Weird behavior

[L.West]

What would cause a perfectly docile Boa to strike at the glass when I walk by. He has never been aggressive at all. I notice him at night sort of tracking the movements of my cat and if I walk by he will strike at the glass.

Is this normal or a sign of trouble??

He is fed every 14 days a small weaned rat. He is 1,050 grams in weight. Could he be hungry? Although the last time he struck at the glass it was only 3 days after he ate - so he couldn't be hungry.

Your thoughts.


Thank you

[AbsoluteApril]

Usually it's a sign of wanting/expecting food and/or it could be defensive.
Mine do that often but I also don't handle them a ton, so when I am in the room, they know they are usually either getting fed or cleaned and they always are hoping for the feed. lol I will note, some do it, some never do, so it does vary.
Also just because they act hungry doesn't mean they need to feed. They are opportunistic and will easily over-eat.
The best thing I can say is to either move the cage so the cat isn't walking by it and see if that helps or try covering half the cage with a sheet or some opaque kraft paper. The snake may sit on the 'dark' side and stop striking the front.
Hope that helps!

[L.West]

I've only noticed this behavior at night. I have been locking my cat up in her "cat room' when I go to bed to avoid any issues.

I was just curious since he struck at me also. I can reach in and get him out any time I want without any resistance. Which is why I was shocked at this behavior.

[bcr229]

Have you been experiencing springlike weather in your area? In the last two weeks a lot of my snakes have gone from being ho-hum about eating to stupidly foody.

Also if your boa is 1050 grams he should be able to take a small f/t rat.

[L.West]

Yes, we have been having unseasonably warm weather off an on all winter. The rats are pretty good sized. I will have to weigh on to see just how many grams they are.

[Gio]

Have you been experiencing springlike weather in your area? In the last two weeks a lot of my snakes have gone from being ho-hum about eating to stupidly foody.

Also if your boa is 1050 grams he should be able to take a small f/t rat.

Exactly.

Boa constrictors respond to seasonality whether you create it or it is real. There are subtle changes in pressure, climate, humidity and also daylight hours that will bring about activity. Your boa is probably experiencing the climate variation.

If all other health and husbandry aspects are in check I'd bank on the weather changes.

You boa is not an adult that is fully grown so you could also upsize prey. My boa doesn't eat from November until late March or early April but he is fully mature and that is a very normal cycle. A younger boa will eat more frequently.

[Sauzo]

As mentioned, I would up his food size and see if that mellows him out a little. My boas never actually strike the cage door but they have recently been wanting more food too as in when I open the door, they perk up. But once they smell my hand in there, they either lay back down or if they are in the mood to explore, they will come over to my hand and climb up my arm haha. My sunglow has been extra active the past week or so but I think in addition to the weather, she has also been moved to a 3 week feeding schedule which I don't think she is happy with.

The only snake who has struck the cage doors is my retic until I upsized him to large rats. He would do the same as your boa, when I walk by fast or a shadow is cast, he would strike at it. Once the door was open and I beat his head with the twisted paper towel, he would mellow out lol. His 'anger' was all from lack of correct size food. I up'd him to a large rat and now it's been 5 days and 6 nights and he's still quiet as a church mouse. I did have to clean his paper towels though as he took a piss but he was laid back during the whole deal.