Aggressive BRB

[kyle13404]

I just got my BRB from BHB today. He is a little aggressive. What is the best way to get them to calm down? Will they calm down on there own?

[bcr229]

If he's just a few months old this is normal behavior. He is defensive, not aggressive; you are Godzilla and a predator to him.

My female had a litter of 25 babies last year. The only two that didn't bite me were the yolk babies, as they were too weak.

[kyle13404]

I think they said he was 4 months old. How long should it be before he calms down?

[bcr229]

Mine are seven months old and seem to have settled. They've only been nippy when prospective buyers sex them, which I guess is understandable.

I would leave him alone for a week, make sure he has appropriate temps/humidity/hide, feed him, then handle him for a few minutes each day starting 2 days after you feed. BRB's, like other boas, shouldn't be on a heavy diet. A feeder that leaves a barely noticeable lump weekly is fine.

One trick that helped cure mine of nipping was I would make a fist, put my hand in the tub, and let them hit the back of my hand a few times until they gave up; they learned that biting did not make me go away. Same when you handle them, don't put them away right after they nip, only after they've been chill for a bit, so you don't teach them that biting = go home.

[kyle13404]

I would try the biting trick but im still not used to being bitten by a snake. Only been bitten once. I know that once he bites me , i will flinch and possibly hurt him

[bcr229]

I would try the biting trick but im still not used to being bitten by a snake. Only been bitten once. I know that once he bites me , i will flinch and possibly hurt him

Yeah you just need to grit your teeth and accept that they're going to tag you. On the bright side they rarely even break your skin at that size.

[CloudtheBoa]

I got mine from Dave Colling, and he handles his babies from a young age so I was lucky enough to get an already calm baby. He's only bitten me once, when I unboxed him. Just handle regularly and confidently and it will eventually outgrow it. And give it a week or so to get settled in before handling or feeding, as per the usual.

[kyle13404]

I've handled him a bit so far and he has calmed down a lot. He doesn't strike anymore. I think he was stressed from the trip.