I've had my common boa for a year or so. It was given to me because someone needed to get rid of it ASAP. I've very rarely handled it but feed it regularly.

The other day when I had the boa in a temporary container while cleaning it's cage I was just stroking it lightly because it has never seemed to enjoy ANY contact. I was petting it's tail and it jerked away quickly and I continued to lightly touch the tail and the weirdest thing happened. The 5 1/2 ft. snake gapped it's mouth open and made a very distinct, loud hissing sound.

This really freaked me out and I obviously stopped touching the snake. I've owned many reptiles over the years and I've never seen a snake exhibit this behavior, only monitors.

Has anyone else noticed their snake do this?

[ Hide Replies ]

• Hissing Boa! - woodensoul, Mon Jul 28 06:06:33 2003
• RE: Hissing Boa! - meretseger, Mon Jul 28 07:48:06 2003
• RE: Hissing Boa! - eurban2, Mon Jul 28 07:50:29 2003
• RE: Hissing Boa! - genaroleon, Mon Jul 28 11:54:39 2003
• Yes, their tail is very sensitive... - lilbitlizz, Mon Jul 28 21:38:06 2003
• RE: Hissing Boa! - woodensoul, Tue Jul 29 08:12:41 2003