I am a new Boa owner and would like some advise?

[sparky4601]

Hello I am a newbee here, and as a snake owner. I grew up arround snakes when I was verry young(6-7) is the last I can remember. So what I would like is some tips on making shure that I raise a verry freindly Boa I have 3 children and dont want to get bit! I already got bit yesterday at the pet shop trying to pick one out. (I didnt pick that one) Anyway any pointers would be greatly accepted. Like I said I have 3 kids and want to be able for them to handle the snakes. (with my supervision of course) I have handled snakes a hundered times and never once even thought of getting bit. But yesterday was a little wake up call that they can and do bite. So how do I raise him to be as freindly as possible and when are the best times to handle him?

[denny_rimes]

Hey Sparky,
Welcome to "The Tank". Congrats on your purchase. Let your new boa settle in for a few days before attempting to handle it. It has just been through a very stressful period, from living at a pet store to moving to your home. I recommend that you purchase a snake hook and use it with your boa while it is small. It helps them to learn that they do NOT need to be defensive (i.e. bite you) when they are picked up and also helps the handler to not be fearful about being bitten. Once out of their enclosure and they reallize it is not feeding time most boas will not bite, it is usually that transition time that most bites occur.

There are a couple times that you should not handle your boa.
1) When it is in a shed cycle.

2) 2-3 days after feeding.

Some boas tolerate handling while in shed, but give it a few months first to see if your particular animal is okay with it. He needs to settle in and feel secure in his new home. We ALWAYS wait 2-3 days after feeding to handle as well. It gives them a little time to digest. You do NOT want your boa to regurgitate, this is a particularly UN- healthy thing for them to do.

Good luck with your new boa, and post a picture in the Picture Forum when you can!

Denny ;D

[scaleman]

hey welcome and congrats on your new pet! I make it a point to hold every snake every day at least 15 minutes. (with the exception of feeding time of course) Mine don't respond negatively during shed but i'm sure there are some that will. Until you get a hook you can use a bunch of stuff. (i.e fly swatter handle, lol thats what i use when they are small) I just put it between the head and my hand until i start picking them up. good luck to you :'(

[horny_dragon]

welcome to the TANK....
Well, here you will find a lot of info on everything !!!
I have learn here a lot, even with out asking the questions , 'cause they already been post !! And even that i dont post to much i login every day to see how the great info , photos and everything can help me out for some FUTURE plans...... Post a picture of the Boa !!! THANK YOU and WELCOME.

[sparky4601]

thank's sooooo much for everyone's advice I would have never known all that. and will do it all. Like I said it's been many years since I had a boa and I was just a kid so (and he was a 8'er) so I did'nt handle him so much . But thanks again I put some pics up 2

[scaleman]

good lookin fella ya got there :) :'(