Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought an Argentine at the Chicago show in Oct and was just wondering what people experiances with them have been like. I've read that they can be ill tempered when young, but can be one of the most docile boas when older. Is this true? Mine will hiss and strike ( but not bite ) if I reach in and pet him, but once I pick him up he's totally fine. When I try to put him down he grips my hand and tries to climb back up my arm. He's about 5 months old now. Also I'd love to see some adult pics, or any age, so I can know what to expect for age and size or growth.

--Thanks.

I have a 9' female argentine, gravid by my male albino. Although I have not owned her very long, I've never have a problem with her attitude since I've owned her, until recently she became gravid, now she hisses at me anytime I'm near her cage, but can still be handled with ease if I absolutely need to.

As babies, I've owned them before, can be snippy as you said, but then again, can be just as calm as other boas.

I do have pictures of my now gravid female, but I'm not exactly sure how to post them. If you're interested to see them, please drop me a line at Nucci451@ameritech.net, I would be more than happy to send a few.

Did you have any questions in particular you're looking for to be answered?

Argentines are awesome.

I love ones with no pink on them. I did however see a sweet one on here or in the classifieds a week or so ago that was insanely pink and it changed my mind about pink ones.

Argentines are known for their attitudes. They will always hiss. Its more of a what the hell are you doing than a I'm going to get you. Once picked up, they are usually fine. Just like any other boa (or any animal), the more you handle them the better off they'll be.