Bought a Nicaraguan boa....

[SVT Wylde]

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.

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!

[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.

[SVT Wylde]

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.

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.

[Bogertophis]

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.

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.

[SVT Wylde]

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.

[Bogertophis]

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.

[SVT Wylde]

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.

[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.

[Zincubus]

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.

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




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[SVT Wylde]

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

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?