Taming an older boa?

[Surrealle]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with taming an older snake (referring to the RTB I rescued last month) and I'm trying to find out if it's even possible? Due to the abuse he was very sluggish when we got him so we thought he was more tame than he is, but evidently now that he's getting proper heat and meals it seems he's actually very nervous with any kind of handling. He struck at my bf on one occasion but it was during feeding time (the rat was in the cage) so I'm hoping it wasn't a sign of genuine aggression. Otherwise, he just thrashes around a lot when you try to hold him (we've each tried to hold him once or twice in the past month) and is clearly uncomfortable with it. He's about 5.5' long and I have no idea of his age, particularly since I'm not sure if his growth has been stunted from prolonged malnutrition.

Could regular handling help in this case? If so, how often and for how long should I try? I know most snake bites happen inside the enclosure but would it be better to try starting off slow and touching him in the cage without picking him up at first? I don't have much experience with snakes to begin with and this is becoming a difficult situation, so I don't want to let the problem worsen if I can help it.

Any help is appreciated, thanks guys!

Edit: If it matters, he doesn't act shy at all when he's in the cage and seems eager to poke his head out when the lid is opened.

[Evenstar]

Regular, persistant, and gentle handling will help. Sometimes it helps to sit down so the snake is more in your lap than in your hands. Try to move more slowly until he gets comfortable. Don't put him back if/when he strikes at you or he could learn that biting gets him put down. Try to be confident while handling too. Often boas act nervous because they don't feel physically secure. And some boas don't grip as well as others....