Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is one of my 07 Dh Ghost. I took him out to get some updated pics and he started his normal hissing fit. He has been fiesty since birth. But noticed his tail doing this movement.

-----
Marcs Reptiles

It means watch your face! I almost learned the hard way, and sometimes they will do it if they arent hissing. I have a 7 foot female that does it(angry snake discount!)She is beautiful and was only 75 bucks but she almost cost me my face. totally keeps me on my toes

Rats and mice do this too when they are pissed, they are being chased by a male or a fight, they rattle it. havn't seen it in a snake like that before, maybe it's just happy to see you???!!! lol and it's not hisssing, that's the sound of a distant crowd cheering at your presents. I know im no help.
-----
1.4 various boas(Flicka,Felony,Nova,Alias,Alibi,confessa,custody,Ms.Demeanor)
1.1 BRB Abalone;(ABBI), Radar
1.0 Rott X (OSO)
1.0 cats (Morris)
fish & feeders

Yeah, my hog island did that to me after she had eaten the first couple times. She's gotten used to my presence now though and just watches me through the glass. It seems to be a sign that they're upset, just like when they hiss. Very interesting.

I have seen both angry boas and ball pythons twitch their tails like irritated cats...

It's definitely means keep away, LOL
-----
Heather Martin
---------------------------

Sure but it's more common in Boas that aren't hissing, but on the prowl for a meal. It's called "caudal luring". Which means they are using their tail tip as a lure to attract a possible meal so they can grab it, bite it, constrict it, kill it and eat it. "Caudal Luring". If I started pulling open drawers, I'll bet one in five or so would do this. Try it.
-----
Boaphile Home
All Original/Boaphile Plastics
The Boa Network

Just had a meal 2 days ago. He's a hisser and jumper.
-----
Marcs Reptiles

NP
-----
Boaphile Home
All Original/Boaphile Plastics
The Boa Network

just strikes. He was a devil from the day he was born hissing and striking. Just never noticed the tail thing. By the way anything coming my way soon ?
-----
Marcs Reptiles

All are leaving tomorrow! You've heard of a baker's dozen... you are soon getting..."A Boaphile's Dozen"!
-----
Boaphile Home
All Original/Boaphile Plastics
The Boa Network

Yes this is the one. I would love that bakers dozen. I just sent you an email.
-----
Marcs Reptiles

Some Boas do it when they get excited. I wouldn't call it caudal luring by definition, but something along the same lines.

Agreed,has nothing to do with feeding.
Its "posturing",being a juvenile it hasn't learned distinctions in motor control.
Little guy is dead serious about not being jacked with and its doing its best to get the point across.

around here we call it "Mad All Over"

Cute kid !

Would it perhaps be a fear response?

It would make sense, luring the potential predator away from the head and attempting to create focus on the writhing tail.
-----
Danielle

Herps:
2.1 BRBs
0.0.1 BCI
1.1 Black Milksnakes
1.0 Amel Motley Corn
----------------------
Other critters:
1.0 Great Dane
1.0 Siamese
0.1 DSH
1 Senegal Parrot
1 Blue Fronted Amazon

-----
Marcs Reptiles

Yes, every boa (aside from the mexican) that I've had has done that to me at some point in time.
I had a very evil salmon boa who did that alot lol
I have a hypo boa now, who is a sweet heart but when you put a mouse near him his tail flickers and you better watch out! Same with my mexican black kingsnake and one of my ball pythons, I dont know why but they like to do that when their gonna bite you.