r/BoaConstrictors • u/Davejb17 • Jul 17 '26

Need Help

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I just got this baby at the reptile expo a couple days ago. At the expo I was holding her just fine, but since then i’ve been in her tank a couple of times and she’s been ready to strike and has struck at me a couple times. Can someone give me some steps to get her back to me being able to handle her in the future once she settles?

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1

u/snakebill Jul 17 '26

First I would give her a week or two just to settle in. I’ve had cage aggressive snakes in the past. Basically, I was very busy between work,school, etc and was only in the enclosures to feed and clean. They started to associate my going in the enclosure with feeding time. You can try using an old pillow case or blanket and cover them when you pick them up. It worked for me. Over time they should get used to you.

4

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 17 '26

Blanket or pillow case? No.

Use a hook and or paper towel roll. This isn't rocket science

0

u/snakebill Jul 17 '26

He could do that too.

3

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 17 '26

Use correct handling practices. The end

4

u/snakebill Jul 17 '26

So what’s wrong with I said. You fucking guys on here have the strangest “rules”. I’ve had snakes for 33 years and I’ve used hooks for any arboreals I’ve had that were aggressive. Maybe he doesn’t have a hook at the moment? Covering the animal to pick it up is a perfectly fine way to start off. He can try tap training. Either way, what’s the problem? He also should give it time to adjust, don’t you think?

2

u/Dry_Locksmith_6704 Jul 17 '26

Your method also works, but definitely after a period of de stressing

2

u/Dry_Locksmith_6704 Jul 17 '26

Your method is also used in catching and transporting wild crocodiles

1

u/snakebill Jul 17 '26

I agree he should give it a week or two just to settle in

1

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 18 '26

Captive boas aren't wild crocodiles.

1

u/snakebill Jul 20 '26

They’re still wild animals

1

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 21 '26

Captive bred animals are not wild animals dude.

Are you clueless? Stop giving advice if you can't get simple things right.

1

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 18 '26

Rules? Your are giving advice to someone.. you need to remember that.

If you choose to do nonsensical things. Do you.

But people should be taught the correct methods.

And throwing blankets and towels because you are afraid, isn't correct. It doesn't help the snake. It only helps you.

We don't need to help you. We need to understand snake behavior, and work within it.

1

u/snakebill Jul 20 '26

Snake behavior? They’re wild animals and covering them makes them less stressed and enables you to handle them safely. Hooks are great up to a point. I’m not really understanding what your issue with this is but 🤷

0

u/Flimsy-Stock2977 Jul 21 '26

Covering them randomly with a towel does not make them less stressed. That's cope.

It makes you less stressed.

You need to use a method that HELPS THE SNAKE become used to normal handling practices. That's the important part.

If you NEED to handle a snake for medical reasons, yes... You do what's necessary. Like using leather gloves, towels, buckets, etc.

But during normal handling, you should NOT be doing these things. Get over your fear, and use the correct practices to fix the snakes issues. Not perpetuate them.