Bitten

[chargethebeach34]

I am interested in seeing if anyone of you have been bitten by a mature boa? I am interested in getting a RTB in april. I was just curious to see and hear any stories if you all had been.


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[AbsoluteApril]

I posted about two boa bites, a 4footer and my 8footer that bit and wrapped, warning, bloody photos:
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...&postcount=271

[bcr229]

I have been. No pictures. One of my adult females blew by the rat on the feeding tongs, grabbed my hand, and wrapped.

After figuring out that I was not the rat she let go but hit the same hand almost immediately when I moved a finger.

A whiff of white vinegar convinced her to turn me loose for good.

The whole incident was my own stupid fault for grabbing the shorter tongs and not the long ones I normally use with my larger snakes.

[chargethebeach34]

Good to know. So basically anytime it does happen is due to a feeding response? I'll have to get some white vinegar in a spray bottle

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[bcr229]

No need for a spray bottle, just a few drops on a cotton ball or paper towel waved in front of her nose convinced her let to go.

I have had very defensive babies, especially the Tarahumara dwarf localities, but they were very fast nip-and-runs, not bite-and-wraps.

That doesn't mean there aren't defensive adult boas out there, you just need to ask the seller about the snake's temperament before putting down money if you're getting an older critter.

[Gio]

I have been. No pictures. One of my adult females blew by the rat on the feeding tongs, grabbed my hand, and wrapped.

After figuring out that I was not the rat she let go but hit the same hand almost immediately when I moved a finger.

A whiff of white vinegar convinced her to turn me loose for good.

The whole incident was my own stupid fault for grabbing the shorter tongs and not the long ones I normally use with my larger snakes.

Good advice.

There are many who like to use alcohol, and a retic guy I know swears by the "good stuff" like Jack or dark rum. He was less confident in clear stuff like vodka.

I would imagine based on smell alone the vinegar would be right up there.

O/P,

If you are concerned about bites, consider 94% of folks that will post their story, including my own will mention a feeding mistake, or mention the smell of prey in the air or on their person.

The other 5% will mention a defensive bite whether it be during ovulation or a time of stress for the animal. The latter being VERY predictable with posturing, and hissing. The culprits in the second example are usually younger snakes or females during pregnancy or soon after delivery.

The last 1% would be the wild caught specimen that will never adjust to captivity and will only tolerate cage cleaning and nothing more.

These are not REAL percentages, but you get my drift?

Adult boa constrictors are one of the most docile adult snakes you could own as a pet IMO.

In relation to pythons, they have less teeth and they are not as long.

Don't be too concerned.

[bcr229]

There are many who like to use alcohol, and a retic guy I know swears by the "good stuff" like Jack or dark rum. He was less confident in clear stuff like vodka.

Well, personally I do prefer the "good stuff", but strictly for post-bite recovery.

[Gio]

Well, personally I do prefer the "good stuff", but strictly for post-bite recovery.

Agreed!

[CloudtheBoa]

The most recent bite I got was from my boa in like...November? December? I don't remember. He's a big guy, only a few inches short of 6.5' and just over 9 lbs now. I was stretching him out along the wall in a desperate attempt to explain his increased volume consumption, just to get the exact same length as I've gotten in the past year (6'3" - I swear I'll document his length growth one day). *snaps finger*

Well anyway, he was grabbing the edge of the door, and I didn't want to rip/bend his scales so I picked him up by the back end first and pushed forward and up gently to free him from the door jamb without injuring him. I went back to tell my mom he'd thwarted me yet again, and I guess he decided I was manhandling him because all of a sudden he flops his face onto my arm and I hear a loud sound like velcro being ripped viciously apart. Didn't even know he was gonna bite because he was coming up towards my arm like he was just gonna crawl up my arm.

Despite the scary sound, he barely did any damage. It bled profusely because of the anticoagulant, as per the usual, but once the blood flow stopped you could barely even see the teeth marks. He also left me a light yellow bruise that looked like it was already 3 weeks old.

My 3.5' ball python gave me a much worse bite. lol

[Reinz]

I would be in total shock and disbelief if either two of my Boas bit me.

If or when it happens it will be because I messed up!



Elenore




Punch