Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know we all have miller boas. but have yours ever hissed at you. mine started hissing at me about 2 days ago. I have no clue why. please let me know what I might do, and if this is happening to you. Thanks!!!

...it may just be going through a phase. I've had some do that, especially when they are young. If you have not had it long, say a couple of months or less, it may just now be settling in and feeling comfortable and confident in its enclosure...perhaps starting to view the enclosure as his home to defend. Most of this type of hisser is fine once out of his enclosure. It may act this way for the rest of its life...hard to say, boa personality can be very individual. If you are able to take him out daily, he may come to realize he doesn't have to defend against you...but, some never come to that conclusion and must be removed from the enclosure with gloves or a hook. I have many like this. I have a few that are just plain nasty and are just as mean outside of their enclosure, but most only try to guard what they consider theirs.
Best of luck with your boa.
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Signature file edited; [phw 9/26/04]

Hi Laura,

Actually mine did that once a while ago. It was about a month after I got it. And I would have to say it was really my fault. I had just fed him a small mouse and I stuck my hand in to take out his water bowl when he hissed at me. That was the only time. About an hour after that, after he was out of his feeding mode, I made sure to pick him up and I gently held him for about 10 minutes. I wouldn't normally handle a snake after feeding but I wanted to make sure he knew who was the boss. LOL.

Anyway, after that, I made sure to handle him as much as possible and he's never done that again.

Just give him some time and make sure to handle him as much as possible. Hopefully he'll get over it.

The first picture I just took of him like 10 minutes ago. The 2nd was about 2 weeks ago. He's so light!!!

I just love him!

Frank

Thank you both soooo much. I think he was hungry, thus grumpy. I fed him, and he's been a sweetheart ever since. Yeah your guy is really light. once I get my camera...I'll post mine. does yours have any pink or purple. thanks again