Boa Attack

[Ken]

I was checkin out some baby BCI's in a local (crappy) pet store today and asked to hold one.

Cute little thing, but inthe span of about 30 seconds it struck at me 4 times. Absolutely full of piss and vinegar. Defensive strikes. Just bumped me.

I'm desperate to get a BCI. Is this behavior by babies normal? I've held a couple other babies, without the assault.

PLease share your baby BCI experiences with me.

Thanks,

Ken

[elevatethis]

Very normal. Baby boas are scared of anything and everything around them. They will cool down with time and regular handling.

[led4urhead]

Homer was a Feb04 baby. He could either be trying to get away or he would be piss and vingear. I've heard from others that their babies were nothing but sweet, but that wasnt my experience. Now, the 6ft BCI i kept for a friend this summer was nothing but sweet.

[Shaun J]

hoggs are different right?

[Jeanne]

I have had good luck, my baby is an April 04 baby, and he is sweeeeeeettt as can be.

[RobertCoombs]

It should be remembered that these animals are acting purely on the instinct to defend themselves and "most" neonates of any specie of snake tend to be nippy or extremely shy ... in both cases they are really just scared to death
whats up with the word filter?

[steelsack]

Haven't been tagged by mine yet, he's docile as can be when being held. He has struck the glass a time or two at quick gestures - usually pointing or hand gestures at eye level-can't smell through the glass....has happened three times total. I just assume he's a little cranky and just leave him be.
I figure if you read the animal accurately you can minimize and possibly eliminate spastic moments. Keep in mind that in a pet store environment the animal usually is completely lacking any kind of feeling of security and are handled randomly many times a day. That would make me a little snappy, too.
Like above posts say, neonates can be a little jumpy, but also keep in mind that with a stable home and security needs met these traits can typically be eliminated. Unless you just wind up with a nippy snake..........half the fun is finding out! lol

[Jase]

My Boa is sweet as can be, i got her from a local breeder Chris Himstedt, i got tagged by her once during feeding but it was my fault. I had handled the rodent, then went to move her, and she was like "YUMMMMMM MOUSE!" and hit my hand....didn't even bit, just tagged it, and i think she realized it wasn't food, lol. But she's a total swetie, loves to be handlied, friendly as can be...and an awesome feeder. So i've got no complaints

[Ken]

For those who had nippy babies, how long was it before they simmered down?

K

[Hockeymom]

I got my very first RTB earlier this year Gypsy, she was always very calm and mellow but latley she has become very weird acting. She's very skidish and doesn't like any movements around her at all. She use to be really calm but now she is making me nervous. I use to handle her a lot but recently I havent cause I am nervous and I am sure she can sense it. I just havent been bit in 2 years of ball python handling and the thought scares me. Not so much the bite but because I was a vet. tech for a few years and have very fast reactions. It's instinct to try to keep from being bit and I would hurt her and myself if I jerk away durring a bite. How do you learn not to jerk away your hand when you see the snake striking?
Hockeymom