Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told it was an amazon tree boa, which it looks like, but I haven't seen any this color, does it have a certain name??? Sorry for the photo, She is aggressive, so I was trying to get her in a tank with good light for the photo, She eats anytime you offer her food!!! Any thought on taming her down???

>>I was told it was an amazon tree boa, which it looks like, but I haven't seen any this color, does it have a certain name??? Sorry for the photo, She is aggressive, so I was trying to get her in a tank with good light for the photo, She eats anytime you offer her food!!! Any thought on taming her down???
>>
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Chris Harrison

Yep, that's an Amazon Tree Boa, all right. As far as taming them, that's a different story. They are biters. You may have some luck if you handle her frequently, but there are some problems with that. First off, you will get pretty chewed up in the process. Second, you may stress the snake to the point that it stops feeding. Third, from repeatedly biting you (especially if you decide to wear leather gloves) the snake will likely loose teeth which opens them up to mouth infections, and opens you up to infections at bite sites. Fourth, there are certain arboreal species such as Tree Boas and Tree Pythons that, due to their unique physical characteristics, are fragile. Their ribs are easily broken and are susceptible to internal injury from improper handling. Best to leave her in the cage and feed her, care for her, and appreciate her for what she is and get a Boa Constrictor, or a Corn Snake or something like that if you want something to handle.

There are some snakes that are just difficult or impossible to tame. This is one of them, along with things like Cuban Boas (pure evil), Horseshoe Snakes (Coluber hippocrepis), Black Racers (Coluber constrictor ssp), Coachwhips(Masticophis flagelum ssp), Black Mambas (just kidding, don't try it)...you can possibly do it, but you will pay a price.

I have a "tame" Amazon tree boa that is 8 months old. He was very snappy when I first got him. But what made him tame down was when I started using leather gloves to handle him.After he got used to me handling him with the gloves, I took a chance and handled him freehanded and he slowly got used to it!! Now I don't have to worry about his teeth every time I change his water! So I would try taming him with leather gloves then put your fingers at risk!! LOL!! C-ya, Lance

Be careful with gloves. I think they are a bad idea personally. It is hard to judge the pressure you are putting on the snake. As well if the snake decides to bite the gloves, a tooth could be pulled out and cause the snake unnecessary pain and stress. Andy
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Andy Maddox
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

Yep, not to mention mouth infections.