Help my boa hates being handled

Have had my common boa for a few months now, he's a very fussy eater, but found now he will take grey coloured rats. The big problem is handling him. He is not aggressive or bites, but as soon as you try to handle him he just panics and goes into escape mode, ie tries get away. Any tips? Have got a ball python who is easy to handle and confident, they are just like chalk and cheese. This morning he almost escaped totally!!!

Cheers


Brian

Hi,

My boa which I obtained as a baby was like that. Though he was also very nasty but is today an adult lap snake. Is this a baby? If so, just keep handling it, even if it's only a minute or so.

How old is he? It sounds like he's just scared of being handled.

When you do pick him up are you ensuring he's well-supported and secure?

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Originally Posted by bcr229

How old is he? It sounds like he's just scared of being handled.

When you do pick him up are you ensuring he's well-supported and secure?

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I am unsure of his age, he's about 14 inches long, have had him about 3 months. He's only eaten 3 times, but past few weeks twice, now know he likes grey rat weaners. Because he wasn't feeding, was leaving him alone a bit in case he was stressed. He isn't vicious at all. Don't know if I should just lift him an inch or two off the ground in his enclosure everyday, then try a bit higher gradually, to gain his confidence.

He sounds pretty young. I would handle him for just a few minutes each day except for feeding day since he is a picky feeder, and for 48 hours after he eats to give him time to digest.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hooferinsane

Have had my common boa for a few months now, he's a very fussy eater, but found now he will take grey coloured rats. The big problem is handling him. He is not aggressive or bites, but as soon as you try to handle him he just panics and goes into escape mode, ie tries get away. Any tips? Have got a ball python who is easy to handle and confident, they are just like chalk and cheese. This morning he almost escaped totally!!!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

He sounds pretty young. I would handle him for just a few minutes each day except for feeding day since he is a picky feeder, and for 48 hours after he eats to give him time to digest.

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^^^ This. And when you do handle him, make sure he's well supported and don't put him down until he calms down a bit. I have also found that its easier to get babies used to being held if you put them in your lap. They feel more in control. ;)

Like, the others said, he sounds pretty young. He just needs to get used to it. Handle him often (except after feeding) and he will get better with age.

Yes, I agree. This is a very young snake. It's way to early to compare him to an older confident BP.

Get the eating dialed in and consistent as that is the most important think.

Holding it in your lap is a really good idea. I used to put my guy back in the box he was set to me in with some aspen in it. I'd set it in my lap and set him in there and gently touch his side and let him pop up over the edge of the box. Handling, but not totally.

Boas that don't eat are usually sending a signal of stress, or something else. Your snake is pretty small so give the little thing the feeling of security and you should see changes.

I personally would not handle too often just yet, and keep it short.