Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I have an albino male boa that has been acting a little wierd to me and I wonder if anyone had any suggestions or advice. Every time I handle him he gets freaked out when I touch his tail and starts shooting outward and gets really flighty. It almost resembles the way snakes with IBD act. He eats, sheds, and poops regularly but I am just wondering if this is normal or should I be worried. He is a 09 and I have him housed in a rack system with my ball pythons.

I first off would recomend keeping Boas and Pythons out of the
same rack if at all possible. NO ONE has determined what causes
IBD, but that is a start.

With what you expressed, it sounds like he is just getting used
to being around. He will calm down with age usually, if held on
a regular basis. Babies are usually finicky when dealing with
anybody other than himself/herself, human wise. He might strike
and bite, but is usually a defense mechanism and is so young he
does not know what is going on around him. I really hope I have
answered your question, if not, write again, or PM me, maybe I
can help more. There is a lot of other people willing to help as
well, so dont feel ashamed to ask, EVEN if it might sound cooky.
God Bless
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Kenny Bowman

"Symetry Exotics"
Honesty is the only route to TRUE respect, anything else is unacceptable....

I housed my previous boa constrictor with my ball pythons and he wasn't doing that. so i don't think it has to do with the ball pythons.

Nervousness I would say
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Kenny Bowman

"Symetry Exotics"
Honesty is the only route to TRUE respect, anything else is unacceptable....

mine does that too...well, he gets touchy when i touch his tail. i can tell it makes him uncomfortable. he flinches, and pulls away quickly...but ive only had him days and hes just under months old. but he will curl right up on my hands and hang out. i can tell the breeder took the time to handle him and pick him up often. so far hes been a good kids. ive worked with him almost ever day this week...give the little dude some time. im sure it will work its self out...or if youre that concerned, take it to the vet.

my pheonix---

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~Snake Charmer~
0.1 russian tortoise (natasha)
3.1 dogs (church, bandit, willy and tonka)
1.2 cats (taz, squeaky, cami)
0.1 king snake (q aka curly q or queenie)
2.2 'normal' ball pythons (zenith, butters, zahara, and shadow)
1.0 pink pastel colombian red tail boa (pheonix- because it means "deep red" hehe)

stupid keyboard....i tried to say that ive had him 12 days and hes just a tad under 4months. lol sorry
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~Snake Charmer~
0.1 russian tortoise (natasha)
3.1 dogs (church, bandit, willy and tonka)
1.2 cats (taz, squeaky, cami)
0.1 king snake (q aka curly q or queenie)
2.2 'normal' ball pythons (zenith, butters, zahara, and shadow)
1.0 pink pastel colombian red tail boa (pheonix- because it means "deep red" hehe)

I have a few that don't particulaly like their tails touched. Does he so that when you touch him on the body or neck? If he is OK with other parts of his body and doesn't jerk, I would think it just makes him nervous to have his tail touched. Remember, they have instict to flee from predators grabbing at them as a meal. I may just be his natural response. Baby snakes are a food source for many predators in their natural habitats.

As the others above me have said, too, babies are also more nervous. He'll probably grow out of it. When I handle a baby I do very little touching at first. I just let it get used to being held on my hand and let him get used to it on his terms. After several sessions I start to pet it after it looks like he's comfortable and relaxed on my hand. I think instilling trust with the baby with as little interaction as possible is important.

If he's eating and pooping and all, I wouldn't worry too much, but if you are concerned take him to a vet. He may also be constipated or have an injury that is tender???

Best wishes with him!
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Cheers,
Jessica Gibbs
Ball Pythons; Corn Snakes; Green Tree Python; Jungle Carpet Pythons; Bci; Bcl
3.0 Crazy Dogs and 2.0 cats
Some Tropical Fish
...........and growing!