Dumeril's Boa.

[Wretched Deviant]

I just picked up my first Dumeril's, I thought they were pretty, always heard of their good disposition, and had little demands for care. There was someone in town that was getting rid of his Dumeril's. Anyways, got him home and I was holding him while my boyfriend cleaned out the vision cage I had, I set him down on the pool table for a second and he immediately coiled back and took about five or six strikes at me...I thought maybe he was hongry or I smelled like a prey item so I went and got a mouse, he took three strikes at it but never ate it. He doesn't look like he's shedding and was perfectly fine until I set him down...it seems to be more defensive; maybe I did something to agitate him? Would the smell of a Ball Python or cat bother him, those are the only two things I really handle often that would be on my clothes. I'm just worried that this will be a reoccurring thing, especially with my younger brothers, I wouldn't want either of them to get bit, it's one thing if it's me.

[Hypnotic Exotic]

Dumeril's boas in general do have very good dispositions but they can tend to have very aggressive feeding responses. Not sure on what is the issue with this guy. If it bothers you, just get a hook and pick him up that way. Once in your hand, they tend to be pretty laid back.

[CoolioTiffany]

When I used to have a Dumeril's boa she always wanted to be held with all support. She did not enjoy being put down because she didn't feel secure. So, when I would set her down, she would flip out and move everywhere--obviously she wasn't happy. When I would put her down in her enclosure she would sither FAST to her hide. Dumeril's boas are very nice snakes and are calm, but are normally very frustrating to get to eat once they are brought home. It took me two months to get her to eat (live), then it took me 5 months to switch her over to F/T.

Since your boa is new, he might have gotten frightened and quickly tried to protect himself. Once you have him for about a month I'm sure he'll be settled in. If you have troubles feeding, I could definitely tell you some ways that I found very affective.

[Hapa_Haole]

Probably from the stress of being moved to a new home, and then being placed out in the open in an entirely new environment.

Give that boy some privacy and let him settle in for at least a week before you start handling/feeding.

Dennis