I acquired a pair of 7' Argentines in trade, but I mainly keep colubrids so I have a few questions for you boa people. First, they hiss and strike like mad, the guy who had them before never handled them. I have heard argentines are aggressive, but can I tame them down at this age (4) without being bitten like mad? Or maybe they are all bluff, like my blackheaded pythons? Any tips? Second, Ive seen the photos of some argentines here that look like dirty columbians. Mine are VERY dark chestnut brown, almost black in places. I think they are beautiful, but whats the deal? Which are the real argentines, and what do I have if they arent argentines? Third, what are they worth if I opt to sell them? And finally, if I keep them, any tips on cycling them and pairing them up (or keeping them together)? Thanks.
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feisty pair of large argentines: questions
Replies (2)
I have an Argentine of my own whom is six feet long and is very tame. I've also heard a lot of negative things about Argentines myself. Do they try and strike at u when they are out of their cage? Have u tried separating them? They may be stressed being in a new environment and all.
Mine is very dark in colar also, in all the pics I've seen in books they are much lighter.
I have seen them being sold for $175 a piece as babies.
Do u have any pics? Here is one of mine.
for the MOST part, Argentine's are big bluffers!
They'll huff and puff and.. and.. that's about it! lol
They will strike sometimes but it's mostly all a show..
I have about a dozen and all were like this and most still are..but I know this and handle them well regardless, never having been bitten by them...
it's always the ones you don't expect it from that get ya..lol.. cause you're not paying as much attention.. lol
Anyway, as long as you are careful (Extreeeemely slow movement) you shouldn't have a problem trying.. distract them, grab from behind and just hold her, let her rest on you, maybe have a friend distract her should she get nervous.. eventually, over time, you'll be able to touch her closer up her body towards her neck without her being alarmed and jerking back or striking..
Good luck!
Joe Rollo - Bci Joe
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Thanks and take care - Joe Rollo
'Tis not the stongest of the species that will eventually survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change' Charles Darwin
