Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a young, 3 month old CB Peruvian Red-Tail purchased from a reputable breeder. She is gorgeous but kind of aggressive. Whenever I attempt to handle her i have about a 50/50 shot at successful handling. The alternative is hissing and snapping. I have owned over the years many herps mostly large to moderate sized boids but this is my first foray into red-tail husbandry. She has a large comfy tank and plenty of hide spots, water and correct temp/humidity/photoperiod. Is this normal behavior for a young red-tail, will she eventually grow out of it with continued attempts at handling?

i have the same problem with a young albino boa shes very defensive but has calmed down alot since i first got her she tried to tag me 4 times the first night i tried to hold her.... Im sure u know the basics wash ur hads so they dont smell like rats move slow but with purpose ... if u dont have a hook or tongs get one i have found that my boas can be defensive in their cages but once out and in a comfortable position on my arm very calm ...try this and if it dosent work suck it up and get some good gloves ...good luck

I have a little peruvian and she's the feisty one of the collection as well. Normally, she's pretty good, but if you handle her for what she considers too long or pick her up too often in a short time period, she lets me know. Quite a little personality that one!

I have had three or four Boas that seemed to become aggressive after I introduced a hide box...I have hypothesized that they tend to become more territorial when they have a hide in place, or that they are more easily surprised when you remove the hide box and thus become irascible. Removing the hide seemed to make a big difference.
Hope this is helpful-
Jim

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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose."
Jim Elliott

Thanks everyone for the imput, I will continue the journey. Which is of course the rewarding part of the hobby (at least for). I am sure she will respond with diligent care. Thanks again