's being removed frequently.  They are almost impossible to get off of the branch. You be the climbing tree when it is out.

Boas seem to love to hang on people. As I am typing this, I have a Boa on my shoulders. It will stay  there all day if I let it. I usually hold them while someone else cleans cages but sometimes I just put one over the back of a chair and they stay there. An 80 year old lady gave me her Boa awhile back. She is going into a home and can not take it. She wanted it to go to a good home as she has had it all it's life. She used to sit and watch TV with the boa in her lap. It is 8 feet in length and very nice. Ball Pythons are ok but Boas are even nicer. My 9 year old granddaughter lives with us and has one on her most of the time. No problems at all.

They do love to eat and you have to be careful there. I always start to pull them out of the cage a little with a small snake hook to let them know that hand coming in  is not food. They are always ready to go for food but once they realize they are coming out they are just fine. Boas are excellent for handling. In fact, after a while they will tighten up on you as you start toward their cage to put them back. They want to stay out with you all of the time. That is so neat because you know they trust you and enjoy being with you. You will be very glad you have a Boa. Hope this helps some. Edmund Brown [ReptileEd] http://www.ReptileSpectacular.com