Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just received a new boa about a week and a half ago, since then, she has been left alone in her cage and not messed with. She is in a 2x2x1 boaphile cage with a water dish and a hide. Her temps are good in the high 80's / low 90's with a cool spot at about 79-82. Now, when I first got her, she never moved from behind her hide, not in it. It has been about a week so I tried to feed her a mouse. (she's 8 months old by the way) I took her out of her cage for about 15-20 min before I offered her food just like I do with all my snakes, and I don't know if something or me spooked her, but she struck. She struck outward away from me for no apparent reason. I calmly walked her to back to her cage and set her down. I still tried to feed her even though I had a feeling she wouldn't eat anyway. (prekilled) Anyway, my question is, how long does it usually take nippy babies to relax and eventually tolerate being handled? I don't take them out much, just once every two weeks or so. Any input is appreciated and thank you in advance.

When I sell a boa, my advice is wag it.....in other words, spend as much time as you can with your new baby. However, your new snake has settled in, but does not expect to be held by what it has experienced so far.
If you are not afraid of being bit, just go ahead and handle it. Roll it up in a ball and hold it close to your body. Slowly use your thumbs and rub it gently to calm it and let it know nothing is going to harm it. Then, as I suggest to new owners, use a bag and take it with you when you go to friends houses, or for a walk in the park. Your new snake should soon pick up on your body movements, your smell, and soon trust you. It is now like a scared kitten, it wants to trust you.
If....however, you are afraid, put the snake in a pillowcase, and handle it through the pillowcase each night while you watch tv or sit at your computer. In this method , you both have to learn to trust one another. Hope this helps
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