Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Everyone I am usually lurking in the Blood Python forum but as of last week I have an issue I am hoping the Boa experts here can help me with.

I have a 1 year old CBB Normal Boa (about 4' long). He (though never sexed) has always been a delight, never minded being played with, carried around etc...he was even OK with my 2 year old messing with him. Then last week he shed (no issues) but since then he has been untouchable. I have had snakes for years but have never seen this...I have to wear gloves to handle him and today he was striking blindly at everything (even got his teeth stuck in the carpeting when he missed my leg). After his shed I attempted to feed him (he is picky about food so I gave him a large live rat which he killed instantly then simple left it for a day before I removed it)Cage details: He is in a 4' X 2' cage, 89/83 degress and about 65-70% humidity.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm no expert, but you said this happened right after his last shed. Have you checked to make sure he does not have a retained eyecap? A retained eyecap would dull their vision and lead to their being very defensive and very uncomfortable. Hope this helps! Keep us posted.

Jason Gonzalez

p.s. Do you have a picture you can show us of the Boa?

Thanks Jason...I double checked and no he hasn't retained his eye caps...I don't see any signs of left over shed.

When I opened his cage to check him out he instantly struck out toward the glass...so he can clearly "see".

I will post a picture shortly of him and his cage incase that lends any clues.

Any other ideas?