Reptile & Amphibian Forums

In the last 10 years, I've only dealt with Columbians as far as boas go. I've been to reptile shows, and pet shops that had Surinams, but everyone that I've seen was terribly aggresive, and now I subconsiously think of them as unhandlable.I've also heard that Argentines were typically more aggresive. My question is : Are there some boa lo-cals that are typicaly more aggresive, or is this just my own myth based on my experiences ? I've also seen some mean Columbians, and I'm not putting other localities down. I ask because I've wanted to get into other types of boas, but not if I can't handle them. Thanks for your personal input.

that yes, some species may have a genetic propensity to certain dispositional behaviors...but...i also firmly believe that nearly any species can be tamed and handlable(with the exception of venomous). i have argentines...and there very managable. are they as "laid back" as bci? no...but they're not agressive. i've heard some people saying the same thing about brazilian rainbows...i have a bunch of them and i've never been bitten by an adult. the key is to get the animal when it's young...and captive bred. young captive bred animals will accept their fate as captives more readily. no matter what the species however...wheather it's a emerald tree boa or a rubber boa...they are all individuals and they all reserve the right to bite your face if they decide it's the thing to do.

good luck, chris olson

i totally agree with christopher...every snake has a different personality as do people...there are aggresive snakes in all breeds and i too belive that anything is tameable. except this nile monitor i have haha,,,but yes i agree with you chris

I don't relaly feel that you can break it down by species as much as on a per snake basis. I have been bitten several times by my 6 foot COlumbian as wel as by my neonate Brazilian Rainbow. Its all a learning process for me and I noticed as time progresses you learn to "read " a snakes movements and alot better and learn to watch for signs of agression, as I noticed that they can change their dispoition quite quickly be it from a scent they pick up or a gust of wind that they did not like. I currently have three snakes and noticed my Bolivian amarali to be the most high strung of the three. She is anywhere from calm and laying with me waching tv to hissing with her mouth wide open. I think, as posted before, its best to get them young and work with them, that is the only real way to not only tame them down somewhat but also the best way for you to learn that particular snake and what to look for when handling it.