Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
After long deliberation, I decided to purchase a Columbian red-tail boa. I went to the Maryland reptile show to pick one up today. At the show I held him and he was very docile and I even held him before I put him into his new cage. But a few hours later when I went to pick him up he started hissing at me. Needless to say I was taken aback and I let him be.

My question is did I try to handle him too early?? And if so how long should I wait? I am really apprehensive about being bitten, I think not so much the pain but what to expect. He isn't that big at all, the guy I bought him from said that he may be a little nippy because he's young. I just want to know what to do so I can nip this in the bud early, I don't want a 6 foot snake hissing and striking at me.

Any info is appreciated. I can post some pics tommorow if I get the chance to. Thanks guys.

James

That behavior is fairly common with young animals, especially after moving into their new homes. If after a week or so he doesn't seem to calm down just start working with him by handling him for short periods of time every day or two.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

So I should just leave him alone for a week Randy? And do you think that it would be a good idea to feed him before I try to handle him?

When you feed him plan on no handling for atleast 2 days after he eats. When they have a food item in their stomach they can be injured with handling, also handling can cause stress which can result in them regurgitating their meal (which opens up many more potential problems)
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Randall L Turner Jr.
Boas make the world go round.

Well I know about leaving him alone after feeding. I am just wondering could the hissing be in part of him being grumpy because he's a little hungry. I'm gonna try the T-shirt method in a couple of days, see how that goes. BTW if I do get bitten, does it hurt real bad?

You should feel no pain at all from a baby biting you. It'll be over before you even know it happened. Possibly leaving a couple pin pricks where the bite happened. I used to distract them with one hand moving a little bit and then pick them up from mid body or further back. The guy I have now was very calm when I got him, and since I got him he is held approx. 2-3 hours almost every day, and has showed signs of chilling even more. I can actually pet his head without him flinching now. The biggest thing is handling them as much as your free time allows, this SHOULD ensure your boa will be a hippie and not a gangster when he grows up.

- Damian

Thanks so much guys I really appreciate your help assuring that I provide the best care to my new friend!! I'm gonna give him a couple of days to get acclamated. I'm gonna post pics in a couple of the days.

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