I've got a dumerils boa I bought in April of 2003 so I guess he's around 2 years old. Always been a great eater (frozen/thawed exclusively) and a real pleasure to handle/show off. I get him out once or twice a week and he's never hissed, coiled up, struck at me, or shown any nastiness.
Tonight, as I was removing him to his feeding tub, he puffed up, hissed, and began thrashing a bit like I was going to torture him. Even opened his mouth one time but never made any move to bite.
Is this a behavior change that is normal as they age and grow bigger? Should I be taking him out more often? Did he perhaps just smell the rats and was focused on eating and not being handled?
Any and all replies appreciated!!


