Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do any of you have any problems with random bites from your BRB's? The pair I recently bought seems to be a bit jumpy now that I have them home. While at the pet store, I was able to handle them with no problem at all, but now even the slightest touch and they seem to be on edge, and jump into a striking posture and even strike without much handling from me. I might also add that I figured it may be from only feeding every 10 days, so I stepped that up to every 7 days (small rats) and even then they are striking. (This is about 3-4 day after feeding). Could the new environment be the culprit? Am I not feeding enough?

Thanks,

Matt

Matt,
. I do not think the bites are feeding or hunger related. The behaviour you describe sounds like a defensive response. Your snakes are uncomfortable with you and their new surroundings. They will acclimate and calm down if you handle them gently but firmly. They are just big enough that bites from them are not fun. If you can get past any fear of being bitten and handle them exactly like you would a totally tame snake they will calm down sooner.
Jeff

>>Do any of you have any problems with random bites from your BRB's? The pair I recently bought seems to be a bit jumpy now that I have them home. While at the pet store, I was able to handle them with no problem at all, but now even the slightest touch and they seem to be on edge, and jump into a striking posture and even strike without much handling from me. I might also add that I figured it may be from only feeding every 10 days, so I stepped that up to every 7 days (small rats) and even then they are striking. (This is about 3-4 day after feeding). Could the new environment be the culprit? Am I not feeding enough?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Matt
>>

Great info! I'll be trying that in the future.

thanks a bunch.

If you keep your boas in shaving substrate as in the pic, they may not have high enough humidity. I would recommend cypress mulch, orchid bark or my favorite, damp paper towels.

Add to the above because i left it off: they may be cranky due to stress from low humidity.

Thanks. Actually, I am keeping them in Coconut fiber/bark with a bit of sphagnum (SP?) moss. The photos were taken shortly after bringing them home, and I hadn't purchased the other substrate yet. What you did not see was the two large water bowls that they spend most of their time submerged in.

thanks,

Matt

Matt,
. Whenever your snakes do anything you should wonder why they are doing it. BRBs often spend lots of time in their waterbowls but they can spend too much time in the water. Perhaps they are in the water bowl because they need and want the water. If your cage is too dry the water bowl may be the only place in the cage where they do not dry out. Perhaps they are in the water bowl because it is the most comfortable place in the cage. Perhaps they are in the waterbowl because they have mites. Mites can cause snakes to be irritable and nippy. Perhaps they are in the water bowl because it seems more secure than the rest of the cage to them. If this is the case then they may not be getting enough of a safe and secure hidden away feeling and this can also cause them to be defensive and nippy. BRBs need dark tight secure hiding places. Sometimes we provide them with these hiding spots but the hiding spots may be too hot or cold for the snake's comfort. If a BRB does not spend most of the daylight hours hiding in the darkest most secure place in the cage it's behavior may be telling you that something is wrong.
Jeff

>>Thanks. Actually, I am keeping them in Coconut fiber/bark with a bit of sphagnum (SP?) moss. The photos were taken shortly after bringing them home, and I hadn't purchased the other substrate yet. What you did not see was the two large water bowls that they spend most of their time submerged in.
>>
>>thanks,
>>
>>Matt

I kind of figured that she was spending a lot of time in the water bowl because she wasn't getting enough moisture, but the substrate has been changed to the coconut fiber and sphagnum moss, I think this will solve the problem.

I am patiently waiting for them to get used to their surroundings, and think that is all that is prompting the biting. The pet store owner has since told me that he had them for at least nine months, and had absolutely no issues, health or otherwise. So, i don't think there are mites. I think they are just "grumpy" to steal something from the Croc Hunter!

On another note, How often should they be fed? I have been offering a small rat every five days, and they have eaten every time (very quickly at that). Is that too much?

Thanks,

Matt