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I visited a friend today who had gotten a male yearling (or so) hog island boa. He has had it for a week and said he left it alone to acclimate to his new home. When he tried to pick it up to show me there was alot of hissing, striking and musking. He was concerned that he got a mean snake, but I told him I never heard that hog islands were particulary aggresive and that he would calm down with gradually increasing contact. Could any hog island owners comment on their experience? Thanks!

I havent had much problems with any I have ever had. In my experience they seem to have about the same disposition as a BCI. Are there exceptions that are aggressive? yes, but with handling as you said they should calm down fine.
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"Victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price"

It could be that he got a "rack" animal. Which means that it has not been handled much at all. This would make it act like that. If so, that is a shame. Most animals will calm down with time. But, not as well as a hand raised baby. Just my feelings and not true in all cases.

The Hogg I use to own was a real sweetheart. But, I have heard of some nasty ones. I heard from others that Hoggs can be a little more fussy than BCI's in general. But, I have yet to experiece it.
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

I've got a pair of Hogs and they are both completely docile.
Neither one has ever hissed or struck at me. They both have
very strong feeding responses though. Once they sniff a rat
they will strike at anything that moves. I handle them at least
once a week, even if they are in shed. I make a point of
handling them when they are in the blue. Thanks.......tc

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The mighty arms of Atlas hold the heavens and span the earth...

I have a pair that are about 2 years old. They are very tame. I always move them a little with a hook to let them know I am going to pick them up. I am very careful at feeding time to push them to the back of the cage with the hook, prior to putting a FT small rat in from the front. They really slam the dead rats powerfully, like they were going to get away.

If it were me, I would put that snake in a zippered cotton pillowcase and hold it (no gloves)and let it set on my lap while watching TV or something.

Does it have a hide box or someplace to feel comfortable in the new cage? Frank

Double check your temperatures! My male Hog Island boa was a real sweetheart when I first got him. After a couple of months though he started hissing and having quite an attitude. It wasn't until I checked his cage temps that I found the rheostat I was using went belly-up and he was just too darned hot. Once I got things back to normal he became his old friendly self. I believe sometimes when boas seem outta sorts there may be environmental issues. Regular handling, despite the attitude, will also calm an animal that just isn't used to being handled, but takes time and patience! Good luck!

Steve
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Nature - the original Master Planned Community!