Dumerils Boas are typically very docile snakes. It's rare to get bitten, even by babies. Dumerils are most active at night. Because of this, I usually feed my snakes at nighttime. I have found that it's important to make sure the room is well lit when you handle any boas after dark, and approach their body away from the head. When lighting is dim, all they see is an object moving towards them and can become startled. It can either trigger a defensive strike or a feeding response.



With consistent handling, most boas are conditioned to know that people aren't a threat, and they aren't food either. It's easier said than done, and much easier with baby snakes, but I usually let them keep biting me until they calm down. They'll learn that biting the big bad hand isn't going to keep it away, and they'll quickly stop trying. Once the boa calms down, I'll put it back in the cage. I feel like letting them reach a calm state helps them associate it with being handled by people.



If you can tell the Boa is agitated before you go to pick it up, it's sometimes better to just wait and save handling for another time when the snake is already relaxed.



After bringing home a new snake, it's best to avoid handling until it is comfortable in its new surroundings. Then, you should try to hold the new snake several times a week for short periods of time until it becomes more accustomed to you. Eventually, most boas are content being held longer.



Handling snakes should be a positive experience for both the boa and you.




-----
Paul D





www.MoonlightBoas.com

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