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ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING. NO HIDDEN CHARGES!
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THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED ON AUGUST 10TH AT 12:45 AM EST
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Paul and I met for the second time when we were 24 years old. We had gone to school together when we were younger, but had not seen one another in years. When we started dating, the first thing he bought me was a 22
rifle. We spent our free time target shooting, and...shooting snakes. We were ignorant about snakes and just patted outselves on the back and told ourselves that one of the snakes we shot just might have bitten
someone, and hadn't we done a great job, saving someone that misery. We were happy carefree hunters. Then, one day, we spotted a large snake crossing the gravel road ahead of us. We could see it stretched out and
appeared 5-6 feet long. We were in our Corvair convertible. I put the gun on the top of the windshield and fired. Again. Again. We got him, I was sure. We put the car in gear and approached our quarry. As we
got close enough to identify the snake, I was shocked. I did not know much about snakes, but I had been told that a king snake was a "good" snake that killed other snakes, and I knew what a kingsnake looked
like.....all black with yellow specks. And now, lying there on the ground in front of us was a large dead kingsnake ! I felt as if I wanted to throw up. I told Paul at that point, "No more snake killing for me. I
feel bad. He was a good snake. My ignorance caused his death.
So, our next step was to go to the library and learn about snakes. (way before internet days) We got books and read, and decided we wanted a pet snake. We went out in the woods and were lucky enough to catch a large
king snake like the one we had killed. This guy was really big and did not think much of being a pet. We fixed him a nice cage, but he only struck the glass if we came close, and he hissed and pooped when we tried
to hold him. We got him a mouse thinking maybe he was hungry, but he only struck at it and would not eat. After a couple of weeks, we turned him loose, and decided to make a trip to Houston, Texas to look for a pet
snake. We went to a pet shop that had a 10 gallon aquarium with lots of babies. We purchased a male and a female, and were delighted they did not have the disposition of the kingsnake. They made no real attempt to
bite, and felt like silk between my fingers. We enjoyed them very much, and then, four years later, awoke one morning to a small litter of 9 baby boas. I was "hooked". They were so cute and perfect little replicas
of the mom and dad. That was in 1980.
We had opened a pet shop ourselves in 1976, and had all the animals a normal shop would have, but we began to specialize in snakes. We sold a few dogs and cats, but soon decided these animals were not really good for
a pet shop. But, the reptiles did really well. We began to stock lizards and snakes of various kinds, and I was the dog groomer taking care of that part of the business. Paul waited on customers and cleaned cages.
Being located halfway between New Orleans and Houston, we had opportunities to purchase boas that people had to get rid of for one reason or another. By now I had decided I wanted to breed boas, so my collection
grew to quite a number of snakes. I tried to breed the best to the best for color, and always took into consideration that I wanted my snakes to have good temperament as well. I spent lots of time on the phone
talking to other herpers, and again, before the internet, tried to discern between the different sub-species of boas. In all my years of herping, I have only received four snakes with paperwork, and none of the
people who brought snakes to the shop to sell me a snake had any paperwork. I bred what I believed and still believe were Colombians. Every year, we had one, two, or three litters of babies, and I was still always
trying to improve my bloodlines.
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In 1993 we semi-retired and moved to East Tennessee. We found a beautiful place in the mountains and we feel as if it is a little piece of heaven on earth. Since moving here, we kept the boas, as I was not done
breeding, and the boa world was just beginning to really grow. In 1997 I was able to get an internet site, and I have sold hundreds of baby boas to many happy customers over the years. During this time, I have had
the pleasure of having the first Caramel boas. The excitement of the boa world keeps me going. I love what we are doing and what more can one ask for. I still try to breed the best boas with the best temperaments. I
will never stop being amazed at how gentle and sweet a boa can be. And now, this past year, one of my Boas had a parthenogenic litter, which basically means....she did it all by herself. Look in the Caramel Boas
link for pics and more info. And, to me, BOA still stands for Best of All !!!!!
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So....we are basically a Mom and Pop business. I remember when we used to drive through the countryside and come across a small grocery or hardware store ran by a couple who seemed to both enjoy the business. Well,
we are that country store on the internet highway. Stop in and browse and visit. We always enjoy your company...and boas are always a topic of conversation in this store. We have been keeping boas now for oveer 30
years, and they are an intricate part of our family group. We have 7 dogs, one cat, fish, mice, rats, and chickens. We enjoy all our animals and country living. We have complete care and responsibility for all our
animals, and will only sell boas that are healthy, and eating well. We want to keep the quality of our boa constrictors as a priority. We want to treat customers like we would like to be treated.
Caring for your boa constrictor is also important to us. We will answer your questions quickly as your boa deserves the very best captive experience possible for each owner. All of our babies are "babied" by us from
the first moment we lay eyes on them, and they lay eyes on us. Oh, how I wish more people knew how wonderful boas are as pets. I guess I am bragging, as these are our "grandchildren". Our snake room is a constant
part of our life as that is where the computer is located, so we spend lots of time in the snake room, and observe the snakes many times a day and through the night. Our snake room has large windows so the snakes
can enjoy the natural cycle of the sun as the year goes by. I think it may stimulate them at the proper time of breeding, but it is interesting to note however, that not all boas respond at the same time. Some start
breeding in August when the nights begin to cool, where others start in October or November. Therefore, I usually have my first groups of babies in January, and a second group in May. Sweet !
Enjoy your visit, and do not hesitate to call with any questions. 423-733-9991
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A customer called and asked why we only sell Colombian boas. The answer is simple. They make wonderful pet snakes. They have such a laid back attitude and become part of the family. They are like the Labrador
Retriever or the Golden Retriever of the snake world....not too big, not too small, gentle, impressive, and love to spend time with their owner.
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Me with the mother of my Caramel babies back in 1986. What was to come I could not yet know.....but these babies opened special doors !
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Our facility does enjoy 24 hour surveillance with upload video database of events.
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ALL OF OUR BOA CONSTRICTORS ARE CAPTIVE BRED & CAPTIVE BORN.
HELP ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF WILD BOAS AND THEIR HABITATS -- BUY A CAPTIVE-BRED
CAPTIVE-BORN BOA CONSTRICTOR (FIND OUT MORE).
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SPECIALTY COLOMBIAN
BOA CONSTRICTOR
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