need some advice for my "mean" rosy boa

[hlaalu]

Hey everyone, I got a baby rosy boa about 3 weeks ago and for the first week he was really nice when i went to take him out of the cage and now he always tries to bite me. Even when i let him crawl on my floor when i go to pick him up he trys to bite. Anything I can do to make him nice? My friend suggested feeding him frozen food, what else should I do? Thanks.

[boaz]

I've heard, but never tried, leaving a sweaty t-shirt in their viv gets them used to your scent. There may be a reason for your boa being grumpy. Is it shedding? Has he got a place to hide when in the viv? Also if he is a baby you should not be too scared of being tagged, if shouldn't hurt too much ;-) He'll stay should calm down a bit if he learns bitting has no effect...

Mark

[Ramboa]

How often do you handle your snake?

This is probably the only forum I can say that and actually mean what it says :)

I dont have experience in this, but I've read a lot on young snakes, from what I hear you need to be in contact with it every day of the week for the first month or two and get it acclimated to humans.

[El_Pirata]

Handling, handling, handling. You should handle your boas at least an hour each day if at all possible. One thing I have been doing with my boas under 2 feet is taking them to work with me in one of the pockets of my uniform. As they get too big for my pocket I will let them into my shirt which is tucked into my pants and wear them all day. They get both used to my scent and also to handling.

[goofykid87]

FIRST: welcome to the forum
SECOND: switch to frozen/thawed. this way they learn to eat by scent rather than movement. otherwise it may mistake any moving object in the cage for food.
THIRD: handle it. if it bites you, than get over it ;D, it will soon calm down, and dont touch the head too much when first handling it.

[HerperCCC]

I'm going to make a different suggestion. First of all, while the boa is getting used to its new surroundings (the first week or so), you should leave it alone as much as possible. No handling, no food, just rest and adjustment.

Second, I don't handle my boas for more than 15 minutes at a time, because I think that too much handling and exposure to you stresses them out. They would much prefer to be in thier warm, comfy cages.

Third, do not take your pet to work (or school). This is a really good way to get a sick, stressed out boa. Like I said, the optimal place for your boa is their cage. Its warm, should have a hide or dark corner to retreat to, and is their familiar "home base", if you will. Being out (or in a pant leg, LOL) is cold, unfamiliar, and stressful. Its just not the best situation for the snake.

Do handle the snake a few minutes each day. If it bites you, no big deal (it shouldn't even hurt with a boa that small) just pretend like it didn't happen, snakes just run on instincts, its not out to get you. And do switch it to frozen food, its the best food source financially and healthwise for the snake.

-Good Luck!

[Randy_T.]

I agree totally with HerperCCC...

[NightHawk]

Yes, Agreed with herperccc.

[Boa_Dan]

just curious, i thought all o you let your snakes strike the dead mouse and do there thang, is this not good?
its what ive been doing and i havn't been tagged fo a few days :D
my snake was with my freind and i went to get her, i slid my hand along the floor towards her slowly and got nailed, it was very funny and only drew alittle blood :'(
Dan

[NightHawk]

Dan that was stupid, That is like holding a treat to a dog then take it away when they try and grab it.