Meet Willow the brazilian rainbow boa!

[hazzaram]

I finally got my girl! She came last Tuesday and let me tell you, it was the best package I've ever gotten! It was one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced!

When I got her out, she was pretty stressed so I only snapped a few pics before getting her into her new home. Later that night, I let my mom have a peek at her and the look she gave me was 'JUST TRY AND PICK ME UP! TRY IT!!'

Needless to say, I'm a little nervous to start handling her!! I only have experience with bps and mine were puppy dog tame from the get-go. I've never dealt with a spunky snake and I'm not sure how to go about it. I'm nervous to even try getting her out of the tub!

Any tips? Advice? I'll take anything I can get. The breeder told me to use gloves but I've read not to do that. Would it be okay if I did that the first few times just until I get over my nervousness?

Anyway, here she is! I will add more pics once I actually handle her again.

[midgard]

The bite should not hurt much if any at all so I would just calmly pick her up. Just don't go in front of her, above her, when picking her up. If she is snappy then you could decide to just let her be for a while. She is very young so she probably thinks you are a big monster that's going to eat her so she will be very scared. Eventually after a while of handling, she should tame down and become used to you. Good luck. By the way she is absolutely gorgeous!

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[Reinz]

You have a pretty little girl there Hazz! I'm excited for ya.

I don't have experience with the youngsters, even though I've read things I think best for others to chime in.

Enjoy!

[hazzaram]

The bite should not hurt much if any at all so I would just calmly pick her up. Just don't go in front of her, above her, when picking her up. If she is snappy then you could decide to just let her be for a while. She is very young so she probably thinks you are a big monster that's going to eat her so she will be very scared. Eventually after a while of handling, she should tame down and become used to you. Good luck. By the way she is absolutely gorgeous!

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I did ask the breeder about her temperament. I was told she is a little pissy when in the enclosure but once she's out she's good. I know the breeder handled the babies a lot and seemed to favour the one I picked out because 'she's so photogenic!'. I'm hoping that's really the case!

So, try and gently scoop her up from behind? I know when I showed her to my mom in the enclosure, she followed me very closely with her head so that might be a little easier said than done! I think I might try tomorrow or Tuesday and see how it goes. I haven't bothered her at all so far except to mist.

[hazzaram]

Thank you! I just want to look at her all day long but she spends her days hiding beneath her humid hide!

[anicatgirl]

*whistles* she is very pretty. To be honest LOL, there is little to be afraid of. It is mostly shock value. The first time I got bit twas a baby carpet. Scared me, made me bleed a tad, but ultimately left me with nothing but a scratch. You can try to redirect by waving one hand in front to keep her attention while picking her up from behind with the other.

However, that being said, I would wait til after she feeds for you to handle her.

[KitaCat]

I can second the lack of pain from bites - I got tagged by my yearling BRB and didn't even think it was open-mouth until I saw the tiny spots of blood.

Congrats on the gorgeous little worm! I found mine took a few months before I ever saw her outside her hide. Be patient with her (it's hard!) and she'll settle in.

[John1982]

Beautiful little snake you got there!

[hazzaram]

*whistles* she is very pretty. To be honest LOL, there is little to be afraid of. It is mostly shock value. The first time I got bit twas a baby carpet. Scared me, made me bleed a tad, but ultimately left me with nothing but a scratch. You can try to redirect by waving one hand in front to keep her attention while picking her up from behind with the other.

However, that being said, I would wait til after she feeds for you to handle her.

Thanks for that advice! That hand waving thing just might work since she's so alert. When I do handle her, I will try that!

Also, you're probably right. I should feed her first. I will do that

[hazzaram]

I can second the lack of pain from bites - I got tagged by my yearling BRB and didn't even think it was open-mouth until I saw the tiny spots of blood.

Congrats on the gorgeous little worm! I found mine took a few months before I ever saw her outside her hide. Be patient with her (it's hard!) and she'll settle in.

Thank you! I think it will mostly be the shock thing. I'm afraid to drop her or fling her if I flinch, because I definitely will flinch!!