Bought a Nicaraguan boa....

A few months ago I was going to rescue a Nicaraguan boa from Craigslist but he looked very ill and malnourished. Most of the members members here talked me out of getting him due to the risk of making my other snakes sick and I appreciate the advice.

I found a breeder on MorphMarket named MBF Reptiles and I bought a 10 month old male Nicaraguan Boa that is listed as (Hypo Het Blood 66%poss Het T). I'll admit that I don't really understand the genetic listing but he is a beautiful snake and the seller is awesome to work and she has answered countless texts and sent me several of videos of him. I originally wanted another snake but she talked me out of it because he was a bit to edgy and said this one is easier to handle.

I have another T-10 on order but for now he will be quarantined in my BP's old 20 gallon long. He hasn't shipped yet but should be here by the end of next week.

Here a are a couple of pics...

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...4a2e00ea38.jpg[/URL]

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...52341760_n.jpg[/URL]

Very nice indeed, great colours, look forward to watching the progression on him

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Very pretty pick up!

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

10 month old male Nicaraguan Boa that is listed as (Hypo Het Blood 66%poss Het T). I'll admit that I don't really understand the genetic listing

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Just to help with this - Nicaraguan is the locality, your boa is a hypo (visual hypo).

He also carries the Blood gene (het blood) which is a recessive trait, so one of the parents was a visual blood boa.
(blood boa's look like this - http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/image...BloodBoa08.jpg )

He has a 66% chance of also carrying the recessive trait T (Tyrosinase) which is a type of albino that looks like a caramel albino. Since your guy is only 66% possibly het, that means both parents were het (carried) the trait so it's a 66% chance they passed it on to the offspring. No way to tell unless you breed/prove him out.
Usually it's specficied T+ or T- as there are different types. In boas, most likely T+, basic derscription of the trait - http://vpi.com/mailbag/2006/11/what_is_t_and_t_mean
a T+ nic looks like this - http://www.snake-planet.eu/wp-conten...2010/09/21.jpg

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Originally Posted by AbsoluteApril

Very pretty pick up! Nicaraguan is the locality, your boa is a hypo (visual hypo).

He also carries the Blood gene (het blood) which is a recessive trait, so one of the parents was a visual blood boa.
(blood boa's look like this - http://www.cuttingedgeherp.com/image...BloodBoa08.jpg )

He has a 66% chance of also carrying the recessive trait T (Tyrosinase) which is a type of albino that looks like a caramel albino. Since your guy is only 66% possibly het, that means both parents were het (carried) the trait so it's a 66% chance they passed it on to the offspring. No way to tell unless you breed/prove him out.
Usually it's specficied T+ or T- as there are different types. In boas, most likely T+, basic derscription of the trait - http://vpi.com/mailbag/2006/11/what_is_t_and_t_mean
a T+ nic looks like this - http://www.snake-planet.eu/wp-conten...2010/09/21.jpg

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Thank you for the clarification! He will strictly be a pet and I have no plans on breeding but this is very helpful information with understanding his background.

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Originally Posted by richardhind1972

Very nice indeed, great colours, look forward to watching the progression on him

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Thank you for your help in the Craigslist thread. I may have a few questions about Nic's in the future.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Thank you for your help in the Craigslist thread. I may have a few questions about Nic's in the future.

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No problem mate

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I’m a little vague on feeding. She says he eats an adult mouse once a week but I’ve read that boas his age can eat every 10-14 days due to their lower metabolism. Since he is almost a year old should I follow the adult feeding schedule? I have some weaned rats for my ball python and I think he can take one but it’s hard to tell in pictures.

I have been warned he has an incredible feeding response.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

I’m a little vague on feeding. She says he eats an adult mouse once a week but I’ve read that boas his age can eat every 10-14 days due to their lower metabolism. Since he is almost a year old should I follow the adult feeding schedule? I have some weaned rats for my ball python and I think he can take one but it’s hard to tell in pictures.

I have been warned he has an incredible feeding response.

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On adult mice I would still keep 7-10days you will notice her roaming if hungry and then try the small weener rats if you have them in , there normally about the size of a large mouse anyway, but rats have higher fat content so just start to space it out till you get to next size. You will probably notice a growth spurt when switching to rats, just remember he is. A smaller dwarf boa anyway
I don't think you will have a problem going from mice to rats eaoecwith boas

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Congrats on the cool new addition. I've just started keeping boas recently and I love them. I agree with Rich on the feeding schedule. He definitely knows his boas. :)

He's a stunningly handsome snake, that's for sure. Looks like you made a great choice.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He's a stunningly handsome snake, that's for sure. Looks like you made a great choice.

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Thank you. I’m not as much into looks as I am personality and he seems to be easy going. He is young and edgy, so I hope he calms down quickly. The breeder admits he is feisty at first but calms down quickly after he is picked up so I hope to have an easy transition with him.

It’s a huge leap of faith to order a snake online but I think we will work out the kinks with time. Nics are known to be edgy and I’m prepared for that.

Does anyone have any handling tips that would be useful for a young boa? I understand tap training and not picking them up from above like a predator....

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Thank you. I’m not as much into looks as I am personality and he seems to be easy going. He is young and edgy, so I hope he calms down quickly. The breeder admits he is feisty at first but calms down quickly after he is picked up so I hope to have an easy transition with him.

It’s a huge leap of faith to order a snake online but I think we will work out the kinks with time. Nics are known to be edgy and I’m prepared for that.

Does anyone have any handling tips that would be useful for a young boa? I understand tap training and not picking them up from above like a predator....

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Tap training is big. Also, especially when young, I would support him well without restraining him. BE THE TREE!

He looks great and should calm with time. Behira nailed me when she was 600G (female BI) and I barely felt it. That was a food response bite too. That's when I started tap training. She still has a crazy food response, but no incidents since the tap training. It really works wonders. She is a total sweetheart once out and once tapped lets me pick her right up.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Thank you. I’m not as much into looks as I am personality and he seems to be easy going. He is young and edgy, so I hope he calms down quickly. The breeder admits he is feisty at first but calms down quickly after he is picked up so I hope to have an easy transition with him.

It’s a huge leap of faith to order a snake online but I think we will work out the kinks with time. Nics are known to be edgy and I’m prepared for that.

Does anyone have any handling tips that would be useful for a young boa? I understand tap training and not picking them up from above like a predator....

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I'm with you...personality is way more important than the "paint job".

Many years back I took in a terrified yearling female BCI that had changed hands a number of times & was now totally unwanted & out of options, due to her biting.
I knew she was just defensive & after working with her for maybe 2 months tops, she never bit me even once, nor in all the years I had her...in fact she was very cuddly.

What I did was to pick her up with a small towel over her & hold her on my lap for about 30 minutes or so, without letting her look out: this gave her time to learn to
recognize my touch & scent, and that she was safe with me. Most snakes ARE afraid of these "giant potential predators" (us!) that keep approaching them, but if that
little hissing snap-dragon could learn, I think most all of them can. ;) Once she got used to my handling her with the towel, I gradually let her look out & get used to
seeing me, & she turned into such a fun sweet boa after just that initial patience on my part. Once she got to be a big adult, my biggest difficulty was getting her
back in her enclosure, as she liked being out with me, watching a movie or something.

On rare occasions when I'd go to take her out, like for a cage cleaning, she'd sit there & hiss up a storm: when she did that, she never turned to bite me when I'd reach in & pet her coils. I did that for a few minutes, while she mostly stopped the hiss & seemed to "remember she knew me", & then I'd just pick her up...she never bit me & was her usual friendly self, always. I think how we communicate to our snakes is the key. That & patience. Snakes just need to feel safe with us, & nearly all can learn that. :snake: (she got to be 7.5'+)

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...801059591.jpeg

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...47e642f5b.jpeg



My boy boy arrived today. He had a safe trip from New York to Tennessee but he was in full shed when he arrived. He was understandably jumpy and nervous and but allowed me to handle him for a few minutes before I put him in his enclosure. I cranked up the humidity to 75% until that skin comes off.

He is thinner than I expected so I assume I should start him out on fuzzy mice for the first few feedings. He is about the size of my thumb (1 inch across) for reference.

I noticed he is much darker than the pics posted on MorphMarket. I’m not sure if that is due to shed or a heavy hand with the saturation slider in Photoshop...🤔

Terrifying trip, I'm sure...he's so pretty, & personally I like his rich coloration. As far as him being "darker"...my BCI used to be lighter or darker at various times,
so maybe wait & see? It wouldn't hurt to feed lighter meals at first anyway...he's likely to feel stressed for a while and better not to rush food.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Terrifying trip, I'm sure...he's so pretty, & personally I like his rich coloration. As far as him being "darker"...my BCI used to be lighter or darker at various times,
so maybe wait & see? It wouldn't hurt to feed lighter meals at first anyway...he's likely to feel stressed for a while and better not to rush food.

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I’m already attached to him so he isn’t going anywhere. lol He has shed most of his skin and is camped out under his heat emitter. He was raised in a rack and has no idea how to use the Reptile Basics hides I have provided. Considering his journey and shed, he was REALLY cool with handling straight out of the container so he is my buddy for sure. I’ll give him at least 1-2 weeks to settle in.

I’ll give him time to shed and and get used to owning a boa for a while. I’ve always had BP’s in the past.

I predict you'll be even more pleased with him as time goes on, & I'll look forward to your updates.

Looks like your onto a great start, very nice, he will settle in for sure with your, glad he's nice and relaxed too.
Look forward to seeing his progress

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

I noticed he is much darker than the pics posted on MorphMarket. I’m not sure if that is due to shed or a heavy hand with the saturation slider in Photoshop...[emoji848]

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I’ve noticed the color on my pastel can change quite wildly when he goes into shed. He gets much darker and looks almost brown. After a shed though and he’s back to being bright red/pink. As for photoshop it’s fun to do for pets but should never be used as a representation of an animal for selling. It’s possible they just used a photo box with optimal lighting.


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Congrats again on the new boa. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Some boas go through light and dark phases and they can look quite different. It's almost like having two snakes :). Looking forward to more pics as he grows.

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Originally Posted by MarkL1561

I’ve noticed the color on my pastel can change quite wildly when he goes into shed. He gets much darker and looks almost brown. After a shed though and he’s back to being bright red/pink. As for photoshop it’s fun to do for pets but should never be used as a representation of an animal for selling. It’s possible they just used a photo box with optimal lighting.


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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Congrats again on the new boa. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Some boas go through light and dark phases and they can look quite different. It's almost like having two snakes :). Looking forward to more pics as he grows.

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It’s funny that you mention it because he shed last night and today he looks MUCH redder than he did yesterday. I have his tank blacked out and he is wedged between his hide and the tank but I can tell he has really lightened up overnight. I would love to get him out and play with him but I’m going to let him rest for the next week.

Those eyes of his are really freaky when he tracks your movements around the room. My wife has nicknamed him Beelzebub. lol Between him and my albino BP’s red eyes she thinks the room is possessed. 🤣

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Originally Posted by MarkL1561

As for photoshop it’s fun to do for pets but should never be used as a representation of an animal for selling. It’s possible they just used a photo box with optimal lighting.


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He is so much redder today that I’ll have to retract that statement about Photoshop. The seller has been 100% honest, helpful, and just plain fantastic to work with and he is everything she said he was and more.

I have been trying to sell camera equipment on Craigslist and people are trying to scam me left and right. I guess I was just expecting another scam but this has been nothing like that. I highly recommend Jacki @ MBF Reptiles

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

He is so much redder today that I’ll have to retract that statement about Photoshop. The seller has been 100% honest, helpful, and just plain fantastic to work with and he is everything she said he was and more.

I have been trying to sell camera equipment on Craigslist and people are trying to scam me left and right. I guess I was just expecting another scam but this has been nothing like that. I highly recommend Jacki @ MBF Reptiles

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Congrats.

My red tail is fairly consistent, but my BI (Behira - Ghost Morph) goes through light and dark phases throughout the day. Also, as you mentioned, shed will do it too - make them look much darker.

Please keep us in the loop on his progress and let us know if you have any more questions.

Good luck!

Thank you! Right now the only problem I have is he won’t use his hide, he wedges himself between the hide and the tank. The breeder had him in a tub with no hide so I don’t think he really realizes what it’s for. This is just the first day of ownership so maybe he will catch on.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Thank you! Right now the only problem I have is he won’t use his hide, he wedges himself between the hide and the tank. The breeder had him in a tub with no hide so I don’t think he really realizes what it’s for. This is just the first day of ownership so maybe he will catch on.

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I wouldn't worry about it...it's as you said, all new to him. When you get around to handling him, if he hasn't figured it out by then, when you go to put him back in just
aim his face toward the hide's doorway & most likely he'll catch right on & go in. Can't remember a snake that could resist a dark cave to go into.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Can't remember a snake that could resist a dark cave to go into.

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The small RB hide is way to small and the medium is crazy big. I’ll stuff it with some newspaper.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...086f576d8.jpeg

This is Solomon’s current position. I’m just happy he is resting well.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...f051cdd6a.jpeg

Abraham just wants fed.......he almost tagged me when I opened his enclosure thinking I was food and I just fed him a weaned rat on Thursday night. Time to move up to small rats.

This is his “I’m sorry” look.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...086f576d8.jpeg

This is Solomon’s current position. I’m just happy he is resting well.

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Feliz and Behira did the same thing when I got them. Lol. Sill do sometimes.

They learned to use the hides, but remember, Boas are not BPs. They will spend more time in the open usually.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Feliz and Behira did the same thing when I got them. Lol. Sill do sometimes.

They learned to use the hides, but remember, Boas are not BPs. They will spend more time in the open usually.

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It looks that way and it’s odd to me. You would think they would be hidden ambush predators but he seems perfectly happy where he is. I can’t wait for him to take his first meal!

The BCI that I had liked & used her hides, but never did I have to add extra "stuffing" to make them fit more cozy...I think that's more of a BP-thing?
And she didn't always stay in her hides either. The average boa is far more "forgiving" than the average BP.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

The BCI that I had liked & used her hides, but never did I have to add extra "stuffing" to make them fit more cozy...I think that's more of a BP-thing?
And she didn't always stay in her hides either. The average boa is far more "forgiving" than the average BP.

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lol!!!!! It’s refreshing to know he is low maintenance. I hate to say it but I would recommend a Boa over a BP as a first snake. Minus the crazy feeding response, they just seem easier and less stressful to a new owner.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

lol!!!!! It’s refreshing to know he is low maintenance. I hate to say it but I would recommend a Boa over a BP as a first snake. Minus the crazy feeding response, they just seem easier and less stressful to a new owner.

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So would I, & I'd take a "crazy feeding response" any day. Except for the fact that many boas get bigger than many really want to deal with- that's their drawback, IMO.
But it's not as if there aren't many other choices for pet snakes too.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...ca8573340.jpeg

Had a little quality time with Solomon after work today. He acts hungry so I guess we will attempt a feeding this weekend. As much as I hate it, I’m going to get a few Petco frozen mice until I’m ready to place a larger online order.

He is already calming down quite nicely and seems to enjoy just hanging out after some exploring. He seems to have none of the defensiveness that Nic’s can be known for. This guy has put a serious thought of getting a Dumeril’s boa in the future.

I noticed his head looks a bit “square” and unlike older boas that I see on the web, but I guess they have to grow into the boa head profile.

I think many snakes get mis-characterized as "defensive" or (worse yet) "aggressive" because new owners just don't take the time with them, to let them relax.
I think you picked a really nice one in this guy, & he'll just get better & better. They learn from interacting with us, either pro or con, and also learn to be calm
when out of their cages.

That’s very true. So many things can go into creating a defensive snake and owners are probably 85% of the problem through lack of education. I have learned SO MUCH from this forum and I still use the search button on a daily basis.

The breeder said the one I had originally picked out was the most active and feisty of the bunch. She suggested this one because he was calmer but she said they all seem to relax in time. We started tap training today.

NOTE TO SELF: When your boa acts uninterested in food, do not lift his hide and try to “entice him” with a mouse on tongs. The results weren’t good.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

NOTE TO SELF: When your boa acts uninterested in food, do not lift his hide and try to “entice him” with a mouse on tongs. The results weren’t good.

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Better to dangle the warmed mouse just in front of the hide entrance..




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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Better to dangle the warmed mouse just in front of the hide entrance..

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He let me know that...lol

Last night was feeding day, and my BP comes out cocked and loaded instantly when he smells his meal, wraps it for a while, and takes is rat in his hide. Next was the boa so I put the bag the mouse was in inside his tank thinking the scent will draw him out. No results. I then blew warm air over the mouse with a hairdryer letting the scent blow into his tank and hide and I got 0 response. So I thought I'd lift the hide slightly and dangle the mouse in front of him thinking he would take it. No,,,,,,, it resulted in a defensive strike and 2 solid minutes of hissing like a tractor tire with a nail in it.

So after feeling like a failure, I started reading some old posts here and dangling the mouse in front of the hole was the first option and drop feeding was the second option. I was skeptical but later, I left the mouse on a paper towel in his tank and it was gone this morning. I've heard boas are serious eaters but I'm not seeing that with this guy. Would his age and size have anything to do with that or is he still adjusting to his new home?

It's so surprising how loud a litter boa is when hissing,lol
I think you probably surprised him and from the sound of it wasn't that hungry, Im Sure once settled in he won't stop eating

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I’ll have to figure out a routine with this guy. I never thought my BP would be the power feeder. lol I’m surprised he ate it just laying on the tank floor.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

He let me know that...lol

Last night was feeding day, and my BP comes out cocked and loaded instantly when he smells his meal, wraps it for a while, and takes is rat in his hide. Next was the boa so I put the bag the mouse was in inside his tank thinking the scent will draw him out. No results. I then blew warm air over the mouse with a hairdryer letting the scent blow into his tank and hide and I got 0 response. So I thought I'd lift the hide slightly and dangle the mouse in front of him thinking he would take it. No,,,,,,, it resulted in a defensive strike and 2 solid minutes of hissing like a tractor tire with a nail in it.

So after feeling like a failure, I started reading some old posts here and dangling the mouse in front of the hole was the first option and drop feeding was the second option. I was skeptical but later, I left the mouse on a paper towel in his tank and it was gone this morning. I've heard boas are serious eaters but I'm not seeing that with this guy. Would his age and size have anything to do with that or is he still adjusting to his new home?

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I just got told this myself, but no paper towels in the tank. If your snake ingests it he will probably die. Use something like cardboard, plastic Tupperware lid, or a plate.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

... later, I left the mouse on a paper towel in his tank and it was gone this morning. I've heard boas are serious eaters but I'm not seeing that with this guy. Would his age and size have anything to do with that or is he still adjusting to his new home?

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As already noted, :colbert: no paper towels under or near prey. A snake's teeth will catch on the towel & if swallowed along with the meal, they cannot digest it & may not be
able to pass it either.

I think your boa is still too young & in the process of adjusting...be a little more patient about handling etc.- that's all. Fear ruins their appetite.

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

I just got told this myself, but no paper towels in the tank. If your snake ingests it he will probably die. Use something like cardboard, plastic Tupperware lid, or a plate.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

As already noted, :colbert: no paper towels under or near prey. A snake's teeth will catch on the towel & if swallowed along with the meal, they cannot digest it & may not be
able to pass it either.

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That never even crossed my mind. I had 3 towels folded in half and it was very thick but I wont do that again. Thanks for the heads up!

Yes he is 1 year old but he was raised in a rack so this whole tank thing is very new to him. I haven't handled him much but I'm going to leave him alone for another couple of weeks just to be sure he has settled in.

Well.... my boa and I have come to a food agreement. I lay his meal in the tank and he eats when he is darn good and ready. For the second week he has no interest in food other than eating on his own time. It’s very unlike a Boa but I guess I have a shy one on my hands.

He was laying in the open in his tank yesterday and when I walked up his breathing rate at least doubled. Hopefully with more time and handling he will calm down and grow out of it.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Well.... my boa and I have come to a food agreement. I lay his meal in the tank and he eats when he is darn good and ready. For the second week he has no interest in food other than eating on his own time. It’s very unlike a Boa but I guess I have a shy one on my hands.

He was laying in the open in his tank yesterday and when I walked up his breathing rate at least doubled. Hopefully with more time and handling he will calm down and grow out of it.

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He should calm down and get braver with time and handling. I bet in no time, he will be nailing rats for you.

Be patient, it's hasn't been that long and he's young. Very good he's eating!

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Originally Posted by dakski

He should calm down and get braver with time and handling. I bet in no time, he will be nailing rats for you.

Be patient, it's hasn't been that long and he's young. Very good he's eating!

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Do their personalities change a lot as they get older? I’m not quite sure what to expect and so far feeding is my only real issue if you can call it an issue at all. He is a year old today so I guess I expected a snake that was a little more adjusted.

I have left him alone the past 2 weeks to give him more adjustment time per Bogertophis’s suggestion. I think I’ll start handling sessions again next week and go from there.

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Originally Posted by SVT Wylde

Do their personalities change a lot as they get older? I’m not quite sure what to expect and so far feeding is my only real issue if you can call it an issue at all. He is a year old today so I guess I expected a snake that was a little more adjusted.

I have left him alone the past 2 weeks to give him more adjustment time per Bogertophis’s suggestion. I think I’ll start handling sessions again next week and go from there.

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I think it depends. I got Behira (BI) at about 1 year old, and the same with Feliz, (Dwarf BCC). They haven't changed too much, but have calmed a little bit and gotten a little braver with size and handling.

Behira was handled often by her breeder (for a breeder anyway), as was Feliz, because they were both holdbacks, and small breeders.

The bigger issues with your guy is that he's in a new environment and may not have been handled much. Keep up short, gentle, and persistent handling. Keep offering food and as long as he is eating, do not sweat how he takes it.

Not a boa, but my scaleless corn, Solana, is a voracious eater, just like my boas. However, the first 4-5 meals I gave her, she would only eat when I wasn't looking. Then she built her confidence and began pounding food.

Young snakes can be crazy eaters knowing they need to grow, or can be a little shy, but generally grow out of that.

If it hasn't been mentioned, I would recommend hook training as well. It will help avoid a bite long-term for you and when he has size that's a very good thing. However, it could also help his food drive. If he's nervous about you now, the hook will let him know it's handling time. Otherwise, he will think food and might be more inclined to be more aggressive eating.

Finally, if not mentioned yet, feed at night, with dim lighting. That's when they naturally hunt (they are nocturnal as is their prey) and will be more inclined to be interested and serious about food.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I think it depends. I got Behira (BI) at about 1 year old, and the same with Feliz, (Dwarf BCC). They haven't changed too much, but have calmed a little bit and gotten a little braver with size and handling.

Behira was handled often by her breeder (for a breeder anyway), as was Feliz, because they were both holdbacks, and small breeders.

The bigger issues with your guy is that he's in a new environment and may not have been handled much. Keep up short, gentle, and persistent handling. Keep offering food and as long as he is eating, do not sweat how he takes it.

Not a boa, but my scaleless corn, Solana, is a voracious eater, just like my boas. However, the first 4-5 meals I gave her, she would only eat when I wasn't looking. Then she built her confidence and began pounding food.

Young snakes can be crazy eaters knowing they need to grow, or can be a little shy, but generally grow out of that.

If it hasn't been mentioned, I would recommend hook training as well. It will help avoid a bite long-term for you and when he has size that's a very good thing. However, it could also help his food drive. If he's nervous about you now, the hook will let him know it's handling time. Otherwise, he will think food and might be more inclined to be more aggressive eating.

Finally, if not mentioned yet, feed at night, with dim lighting. That's when they naturally hunt (they are nocturnal as is their prey) and will be more inclined to be interested and serious about food.

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Thank you sir! Yes I feed both my snakes at night and I have started tap training but I have only handled him 2-3 times.

I have been doing some work on my computer and he has been laying in the open looking at me while basking under his heat lamp for the past 3 hours. He is generally alone in this room but not today. :D I've been in and out of the room 3-4 times and he hasn't fled like usual. Maybe he is beginning to realize I'm the guy with the delicious meals and not so bad after all LOL