Free red-tailed boa to good owner - Philadelphia area

[Jomboni]

I apologize if this is the wrong forum to post this.

I'm coming from the experience of owning an incredibly docile ball python for over 10 years (since 4th grade, I'm 24 now). He died a few years ago. Last year I decided to get another snake and purchased a red-tailed boa on Craigslist. Unfortunately, he is far more agressive than I am comfortable handling and I'm looking for somebody to give him a good home.

I feed him regularly, the same diet his previous owner did, 2 rats every 2 weeks. It's kept him happy and healthy, and he's only gotten slightly larger (I say he, but I'm not sure of the sex.) Lately, every time I feed him he starts to get incredibly agressive, darting around and striking at the air before I can even get the lid off of his tank. He has also bitten me on several occasions while trying to handle him or clean out the aquarium, once leaving a nasty gash down the length of my finger.

As a result of this I don't feel comfortable taking him out or handling him the amount that he should be handled. I'm even scared to clean out the tank (don't worry, I do, it just makes me very nervous!) I realize this is part psychological on my part but at this point I don't feel I can give him the proper care he needs. I do not want to give him up but I don't think it is fair to him.

If anybody in the area would care to check him out and possibly take him, if you have the means to pick him up he can be yours for free, and I will throw in the 75 gallon tank and stand. I live in Lindenwold, NJ, which is about at 25-30 minute drive from center city.

Alternatively, I would also be interested in giving the snake to any program where he would be given a good home; i.e. a zoo, a wildlife refuge, etc., if anybody could provide information about anything like this (if they exist), I'd appreciate it!

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Below is a picture, I will try and get a better one tomorrow if anybody would like me to.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

I am in Wisconsin or I would be tempted For other people, what size/weight is he/she?

[Jomboni]

He's about 5 feet, I don't have a scale to weigh him on.

[Jomboni]

He is still available!

If nobody is interested, I'd still appreciate any suggestions of any other place I may be able to take him. Thanks so much.

[Jomboni]

Here are a couple of additional pictures:

[Melicious]

He's beautiful, and if I had the space and the closer proximity, I'd willingly take him off your hands.

[engywook]

He really is quite beautiful! Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near you....and it would probably be easier to ship him to someone in the US than out here to Finland. Having said that, I'd be willing to see about having him shipped out here, if that's what it comes to.

Best of luck to you both...I hope you find a good home for him.

[pslsnakes]

Are you willing to ship him to florida? I'll pay shipping.

[rabernet]

If you're willing to ship - my veterinarian asked me to keep an eye out for a RTB that's free - and he'll pay shipping. So, you know he'd be going to someone who can take care of all his medical needs!

[sweety314]

I'd take him if you'll ship.


If you are still interested, contact or hit google for your local herp society or humane society to see if they'll take reptile surrenders. Here we have a wildlife rehab center, as well as two herp societies.

Good luck!

RuLyn