Question about Brazilian Rainbow Boa

[bmwood]

The next thing that you can do is take a t-shirt and wear it around all day long. Later in the evening, take it off and place it in your boa's enclosure...near where he hides out the most. This will then help him to associate your scent with "home" and "security".

I read this somewhere, how true is it ? I am about to be getting a 5' BRB from someone and they barey handled her and they say she is very defensive. Alos how hard is it to tame down a older BRB ? is it possible ?

[kristan]

I don't know that it would hurt. I had a very angry blood python years ago that I did this with. The breeder had told me she was nasty right out of the egg, but she was a complete doll after leaving a dirty t-shirt in with her for a few days....she remained very docile until the day I sold her. The new owner messaged me about a few weeks after the sale to tell me she was the meanest snake he had ever owned (and he had quite a few more snakes than I did).

[bmwood]

I don't know that it would hurt. I had a very angry blood python years ago that I did this with. The breeder had told me she was nasty right out of the egg, but she was a complete doll after leaving a dirty t-shirt in with her for a few days....she remained very docile until the day I sold her. The new owner messaged me about a few weeks after the sale to tell me she was the meanest snake he had ever owned (and he had quite a few more snakes than I did).

Good to know, actualy experience, Im gonna give it a go !!!! Thank you !!!!!

[bcr229]

I used it to help tame down a young Burmese python that had been physically abused. It was one of many techniques I tried.

Another technique is to get the snake into a pillowcase, put it on your lap, and quietly read a book or mess around on your phone. Eventually the snake associates your scent with comfort and security.

Finally I found this video very helpful for working with larger defensive snakes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDjlg1njtfY

You'll notice in the video he always lifts the snakes from below by lifting the snake and then sliding a hand under them, he doesn't grab them from above. That is so the snake doesn't feel trapped or threatened; a grab from above is how predators attack them.