What do you do when you get bit by a red tail?!

[gold217]

I really want a RTB but the only thing holding me back is one thought. What happens when you have a 6 ft + red tail boa, and it bites you? Then what? Do you just treat it like a bite from a bp, or panic and try to pry its jaws open?

[Kinra]

Most adult boas are pretty tame, so while getting bit is possible it isn't likely. Panicking is not going to get you anywhere with any snake bite. I don't have a 6+ ft RTB yet as mine is still a baby, but most snake bites that result in the snake constricting are related to a stupid feeding mistake. Just be mindful of that and you shouldn't have a problem.

[Jason Bowden]

I keep a dozen boas. Only baby and young boas have bitten me. I find that the bigger boas are less likely to bite. Maybe get a little cage agression when you take them out.

[Skittles1101]

+1 Kinra...most bites from snakes are defensive and over before you even notice it. The bad ones are generally human error and caused a feeding response. I've been defensively bitten by my (little) boa a few times and usually I don't notice he tagged me until I see the blood.

[cmz1234]

I really want a RTB but the only thing holding me back is one thought. What happens when you have a 6 ft + red tail boa, and it bites you? Then what? Do you just treat it like a bite from a bp, or panic and try to pry its jaws open?

Red Tail Boa's teeth are like shark teeth. They are sharp and angled inward so prey can't escape from their bite. You have to pry it's mouth open while moving your hand or whatever part of your body that was bitten into their mouth. Pulling your hand out will increase the depth and'or length of the lacerations.

I have two blood pythons and haven't been tagged yet **knock on wood**. Depending on the lacerations you could bandage it up yourself using a butterfly bandage or you might need stitches.

After my snakes have been fed I wait 2 days so they can digest their food. Then I handle them nearly everyday till their next feeding. I handle them for 30 minutes each. It's important to tame the animal even if it was captive breed.

You increase your chances of being bite if you stick your hand in their territory during feeding, especially if your hands smell like diner. Also if you have a female on a clutch of eggs. Always watch the snake and what's doing, that'll help you from not getting bitten.

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

Pretty much what everyone els said. Dont let the fear of being bitten keep you from getting a snake. As others have said, most adult boas are pretty laid back. Can they bite you....yes, will they... probably. Not saying it will but, you can bet with any snake you have no matter what species, it's at some point going to bite or try to bite you. Lol most of the strikes by snakes are defensive. It's not common for them to hold on and constrict. There are times they will. It may be a feeding accident or one that's just peeved to the point of holding on. Like stated above, if this happens dont panic. Yes it will take some time and help to get the mouth pried open and the teeth out of you skin.... But it happens. You can try the water over the head thing or the alcohol thing. Just dont let that fear keep you from getting an animal you truly want.

[Inknsteel]

I thought the general rule was to take pics and post them here!

In all seriousness, don't let the fear of a bite stop you from getting a RTB if that's what you really want. It is my understanding that they can be nippy when they're young but get better with more frequent handling and by the time they're big enough to hurt when they bite, they're usually pretty docile.

[MikeV]

my RTB powder is to small to even speak of, but my Macklots python is 6 - 8 foot of living chainsaw so I have a bit of experience

First off, being bitten is nothing. If it is a large animal chances are that if you get bit it will be over before you even realize what has happened.. and then you just have to deal with some pain

Id be lying if I said bites aren't a serious thing to avoid... some bites from large animals have been known to cut arteries and even do nerve damage. However, these two things are analogous to being struck by lightning, it just wont happen

I haven't been bitten yet by my Macklots python, BUT I have the amazing ability to read animals body language very well so I usually know how/when to interact with them, all with the goal in mind to not get bitten

but if I do.. who cares. I recently slashed my finger open with a pair of scissors, and I would bet that hurt 10000000x more than a big snake bite

No reason to be affraid

[llovelace]

I have an 8+ft rtb, she is an angel, I feed her FT, so I never see her in the stalking/feeding mode.

I also have 2 others that are about 3-4 ft, they are fed live (soon to change), with them I have the agression issues, but once out of their enclosures they are fine, and a joy to handle.

[gold217]

I have an 8+ft rtb, she is an angel, I feed her FT, so I never see her in the stalking/feeding mode.

I also have 2 others that are about 3-4 ft, they are fed live (soon to change), with them I have the agression issues, but once out of their enclosures they are fine, and a joy to handle.

How often do you handle your 8 ft red tail?