Columbian Red Tail

[TheaN526]

I am just wondering what the personality is like of the Columbian Red Tail. We have one at our store and it is a little bit of a finicky eater and sort of unfriendly. I managed to pick it up and handle it a little but not very much. I wish I had more time to make them more tame. They're just sitting in the store not being touched and it's not good for them. I know that too much will stress them out but who in the world wants an un-handelable snake? I know some people have them to look at but I would think most want a "pet" snake.

I have met two other Columbian Redtails and they are very docile and easily handelable.

Who has them and could share some insight with me.. and give me suggestions to help me tame it.

I know wish gentle handling it will become nicer. I'm just trying to fit that into my working as we get crazy busy over there.

[Ben Biscy]

boas are very docile, and can generally take a small adult mouse from birth (might be why he's taking so long to eat a pinky, and why he's being grumpy). if a boa doesn't have an absolutely great feeding response, there's something wrong with it.

boas almost always look ready to strike, it's just the way they lay. you got bit because he was hungry, not because he's mean :p.

try a small live mouse next time. i think you'll be surprised.

[grim reaper in NY]

My Red Tail has the worst disposition of the 5 snakes I have. My 4 Ball Pythons are absolutely wonderful to handle and be around. Merlin, on the other hand, is a totally different matter. He's also a VERY finicky eater. He will constrict his prey but will not eat it. Then, when I try to take the dead rat out of his cage he'll warp himself around it and not let me take it out. It's like he wants to keep it for security or something, who knows?
Mine has never struck at me though or even tried to for that matter. I just wish he'd eat. I've had him for 3 weeks now and he has yet to eat.